Deliver Virtual Training to Meet Organizations’ and Learners’ Growing Expectations

(Alexandria, VA) September 24, 2024—The Association for Talent Development announces the second editions of two seminal resources on virtual training: The Virtual Training Guidebook and Virtual Training Tools and Templates. Online learning pioneer and author Cindy Huggett encourages anyone doing virtual training to take a holistic view and complete look at the components necessary for designing, delivering, and implementing effective virtual training in a fast-evolving workplace environment.

The Virtual Training Guidebook, Second Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the modern virtual classroom that will equip training professionals with the techniques and strategies today’s learners need to be successful and to prepare them for tomorrow’s technologies. Virtual Training Tools and Templates, Second Edition, offers an even larger toolbox of techniques, learning aids, worksheets, and more to help designers and trainers develop engaging virtual learning.

“Much has changed since 2020, when every organization faced an almost immediate shift from in-person to virtual training, and the training landscape is still changing,” states Huggett. “Hybrid working arrangements have added a unique and untested element to virtual training methods. Organizations that reluctantly adopted virtual training out of necessity in 2020 are now returning some programs to traditional classrooms. Those that quickly and eagerly moved their in-person classes online are now discovering they need to allot time and resources to go back and properly redesign those programs. In these revised volumes, I address the big questions and challenges that followed on the heels of this rapid change. During my research and conversations with global training professionals, learner engagement continues to be the foremost challenge in everyone’s minds. The second is, ‘What’s next?’ People seem to believe we’ve mastered virtual training thanks to the sheer volume of sessions delivered during the pandemic—so now they’re looking for the next big thing. They want to know about new tools and how new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies will affect the virtual classroom.”

Huggett recognizes that learning and talent development professionals in today’s modern digital economy are feeling pressure on multiple fronts. “I hear the concerns from global training professionals every day. Organization leaders want to know what learning solutions are working and whether virtual training is making a positive impact on the bottom line. They want to know where they can increase efficiencies and cut costs while still maintaining quality and seeing a return on their investments.”

“No matter where you fit into the enterprise of creating and implementing virtual training, someone is asking you for more—more effective program designs, more appealing activities, more up-to-date technology, and more measurable results. How can you keep up? You must adapt, create new strategies, and employ innovative approaches to create successful virtual training experiences, but it’s not easy. The truth is that you need a bigger toolkit. And that’s what I share in this new edition of Virtual Training Tools and Templates.”

For instructional designers, Huggett provides new tools, including resources for immersive realities and generative AI, to save time and energize their programs. She gives facilitators techniques for improving remote learner engagement and learning transfer. She addresses how trainers can ensure virtual training is inclusive and accessible for all and offers insights on how to navigate the pace of swift technological change.

Remote learners have higher expectations than ever; they won’t settle for old-school approaches that seem to be wasting time, and these two volumes ensure that trainers have the information and tools they need.

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About the Author

Cindy Huggett, CPTD®, is a pioneer in the field of online learning with more than 20 years of experience in providing virtual training solutions and more than 30 years in the world of talent development. She’s a leading industry expert known for teaching thousands of training professionals how to design and deliver practical, engaging interactive online classes to today’s global workforce through workshops, speaking, coaching, and consulting. Cindy partners with organizations to upskill facilitators, maximize online learning design, and facilitate actionable learning solutions that meet today’s needs and leverage tomorrow’s technologies. Cindy’s other books include The Facilitator’s Guide to Immersive, Blended, and Hybrid Learning and Designing Virtual Learning for Application and Impact.

About ATD and ATD Press

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD Press publications are written by industry thought leaders and offer anyone who works with adult learners the best practices, academic theory, and guidance necessary to move the profession forward. For more information, visit td.org/books.

The Virtual Training Guidebook, Second Edition

ISBN: 9781957157740 |308 Pages

Virtual Training Tools and Templates, Second Edition

ISBN: 9781957157764 | Pages 392

To order books from ATD Press, call 800.628.2783.

To schedule an interview with Cindy Huggett, please contact Kay Hechler, ATD Press senior marketing manager, at [email protected] or 703.683.8178.