Virtual instructor-led training does not have to feel like a long webinar filled with passive listeners and muted microphones. With the right tools and activity design, you can create highly interactive sessions that keep learners thinking, contributing, and collaborating.

In this fast-paced and practical session, you will explore a collection of free and low-cost third-party tools that make it easy to add meaningful interaction to your virtual training. You will see real examples of activities using tools such as AhaSlides, collaborative whiteboards like Mural and Canva, countdown timers, music integrations, and other simple engagement tools available in platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Walk away with ready-to-use ideas you can immediately apply to your next virtual training session to boost engagement, encourage participation, and create memorable learning experiences.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify free and low-cost tools that can quickly increase engagement in virtual instructor-led training sessions
2. Design interactive learning activities using tools such as live polling, collaborative whiteboards and breakouts, timers, and multimedia integrations
3. Incorporate simple facilitation strategies that encourage learner participation and keep virtual audiences actively involved

Dani Watkins brings a professional, purposeful approach to igniting learning experiences for adult learners in both classroom and online environments. As the Chief Learning Experience Officer and founder of Zenith Performance Solutions, Dani has over 28 years of experience in learning and development, continuously staying at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. She is a sought-after speaker at major conferences, including the Association for Talent Development (ATD), Training Magazine’s Tech-Learn and Training, and Learning Guild's DevLearn, where she shares her expertise and passion for enhancing employee performance through innovative, instructional design.

Dani’s work has been widely recognized, including a Bronze Brandon Hall Group Excellence Award for Best Custom Content. She is also a Canvassador and has been published in TD Magazine with her article, "Bringing eLearning to Life," which explores the art of storytelling using whiteboard animations.

With 20 years of experience designing, developing, and delivering custom technical and business skills training programs, Dani has partnered with organizations across industries like pharmaceuticals, financial services, real estate, health care, telecommunications, government, oil and gas, soft-ware/technology, manufacturing, and education. Her expertise lies in designing, developing, and delivering innovative, instructionally sound courses that align with business strategies and drive performance improvement.

When Dani isn't busy igniting learning experiences, she enjoys spending time with her family or running trails in Colorado.