TAP®: Facilitating Delivering Virtual Learning (APMG)

Effective virtual learning takes more than familiarity with digital platforms. Trainers need to design engaging online sessions, encourage participation, adapt to different learner needs, and create experiences that support learning and workplace performance.

TAP® Delivering Virtual Learning is a practical three-day programme that develops the skills and confidence needed to design and deliver effective virtual training. You’ll explore the principles of virtual learning, apply the TAP® Virtual Delivery Structure, and learn how to use digital tools to encourage interaction and collaboration.

The programme covers measurable learning objectives, assessment design, accessibility, inclusion, visual design, and techniques for managing common challenges in online delivery. You’ll also explore how to structure virtual sessions, facilitate engaging activities, and use technology to support learning outcomes.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop a virtual training session on a topic of your choice, receiving coaching and feedback as you prepare for your assessed delivery. Successful learners will be eligible to claim the TAP® Delivering Virtual Learning accreditation.

Prerequisites

Before attending, you should:

• Have an interest in delivering learning in virtual environments
• Identify a workplace topic for your practical virtual training project
• Have access to the technology required to participate in virtual learning sessions
• Be prepared to complete preparation activities between taught sessions

No formal prerequisite qualification is specified in the supplied course material.

Target audience

This course is suitable for professionals who deliver, or are preparing to deliver, training online and want to develop their virtual facilitation skills.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Trainers who are new to virtual learning delivery
• Trainers looking to improve their online facilitation skills and confidence
• Subject matter experts responsible for delivering learning remotely
• Learning and development professionals delivering virtual programmes
• Classroom trainers transitioning to online delivery
• Professionals seeking a recognised qualification in virtual learning delivery

This three-day programme takes you from the foundations of virtual learning through session design and delivery to a practical assessed showcase. You will build your virtual training session throughout the programme, applying the techniques and frameworks introduced in each stage.

Getting started: preparation before the course

Before attending, identify a workplace topic that you can use for your practical delivery project. Make sure you have access to the technology needed to participate in virtual sessions and are prepared to complete activities between taught sessions.

This preparation gives you a starting point for developing and refining your own virtual training session throughout the programme.

Day one: virtual learning foundations

Understand the principles behind effective online training

Foundations of virtual learning

Explore what virtual learning is, why organisations use it, and how it differs from classroom delivery. Consider the benefits and challenges of online learning and examine learning theories that support effective virtual experiences.

Topics include:

• The purpose and benefits of virtual learning
• Virtual learning compared with classroom learning
• Challenges associated with virtual delivery
• Learning theories that support virtual learning
• Gilly Salmon’s Five Stage Model
• The TAP® Virtual Delivery Structure

Learning objectives and assessments

Learn how to define clear learning outcomes and assess whether learners have achieved them. Explore how measurable objectives inform session design and help keep virtual training focused on its intended purpose.

Topics include:

• The purpose of assessment in virtual learning
• Writing measurable learning objectives
• Behaviour, standard, and condition
• Aligning learning objectives with assessments
• Assessment design principles
• Planning objectives and assessments for your own session

Design considerations

Explore how to design virtual learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and easy to follow. Consider how visual design and the effective use of media can support understanding, while managing cognitive load and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Topics include:

• Managing cognitive load
• Inclusivity and accessibility
• Universal Design for Learning
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
• Using artificial intelligence to support content creation
• Visual design principles
• Applying visual design principles
• Using images and media effectively

Day two: designing and delivering virtual learning

Turn learning principles into practical virtual training

Tools and technologies

Explore the digital platforms and features used to deliver interactive online training. Learn to select tools that support your learning objectives and encourage learners to participate and collaborate.

Topics include:

• Virtual learning platforms
• Common virtual classroom functionality
• Collaboration and engagement tools
• Polling, whiteboards, and breakout rooms
• Accessibility considerations for digital tools
• Selecting appropriate technology for learning

Delivering a virtual session

Develop practical approaches for preparing and facilitating effective virtual training. Apply the TAP® Virtual Delivery Structure to create a clear session flow, encourage interaction, and give learners opportunities to practise.

Topics include:

• Preparing for virtual delivery
• Applying the TAP® Virtual Delivery Structure
• Facilitating interaction and participation
• Using questions effectively
• Designing practice activities
• Avoiding virtual fatigue
• Delivering effective hybrid learning experiences

Managing challenging learners

Learn how to recognise and respond to challenges that can arise during virtual sessions. Explore ways to address disengagement, resistance, and disruptive behaviour while supporting learners appropriately.

Topics include:

• Recognising common virtual learning challenges
• Managing disengagement and resistance
• Responding to disruptive behaviour
• Supporting learners appropriately
• Applying the Six-Step process
• Escalating concerns when necessary

Preparing your assessed session

Use the TAP® Virtual Delivery Criteria to review and refine your training session. Select appropriate activities, tools, and resources, and prepare for the final showcase with individual coaching and support.

Topics include:

• Reviewing the Virtual Delivery Criteria
• Planning and refining your virtual session
• Selecting activities, tools, and resources
• Receiving individual coaching and support
• Preparing for your assessed delivery

Day three: virtual learning showcase

Demonstrate your skills and plan your next steps

Delivering your virtual session

Deliver your practical virtual training session on a topic of your choice. Apply the TAP® Virtual Delivery Criteria to demonstrate your ability to structure and facilitate an engaging online learning experience.

Feedback and reflection

Receive trainer assessment and feedback on your delivery. Reflect on your strengths, identify areas for development, and consider how you can improve your virtual training practice.

Course close and next steps

Consolidate your learning and plan how to apply your skills in the workplace. Explore continuing professional development and review the requirements associated with TAP® accreditation and digital badges.

Exams and assessments

Assessment is based on your ability to design and deliver a practical virtual training session that meets the TAP® Virtual Delivery Criteria.

Throughout the programme, you will develop a virtual learning project on a topic of your choice and receive coaching, feedback, and support as you prepare for your assessed delivery.

Assessment activities include:

• Project development: design and develop your own virtual training session
• Assessed delivery: deliver a 15–20-minute virtual training session against the TAP® Virtual Delivery Criteria
• Feedback and reflection: review your performance, identify strengths, and recognise opportunities for improvement
• Development planning: identify actions to support your continued professional development

Successful learners will be eligible to claim the TAP® Delivering Virtual Learning accreditation.

The supplied material does not specify formal written examinations, resubmission arrangements, or detailed digital badge eligibility requirements. These should be confirmed before publication.

Hands-on learning

Practical application runs throughout the three-day programme. Rather than focusing solely on virtual learning theory, you will develop a training session that you can deliver and assess against recognised TAP® criteria.

You will have opportunities to:

• Write learning objectives and align assessments with intended outcomes
• Design virtual learning materials with accessibility, inclusion, and engagement in mind
• Practise using digital tools to support participation and collaboration
• Apply techniques for questioning, facilitation, and managing challenging situations
• Receive individual coaching and feedback as you prepare your session
• Deliver your virtual training session, reflect on your performance, and identify development actions

This practical approach helps you build confidence in online facilitation and develop techniques you can apply to virtual training in your workplace.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the principles of effective virtual learning and the differences between virtual and classroom delivery
• Apply the TAP® Virtual Delivery Structure to plan and facilitate online training sessions
• Write measurable learning objectives and design aligned assessments
• Design virtual learning materials that support engagement, accessibility, and inclusion
• Select and use digital tools to encourage learner participation and collaboration
• Facilitate interactive virtual learning sessions using appropriate questioning and practice activities
• Apply techniques to manage learner engagement, virtual fatigue, and challenging behaviours
• Respond appropriately to common challenges encountered in virtual delivery
• Deliver a 15–20-minute virtual training session on a topic of your choice that meets the TAP® Virtual Delivery Criteria