We recently ran a webinar on coronavirus and its impact on the training industry, in particular, the impact on face-to-face training. A key trend that we anticipated was the shift from face-to-face training to live webinar training sessions (something we are now seeing from many of our clients). One of the main questions posed by attendees was: What is the best webinar software to use for online training delivery?
Now, there are many webinar tools available, so it’s understandable that it can be difficult to choose the right one for your business. In this post, I’ll share recommendations from the webinar participants, as well as providing a webinar comparison of some key suppliers.
When we asked the audience on our live webinar, feedback on the best webinar software was varied. Some of the attendees were already delivering online training options, some had experimented with web courses and some were assessing the best approach. From our attendees that were experienced in online learning delivery, we received the following recommendations and tips. Keep reading for a comparison of webinar tools for online training delivery!
Suggestions and recommendations on the best webinar software from training professionals
"The great thing about Zoom is the ability to see all your learners on screen"
"Breakout rooms work and are great. So many platform use this option (Zoom, Google Hangouts....)"
"I've used Zoom extensively for coaching conversations with school leaders. When it works it works, but often it’s impossible due to school firewalls or lack of know how the other end…"
"Using Zoom allows you to split groups on timed or not) breakout rooms for working in smaller groups"
"I am looking at proper VILT software now (Adobe Connect Learning) - I have been told it is possible to deliver to 20 in this way, still with positive feedback"
Webinar tools for training
To quickly and effectively translate your face-to-face programs to online alternatives, the best option is to invest in webinar software. Webinar software allows you to hold live sessions, maintain learner participation and continue to generate revenue while face-to-face training isn’t an option. Here’s a brief overview of some popular webinar tools (GoToWebinar, WebEx and Zoom) and the features you’re likely to need.
|
|
GoToWebinar |
WebEx |
Zoom |
|
Cost (Monthly) |
£69-£249 Per Organiser |
£0-£22.50 Per Organiser |
£0-£15.99 Per Organiser |
|
Free Trial |
Yes |
Free Package Available |
Free Package Available |
|
Maximum Participants |
2,000 |
200 |
1,000 |
|
Polls |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Surveys |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Breakout Rooms |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Chat |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Screen Sharing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Multi Hosts |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Branding |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Session Recording |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
As you can see, webinar tools typically have very similar functionality, so determining-factors could include the cost, a preference from the wider business, and ease of use.
At accessplanit, we use Zoom for our remote delivery of training and on-boarding so if you do have any questions, please let us know in the comments.
To compare other tools, Capterra’s comparison functionality is incredibly useful.
Training-specific software
There is also software available that requires a bit more back-end investment, and is usually more expensive than a webinar tool but is more specific to educational delivery. These options include:
Delivering your face to face training programs online
We've helped our training provider clients overcome many of the challenges they are facing in transitioning their face-to-face training offerings to an online delivery model. We used this insight to design our webinar which includes guidance on:
- How to move your training programs online 💻
- Your online training transition planning & how to limit business disruption 💡
- Tips for training delivery and facilitation 👥
- accessplanit's web course functionality 👩💻
