Many organizations may not have the necessary infrastructure or resources to support hybrid training, such as reliable internet connectivity or access to devices for remote participants.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• Provide hard copy learning materials
• Create scavenger hunts or activities students can do without technology
• Create partnerships with employees who are located near each other
• Provide in-person training (if the there isn’t money for travel, have the instructor on the computer on big screen and have someone supporting the training in the room)
• Flipping the classroom and having a facilitator guide learning activities – wisdom is in the room
• Library of printed resources
• In-person simulations/ tabletop activities that don’t need technology

Considerations for Implementation

• Managing printed resources
• Updating printed resources

Technical issues like audio or video glitches, connectivity problems, or software compatibility can disrupt the training session and hinder the learning experience for both in-person and remote participants. It can be challenging to troubleshoot and resolve these issues in a timely manner.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• BANDWIDTH/Latency: turn off camera, WIFI extender, direct connection to the router, close down other programs not using during
• AUDIO: restart app, use headset
• MIC: host/helper can mute/unmute, practice
• SOFTWARE: helper/producer to control app difficulties while host is presenting, practice using the technology before class, opening slides show how to use the meeting software; send out email with technical requirements before the meeting, be consistent with the tool you are using
• PARTICIPANT; multiple monitors to show/share meeting and manage “work”
• Communicate with participants to arrive at the meeting 15 minutes before the meeting starts to do a technology check - this time can also be used to review homework and start engagement for the day – can be done in chat or whiteboards
• Have a pre-meeting with the attendees to provide an overview of the course and technology requirements.
• Instructor or facilitator: Arrive early to get set up – this is especially important when you have a hybrid training
• If you don’t have personnel resources to be at your class the entire time, see if you can coordinate a producer who can assist in the beginning on class to help troubleshoot issues

Considerations for Implementation

• Confirmation email with links to tool usage videos (Zoom, Teams)
• First slide of presentation with tool directions and participant expectations (audio, video, mic, Q&A)
• Implement SOP for these trainings: how to access, what to do if there are problem

Hybrid training requires finding a balance between engaging and involving both in-person and remote participants. Ensuring equal participation and interaction can be a challenge, especially when conducting group activities or discussions.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• If you are providing training for a customer, have an intake list of questions to determine if this is in person, hybrid, or virtual
• Provide communication to the participants ahead of time to determine if they will be in participating in-person or virtually
• Have a facilitator support the virtual participants – to promote engagement
• Have virtual participants on camera and on a large screen; have a camera in the rooms so virtual and in-person can see each other
• Coordinate breakout rooms for virtual if there are activities in person
• Make time for icebreakers and introductions to build relationships between virtual and in-person

Considerations for Implementation

• Consider doing separate events, one for in-person and one for virtual
• Having support to manage the virtual participants may be difficult if resources are not available

Hybrid training may lack the same level of interactivity and personal connection as in-person training. Keeping participants engaged and motivated during virtual sessions can be challenging, especially when there are distractions or competing priorities for remote

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• Technology Integration; Issues: Ensuring seamless integration of virtual tools and platforms with in-person training can be complex and may lead to technical difficulties that hinder Technical problems with virtual tools or in-person equipment can disrupt the training experience, leading to frustration and loss of motivation.
• Robust Technology Infrastructure: Ensure that the technology used for virtual components is reliable and user-friendly. Provide technical support to participants to address issues
• Balancing Attention: Participants may struggle to divide their attention between in-person and virtual elements, potentially leading to decreased engagement in one or both modes. Design training activities that encourage participants to engage with both in-person and virtual components, making the experience cohesive and balanced.
• Overcoming Distractions: Hybrid training can expose participants to distractions in both settings, such as office or home interruptions in virtual mode and competing in-person distractions during on-site sessions. Incorporate interactive activities that require active participation and collaboration, both in-person and virtually, to keep participants
• Communication Challenges: Ensuring effective communication between in-person and virtual participants can be a significant challenge, as participants in different settings may not have equal access to information and Maintain effective and consistent communication channels for all participants, ensuring they are equally informed and engaged. Encourage open dialogue among participants and with instructors.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that all participants, regardless of location or physical presence, have equal access to resources, materials, and interactions is vital for maintaining Ensure that support services are available and accessible to all participants, regardless of their physical presence. This might involve virtual office hours, online help forums, or in-person support, sessions.
• Time Management: Participants must effectively manage their time when transitioning between virtual and in-person modes, which can be challenging, especially when travel is involved. Offer guidance on time management techniques for participants transitioning between virtual and in-person settings and provide clear schedules.
• Engagement Boosters: Implement strategies to maintain high levels of engagement in both settings, such as gamification, peer-to-peer interaction, and the use of multimedia

2. Adapting training content and methods: Traditional training content and methods may not be suitable for hybrid training. Adapting materials and instructional strategies to cater to both in-person and remote participants' needs can be a challenge, as different approaches may be required to ensure effective learning for both groups.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• An in-person training event doesn’t not translate to a virtual event. Need to review curriculum and determine training structure and content for the class. For example, you can’t take an 8-hour in-person training and conduct the same training virtually.
• Provide blended learning activities before the class: articles, short courses, micro-learning, games
• Explore simulations and tabletop activities to apply the knowledge the student learned during the class or in the blended learning activities.
• Consider dividing the class in to multiple days
• Consider 90-minute courses with homework to apply the knowledge versus an 8-hour day
• Develop experiential learning activities
• Use breakout rooms in the virtual environment – recommend a minimum of 10 minutes in the breakout room to allow time for discussion and to remediate any technical issues getting in the breakout room
• Develop peer learning circles to reinforce learning

Considerations for Implementation

• Need time to convert material from in-person to virtual
• Availibity of resources (Camtasia, Lectora, Captivate) to develop course content for microlearning

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Hybrid training often involves participants from different geographical locations, resulting in various time Coordinating training sessions to accommodate participants from different time zones can be challenging and may require compromises or adjustments.

Strategies the Challenge

• If you have an early start time, make sure to communicate with the students in advance.
• Don’t schedule events at 8am because that’s 5am on the west
• Start meetings after noon so that it equates to morning on the west
• With recurring events, start on east coast at
• Schedule times so that it’s not drastically too early for west coast and too late for east
• Host training in-person and have participants if necessary to attend
• Limit training to no more than 5 hours so that you don’t start too early for west coast participants and end too late for east coast participants (the benefit is that participants get to do their normal work and they aren’t burnt out or overwhelmed from being in training all day).
• If you have cohort-based training for all of the US, consider titling them East Coast and West Coast cohorts so people are assigned to the correct one based on their location

Hybrid training often involves participants from different geographical locations, resulting in various time Coordinating training sessions to accommodate participants from different time zones can be challenging and may require compromises or adjustments.

Strategies the Challenge

• If you have an early start time, make sure to communicate with the students in advance.
• Don’t schedule events at 8am because that’s 5am on the west
• Start meetings after noon so that it equates to morning on the west
• With recurring events, start on east coast at
• Schedule times so that it’s not drastically too early for west coast and too late for east
• Host training in-person and have participants if necessary to attend
• Limit training to no more than 5 hours so that you don’t start too early for west coast participants and end too late for east coast participants (the benefit is that participants get to do their normal work and they aren’t burnt out or overwhelmed from being in training all day).
• If you have cohort-based training for all of the US, consider titling them East Coast and West Coast cohorts so people are assigned to the correct one based on their location

Hybrid training can create a divide between in-person and remote participants, making it challenging to foster a sense of community and collaboration among all Finding ways to encourage interaction, teamwork, and networking between participants in different locations can be a hurdle.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• Having a technical team (audio, visual, producers, narrators, IT)
• Negotiating start/end times based on time zones
• Scribes/Note Takers
• Break up the allotted time classes are scheduled
• Time for breakout rooms to build comradery (with in-person and virtual)
• Allow time for icebreakers and introductions (with in-person and virtual)
• Use technology to have breakouts with virtual team members (use platforms or cell phones to connect people in groups)
• Peer coaching or peer learning circles

Considerations for Implementation

• Budget
• Scalability of technology (Wi-Fi, VPN)
• Reasonable Accommodations

Assessing the effectiveness of hybrid training and evaluating participants' learning outcomes can be Different metrics and assessment methods may be needed to account for the diverse learning environments and experiences of in-person and remote participants.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• Ways to overcome online challenges
• Increasing engagement in the trainings
• Getting real time feedback
• Asking specific questions
• Offering training aids
• Use poll questions to assess knowledge before moving on to the next topic
• At the end of the session, ask for what went well and what could be done to improve the hybrid session

Considerations for Implementation

• Think about which trainings should be in person and which should be online,
• dependent on
• Offer more in person training

Facilitating hybrid training requires a unique skill set, including proficiency in technology, managing different learning environments, and effectively engaging both in-person and remote Training facilitators may need additional training and support to navigate these challenges successfully.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenge

• Have several voices during the session (multiple facilitators)
• Have a producer who can help with technical aspects of the training so the facilitator doesn’t have to manage technology and participant engagement
• Work with facilitators to ensure their desk set up is comfortable for the session (multiple monitors, printed materials, camera placement etc.)
• Provide internal or external training opportunities for virtual/hybrid instructors
• Provide training for instructors to overcome technology challenges and handling disruptive attendees
• Having knowledge of how to turn on/turn off chat/notifications/mute participants is essential to quickly avoid disruptions in the class
• Practice, practice, practice!
• Remain calm even if there is a technical issue
• Have a contingency plan in place if you experience technical difficulties or power outage etc.
• Have the dial in information at your fingertips in case it is needed for students or yourself
• Have printouts of the material so you can reference page numbers or information the students might need
• Be familiar with student materials or resources to answer questions

Considerations

• Some options are dependent on the platform used
• Ensure you have the correct options to be able to do breakouts, mute etc.