London (UK), October 2020 - Throughout October 2020, the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) celebrates ten years as the torchbearer of live online learning. Beginning with the launch of its Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) course in October 2010 - an industry first - and continuing to the present with a surge of interest in virtual classroom facilitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LPI celebrates a decade of empowering thousands of national and international trainers to improve and validate their live online delivery skills.
The celebrations coincide with "Learning at Work" week and also arrive at a time of a renewed interest in virtual classrooms.
Recently, the coronavirus situation has forced many organisations to move their face-to-face courses to the online classroom, yet many are not prepared. According to the LPI's own research via its Capability Map, the skills needed to facilitate events in the online environment are still lacking for many L&D professionals. As such, the LPI has seen a 1300% increase in the number of enquiries and registrations for its popular virtual classroom webinars - a true indication of the desire to upskill in this now critical area.
Live online learning in virtual classrooms is now the fastest-growing learning delivery method, driven by a combination of COVID-19, digital transformation, working from home, and fresh budget cuts as organisations struggle with an unstable labour market. According to Emerald Works' 2020 "Back to the Future" report, 91% of learning leaders now have webinar and virtual classroom skills as a priority.
The LPI believes there has never been a better time to gain the skills needed to facilitate live online learning. Course feedback collected by the LPI demonstrates the significant impact that COLF continues to have on learning departments and individuals, with 86% of delegates stating that the course had improved their ability to deliver engaging live online events, whilst 98% would recommend the course to colleagues.
To mark the tenth year of the live online revolution, the LPI is offering free resources via its website, including four webinars throughout the month of October, downloadable guides, infographics, success stories, and more. It is also running a social media campaign to celebrate the people who have gained the COLF certification.
