How Virtual Training Labs Complement eLearning

Add hands-on practice to your eLearning curriculum

eLearning can explain a process or demonstrate a software task. Virtual training labs give learners a place to try it for themselves. This free, 14-page eBook explores how the two approaches work together in technical training.

The guide presents nine reasons to add lab practice to an online course. It looks at realistic exercises, learner engagement, opportunities to apply new knowledge, and how to introduce labs alongside the materials you already use.

What you will learn about virtual training labs

• Turn explanation into practice: give learners access to the software and tasks they will use in their work.
• Build realistic exercises: connect course concepts to day-to-day problems rather than isolated, generic activities.
• Combine lessons and labs: plan opportunities to practice soon after a demonstration or explanation.
• Work with your existing curriculum: consider exercise timing, transitions, lab questions, and the adjustments needed to add a practical component.
• Separate practice from live operations: consider dedicated training environments and the safeguards your software and data require.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for training managers, instructional designers, and technical instructors who already have online course content and want to add hands-on software practice. Use it to identify where learners need to do a task, rather than only watch or read about it.

Explore ReadyTech virtual IT labs for hands-on delivery, or see how labs fit into self-paced training. For a broader look at preparing your team, use the VILT readiness checklist.