Training Session

You're delivering training—teaching specific skills, processes, or knowledge. You need participants to learn, practice, and retain information.

Typical setup: 10-100 participants, 1-4 hours, mix of instruction and practice

What Makes Training Different

Training sessions need:

• Clear learning objectives - What will they be able to DO?
• Input/practice balance - Not just lecture
• Knowledge checks - Are they getting it?
• Reference materials - For after the session

Quick Setup Checklist

Before Training

• Define learning objectives
• Create training materials on canvas
• Prepare practice activities
• Test any embeds (videos, slides)
• Create reference/takeaway section

Day Before

• Send join link + System Check
• Confirm any pre-work completed
• Test all embedded content

At Session Start

• Verify participant access
• Quick tech check
• Share agenda and objectives

Recommended Settings

Space Mode

Varies by activity:

Audio Type

Use: Global for most training

Everyone should hear the instructor. Use breakouts for practice, not audio zones (too complex for training focus).

Permissions

Participants: Participant or Editor

→ Sharing & Permissions

Essential Features for Training

Embeds for Content

Display training materials directly:

• Google Slides - Presentations with navigation
• Videos - Tutorial content, demonstrations
• Documents - Reference materials

→ Embeds & iFrames

Screen Sharing

For live demonstrations:

• Show software in action
• Walk through processes
• Live problem-solving

→ Screen Sharing

Prompts for Instructions

Keep instructions visible:

• Activity directions
• Practice scenarios
• Reflection questions

→ Prompt Tool

Timer for Practice

Manage practice time:

• Timed exercises
• Individual work periods
• Breakout discussions

→ Timer Tool

Canvas Layout for Training

Recommended Structure

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    TRAINING HUB                          │
│       Learning Objectives | Agenda | Key Contacts        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                          │
│   ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐   │
│   │               PRESENTATION AREA                  │   │
│   │    (Embedded slides, videos, or screen share)   │   │
│   │                                                  │   │
│   └─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘   │
│                                                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                          │
│   ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐ │
│   │  PRACTICE    │  │   PRACTICE   │  │  PRACTICE    │ │
│   │   ZONE 1     │  │    ZONE 2    │  │   ZONE 3     │ │
│   │  (Activity)  │  │  (Activity)  │  │  (Activity)  │ │
│   └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘  └──────────────┘ │
│                                                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    REFERENCE AREA                        │
│      Cheat sheets | Resources | Links | FAQ              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Training Session Flow

Tell-Show-Do-Review Model

1. Tell (10-15 min)

• Explain the concept
• Share why it matters
• Set context

2. Show (15-20 min)

• Demonstrate via screen share or embed
• Walk through example
• Point out key moments

3. Do (20-30 min)

• Participants practice
• Provide scenarios or exercises
• Circulate and support

4. Review (10-15 min)

• Debrief the practice
• Answer questions
• Reinforce key points

Sample 2-Hour Training

00:00 - Welcome & Objectives (10 min)
        → Conference mode, prompt with objectives

00:10 - Module 1: Concept (15 min)
        → Presentation via embed

00:25 - Demo 1 (10 min)
        → Screen share

00:35 - Practice 1 (15 min)
        → Interactive mode, breakouts if large group

00:50 - Break (10 min)

01:00 - Module 2: Concept (15 min)
        → Presentation

01:15 - Demo 2 (10 min)
        → Screen share

01:25 - Practice 2 (15 min)
        → Interactive mode

01:40 - Q&A & Wrap-up (20 min)
        → Conference mode, open discussion

Knowledge Checks

Quick Polls

Use reactions for quick checks:

• "Thumbs up if this makes sense"
• "Raise hand if you have questions"
• "1-5, how confident are you?"

→ Reactions & Engagement

Sticky Note Checks

Have participants demonstrate understanding:

• "Add a sticky with one key takeaway"
• "Write the first step you'd take"
• "Share a question you still have"

Practice Observations

Monitor during practice:

• Visit breakout rooms
• Watch canvas activity
• Note common struggles

Handling Large Training Groups

For 50+ Participants

Adjust your approach:

• More lecture, less open discussion
• Use chat for questions
• Structured breakouts for practice
• Teaching assistants for support

Breakout Strategy:

• Random assignment works for practice
• Keep groups small (4-6)
• Clear instructions before breakout
• Strict time limits

→ Using Breakout Rooms

Managing Questions

For large groups:

1. Ask participants to add questions to chat
2. Batch questions during Q&A sections
3. Have a co-facilitator monitor chat
4. Use parking lot for tangential questions

Reference Materials

What to Include

Make takeaways available on canvas:

• Key concepts summary
• Step-by-step guides
• Links to full documentation
• Contact information for support

Making Materials Accessible

After training, participants can:

• Return to space and review
• Screenshot key content
• Access linked resources

Co-Facilitating Training

Role Division

Coordination

• Clear handoff signals
• Shared view of chat/questions
• Pre-planned who handles what

Common Training Challenges

"Participants aren't following along"

Try:

• Slow down demonstrations
• Check in more frequently
• Use "pause and practice" moments
• Provide reference materials

"Too many questions derailing"

Manage by:

• Set question norms at start
• Use parking lot
• Batch Q&A at specific times
• Offer follow-up for complex questions

"Practice activity didn't work"

Recover by:

• Demonstrate the correct approach
• Simplify the activity
• Pair struggling participants
• Have backup activity ready

"Running out of time"

Prioritize:

• Core content over nice-to-haves
• Practice over lecture
• Key concepts over details
• Provide resources for self-study

Pre-Session Message

Training: [Topic]
📅 [Date/Time] | ⏱️ [Duration]

What you'll learn:
• [Objective 1]
• [Objective 2]
• [Objective 3]

Before the session:
1. Run System Check: [link]
2. [Any pre-work or pre-reading]
3. Have [any materials needed]

Join link: [Kolab link]

Questions? Contact [support email]

Related Guides

• Embeds & iFrames - Display training content
• Screen Sharing - Live demonstrations
• Using Breakout Rooms - Practice groups
• System Check - Verify your setup