Let’s start about thinking of the logistics and scenarios that we are going to face.

Scenario one: trainer in the room with learners while engaging a virtual audience simultaneously

The research is showing us that initial hybrid training sessions are seeing the trainer chose to be ‘in person’ i.e. physically in the room with other delegates. If you have the majority of delegates in front of you and only one to two individuals dialling in virtually through a device, however, there are various risks to disengagement. For example, if the device isn’t positioned within eye line, or the trainer has a physical style of walking around the room, virtual delegates can easily be forgotten. If you then have virtual delegates who are on one device as opposed to their own devices this isolation, and risk to engagement, can be compounded.

Scenario two: trainer delivering via a remote platform with delegates both in person and remote

If delegates are both together in a room and remote, you may struggle to engage all the in-room delegates, especially if the microphone and camera in the room are not of good quality, or if people are sat out of shot. It may be more natural for you to engage the virtual delegates as you see and hear them more clearly, and you are likely to have an affinity to the virtual platform.

So many combinations – how do I know what to do?

To set yourself up for success, start by getting your head around what the group will look both in terms of location and technology. Then subgroup them. This will open your mind to different combinations of delegate access, help prevent assumptions, and enable you to both design and set up your activities to meet the needs of all.

Option one: the optimal set up

Delegates in person in one room with a good microphone and camera, alongside virtual delegates each with their own device signed in separately. This means everyone can engage, there will be limited audio feedback, and everyone is seen and can be managed effectively.

Option two: a balance

Delegates in person in one room, with a good microphone and camera, alongside virtual delegates in another room, on once device. This means your delegates are in two subgroups in two rooms, which also supports limited audio, and everyone can hopefully be seen. You do have the challenge of managing conversations that might start in the groups and need to manage this. This means you need to design a session that has more of a focus on productive, outcome drive structure to minimise this distraction.

Option three: a virtual focus for all

Delegates in person in one room, on their own devices (or two to a device), alongside virtual delegates in another room on their own device. Everyone is still accessing through a platform that provides a level playing field, but audio could be an issue.

Option four: the least simple

Delegates in person in one room, on their own devices (or two to a device), alongside virtual delegates who are physically in another room with no devices but together on camera. Ideally you want everyone on their own device as this is the trickiest option you may consider.

10 tips for L&D in a hybrid working world As you can see, the group set up alone needs thought and considerations in the design of the programme. Here are ten top tips to start your thinking:

1. Educate around the hybrid approach and the impact of getting it right. Share information, examples, joining instructions and videos of the benefit and flexibility it offers.
2. Contract upfront with your client or stakeholder where people are going to be and what they need. Don’t be afraid to be directive on this, as people will make assumptions.
3. Ensure that any rooms used for in-room subgroups are equipped with decent microphones and cameras so you can see everyone.
4. Design your activities to be flexible in the both virtual and in-person setting. Having something you can pull out of your back pocket will serve you well.
5. Be clear on how delegates will watch videos and access sound. You won’t have the access to mute speakers as you would in the virtual space so test items such as audio prior to sessions starting.
6. Have fun with buddy work and pair up delegates in different locations. Set the challenge of communicating outside of the current set up, support problem solving and digital skills that are added value. Research activities work well here.
7. Be really clear in your own mind around people’s roles and how subgroups will access activities and materials. Don’t be afraid to have this written up on slides to save confusion.
8. Be creative! You now have access to various environments and an opportunity to make your training look and feel different. Embrace two versions of communications, instructions, materials and exercises.
9. Bring virtual best practice in to the in-person world. Visuals, graphics, well design slides and minimal text all still work well to overcome cognitive overload and work well to anchor key learning points.
10. Edit your feedback forms to be applicable to the environment or context. This will help you see whether you are favouring one over the other.

Read this blog on the TrainingZone.