Digital learning methods have long arrived in the professional development sector. Many trainers are uncertain: Will I lose my job? How do I set up an online training? What arguments can I use to convince my clients? These and more questions are answered by the successful live online trainer Heike Molin in the interview.

On February 28, 2019, the workshop “Conducting Webinars Professionally” took place under the moderation of Heike Molin. However, the focus was not only on webinars: The agenda also included blended learning and various learning platforms.

The certified live online trainer talks with blink.it about the fears of trainers, the relevance of interactions, selling points, and the learnings of the evening:

Live online trainer Heike Molin introduces herself

Interview: Webinars, Live Trainings, and Good Arguments

1. What is the workshop “Conducting Webinars Professionally”?

H. Molin: “The workshop is a format where we quickly engage in dialogue. The participants on February 28 were members of the BDVT: trainers, consultants, and coaches, as well as guests who were generally interested in the topic. Few had already had initial contact with online methods but wanted to learn more. Some had also tried webinars with little success. The mistake is often to talk too much and have too little interaction with the participants.

Since there were not many experiences yet, we talked a lot about fears: fear of technical difficulties or fear of interactions with the participants in front of the camera. The goal was to alleviate the trainers’ fear of digital methods. I managed to encourage the trainers. The most important thing is to start simply in small steps.”

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2. In addition to webinars, “blended learning formats” were also on the agenda. How does blended learning fit into an event about webinars?

H. Molin: “For me, blended learning is the big picture into which various formats are integrated. Webinars would only be one part of it. Many clients misunderstand 'webinars', which is why many experts refer to the method as 'live online training'. The essence of live online trainings and blended learning is not just the delivery of content but the high degree of interaction.

Webinars in blended learning are designed for direct live contact, just like face-to-face training. I distinguish between two types of learning opportunities: In synchronous learning units, everyone is together at a fixed time. It is live – and interaction between the trainer and participant is possible. Asynchronous learning units are recordings, for example, videos. And both fit well into blended learning.”

Read our blog for more on what makes a live online training.

3. Where does the fear of trainers regarding online training come from?

H. Molin: “Especially pure face-to-face trainers are extremely afraid of losing their jobs. In a way, that's true – they have to retrain to 'online'. But blended learning provides security: There are still face-to-face events, but combined with online elements like webinars.

Trainers today no longer take on the role of knowledge providers. We call them 'learning facilitators': Knowledge is no longer only imparted in person or online, but the learning process is accompanied. Through various elements such as synchronous learning units like webinars, trainers can still directly assist participants and enable an exchange of experiences. Interaction is essential in online trainings. It is not just a new method but a new paradigm!”

Read in our blog why personnel developers are also learning facilitators today.

4. How important is interaction in webinars and online training in general?

H. Molin: “Interaction is very important in online training! A seminar, whether in-person or online, is only successful if I quickly switch from monologue to dialogue. This starts at the greeting: Instead of just introducing myself, I ask about the experiences and wishes of participants in both face-to-face and online training.

I recommend the following rule to trainers: 60 minutes in face-to-face training correspond to 90 minutes in online format. And in online training, there should be interaction every five minutes! With a high level of interaction, the trainer can maintain attention and check in. I address participants directly every five to ten minutes, seek volunteers for small exercises, or conduct quick rounds where everyone says something on the topic. This way I can check: Are the participants still here? I can give clients feedback that all participants were present online as well.”

5. What do you recommend to your fellow trainers who want to start online training?

H. Molin: “In recent years, I have offered many train-the-trainer courses 'From Face-to-Face to Webinar Trainer'. I recommend a mini-training, for example, to become a live online trainer: This covers the basics of didactics, methodology, and interaction options, as well as everything important regarding technology. These basics are completely sufficient. It does not have to be a huge training for thousands of euros.

Most beginners primarily ask 'How do I actually do this?'. What is most important is time management and the right interactions. Solutions can include trainer roadmaps or my checklist, which I offer for free on my website for download. And then there are many platforms like blink.it as great support.”

Platforms for blended learning were also a topic at the workshop: Heike Molin shares her enthusiasm for blink.it with her fellow trainers.

6. Many trainers do not know what they can charge for their online training and how to sell it effectively. What can you advise trainers?

H. Molin: “At the beginning of my self-employment, I started with little money. After my certification and conducting many online trainings on various platforms, I now earn more with online trainings than with face-to-face events. The best argument is good feedback from satisfied clients.

Besides knowledge transfer, the best argument is the many interaction opportunities in the online format. The fear of technology among participants is reduced because I introduce them to the online system as a trainer. The trainer is no longer just a provider of knowledge but also a technology facilitator. With increasing experience, one can also conduct multiple webinars in one day and earn more than just from face-to-face.”

Conclusion: With Blended Learning, Trainers Become Learning Facilitators!

Digital learning methods may seem unorthodox, difficult, and hard to sell to many classic face-to-face trainers. But with Heike Molin's tips, the transition from analog trainer to digital learning facilitator is not difficult:

• Blended Learning is not a rigid method but a format where you can mix various methods that suit your training!

• Live Online Trainings allow you digital interaction with your participants, which makes your training valuable!

• Online Training does not replace you as a trainer but opens up new opportunities and selling points.

Speaking of selling points: We've gathered 7 compelling arguments for you to effectively sell your blended learning. Download our sales arguments for your online facilitation for free as a PDF now!