The Synchronous Trainer's Survival Guide: Facilitating Successful Live and Online Courses, Meetings, and Events

by Jennifer Hofmann

The Synchronous Trainer's Survival Guide is a hands-on resource for enhancing your real-time e-learning sessions. Written by Jennifer Hofmann, a synchronous training leader, it is the first and only book focusing solely on this emerging training method. If you're new to synchronous training, everything you need to know is right here. If you're a seasoned pro the practical tips, tools, and customizable templates in this book will ensure the success of your online training courses, meetings, and events.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bobby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this book is in DIRE need of updating. A lot of the examples are extremely outdated and lessen their impact. Furthermore, the book often repeats itself, making it annoying at times to turn the page.

[Paul Signorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Hofmann, an e-learning consultant and president of InSync Training, LLC, combines summaries, tips, and examples to familiarize trainers and others with the challenges of creating and conducting successful online sessions. The introductory chapter to the book includes a valuable and detailed table of features commonly found in live online learning environments; the table is accompanied with illustrations to help readers understand how each feature works. The second chapter, “Facilitating in the Synchronous Classroom,” is a wonderful primer which outlines facilitators’ roles in directing learning while helping participants communicate and collaborate online; reminds presenters and facilitators that flexibility and an ability to work well in stressful situations are key components to success in online presentations; and discusses key resources—including the use of a producer or assistant—for those engaged in online presentations. The remainder of the book provides suggestions for facilitating effective communication, managing the online learning environment and technology, and conducting online meetings and other live events. Among the appendices are a “Synchronous Software Features Checklist,” “Synchronous Classroom Management Checklists,” additional “Recommended Resources for Synchronous and Blended e-Learning,” and a glossary of terms for those unfamiliar with online learning.