Making Networking Intentional in the Virtual Classroom

Ask a person who attended an in-person training and most likely s/he will comment that one benefit of attending learning events is the opportunity to learn from and network with peers and trainers. Networking happens more naturally in a face-to-face setting as participants mingle during coffee breaks or after a course concludes.

In the virtual classroom, the social dynamics are much different, and networking must be much more intentionally designed. There are typically four key occasions during a virtual course when course organizers can prompt participants to network:

1. Before the Learning Event

This is the first opportunity to make the case to participants that despite the virtual approach, networking with your peers can be rich and impactful. Encourage participants to be more intentional and proactive networkers during the course than they might be in a face-to-face setting.