New research shows virtual classrooms are powering learning through the pandemic…but still have untapped potential for high value people development

97% of organisations are now using virtual classrooms to support learning and development, with over half (53%) reporting that they have proved to be their most successful learning platforms during the COVID-19 crisis. This data is part of new research conducted by Fosway Group, Europe’s #1 HR industry analyst, in partnership with Barco, a global provider of networked visualisation solutions. It follows Fosway research earlier in 2020 which showed that 95% of learning leaders believe L&D has changed forever because of the pandemic.

Key headlines from this new research include:

• A 5x increase in using virtual classrooms for high value programmes like leadership development since the start of COVID-19
• An explosion in the use of virtual classrooms for coaching and mentoring, with a 19x increase
• A 400% increase in the use of virtual classrooms for external training delivery
• 95% of learners are satisfied with their virtual learning experiences
• Group exercises, live collaboration and levels of interactivity are key influencers of success with virtual classrooms

With the shift to remote working, the explosion in virtual classroom solutions was inevitable. But the research digs beyond initial crisis adoption to understand if solutions are truly effective for learning, as well as ability to use for high value people development. For example, the research shows that 70% of organisations are using Microsoft Teams as virtual classroom, but only 10% rate it as effective for learning. L&D leaders also state that creating a differentiated experience from normal virtual meetings is critical. Designing experiences that include high levels of interaction – are necessary to make virtual learning work.

David Wilson, PDG de Fosway, a déclaré, “Virtual classrooms have been a staple in corporate learning for a long time, but as with so many aspects of digital transformation, it’s taken the COVID-19 crisis to create a tipping point in their adoption. Early in the pandemic, there was a sense that any learning done was better than nothing. That meant it had to be virtual or digital. But as time goes on, organisations must go beyond lowest common denominator solutions and have to also deliver against strategic people initiatives such as leadership and team development.”

Il continue, “Étant donné le besoin continu de télétravail prolongé et les déplacements professionnels limités, toutes les entreprises doivent maximiser le potentiel inexploité que les salles de classe virtuelles peuvent offrir. Il ne suffit pas de transposer des sessions en présentiel dans un environnement virtuel. Il est essentiel de concevoir les expériences et de tirer parti des capacités collaboratives et interactives complètes que certaines des solutions disponibles sur le marché ont à offrir.”

Ellen Van de Woestijne, Marketing Director of Barco said, “Supporting organisations through the COVID-19 crisis has been our number one concern and understanding how learning priorities and business challenges are evolving now is key to that. It is clear that many L&D teams won’t simply be reverting back to the old face-to-face model even after the pandemic is over. So, we are delighted to collaborate with Fosway on this research and hopefully highlight key areas of importance and opportunity into 2021.”

This research was carried out between August and October 2020, with initial results based on input from 136 enterprise organisations.

The infographic can be downloaded here.