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. For practice, use breakouts when groups need their own materials, or audio zones when you want to see every group at once.

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 or audio zones for practice groups

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