How to Get the Most Out of Your Trailhead Academy Virtual Learning
To support our incredible community in these unprecedented times, we’re reimagining the learning experience and have transformed our entire global schedule from physical to virtual classrooms. Discover five top tips from our experts on how you can get the most out of your virtual learning.
Taking our classrooms virtual is just one way we’re providing support during these uncertain times. Our top priority is keeping our employees, customers, and communities as healthy and as safe as possible.
Learn more about how we’re keeping our Trailblazers connected here.
Learn from the experts
Trailblazers often tell us how valuable and fun our Trailhead Academy classes and instructors are. Like many of you, one of the reasons I love a real-time classroom setting is because I feel like I can learn from an expert and ask questions face-to-face.
I have a slight learning disability and want to make sure I’m “getting it” along the way. Growing up, I was sometimes apprehensive about asking questions in class because I didn’t want to appear stupid. But now, as an adult, I know that asking questions is a big part of the learning process.
I can get the answers I need to keep me on track, and I learn from other people’s questions in class, too. Once, a fellow student asked a question I hadn’t even thought of and — VOILA — the answer ended up being one of the biggest takeaways from the class!
Helping you “get it”
What I’ve found so wonderful about our virtual training is the number of ways to participate in class, stay engaged, ask questions, and learn from peers. Trailhead Academy instructors are masters at sharing complex topics to help everyone in the class “get it”.
And they’re fun, too! A rap about security? Analogies to pop culture movies and features? A dance break? Our instructors sure do know how to keep a student’s attention.
As digital learners, we can benefit from a combination of great instructors, great technology, and great content… from wherever in the world we might be.
While learning in a virtual classroom might be new to you, Trailhead Academy has been delivering virtually for years. Here are five top tips for getting the most out of your virtual classroom experience.
1. Be all in… together (virtually!)
If you’ve never taken a virtual class, you may be wondering how it all works. The best part is everyone is there to learn and you’re in it together. Here’s what to expect in a virtual class:
- Amazing instructors with technical product specialties plus tons of real-world examples to share
- The ability to see and collaborate with your fellow classmates via webcam
- Fun and engaging moments along the way — to help mix it up each day
- Hands-on exercises — so you can play along with what you’re learning
- Class knowledge checks — and 1:1 help as needed
- Lots of time for questions
- Plenty of engagement with your classmates through chat or real-time conversation
2. Get ready to settle in
Make sure you have all the materials required for class. Review the introductory email as it lists everything you’ll need, from the student guide to login information to the items to download. If you’re not sure what’s needed, reach out ahead of time to ask.
Here are some other tips:
- Pick a comfortable location in your house. If possible, select a new spot each day to mix it up.
- Let friends, colleagues, and family members know you have a class coming up. It’s important for them to know you might not be able to quickly reply to text messages or email.
- Get your snacks ready (I like to have a few options handy). There are plenty of snack breaks.
- Take the time to review other useful resources, like this Attending a Virtual Class help article.
3. Stay focused, limit distractions
Now, more than ever, it’s tough to stay focused 100% of the time. Your fellow classmates will be feeling the same. Just do your best. Start by turning off notifications and limiting outside distractions as much as you can.
- Clear browser tabs to reduce the temptation to multi-task — you can always check your email (or get some quick exercise or meditation in!) during breaks.
- Log in to your class early to meet with the instructor and classmates as they join — a great opportunity to network and build your connections in the Trailblazer Community.
- Turn on your webcam and making sure it’s adjusted to frame your face (and there’s nothing distracting in the background!) This will help create stronger connections and makes the course much more lively — especially when pets (or children) inevitably walk by.
4. Be engaged throughout
Asking questions is a big part of the learning process and my personal favorite. Sometimes, you may even find your questions are answered before you ask them. But still, speak up — let the instructor (and the rest of the class) know how you found a particular topic interesting or helpful.
Remember, your questions might help other students, too.
- Raise your hand and ask questions. Instructors love questions — it shows them you’re engaged.
- Keep a running list of favorite things you learn each day and your ideas on how to apply them. Then, share with the rest of the class.
5. Stay on course for the long run
At the end of your course, set a goal for next steps. Make a note of the cool new features you’ve learned about and list the parts of the class you found tricky so you can revisit. And be sure to do this straight away while everything is fresh in your mind.
- Ask your instructor for continued learning recommendations such as other Trailhead Academy classes, trailmixes, and Trailblazer Community groups to join.
- Determine your next learning goals — always keep learning!
For even more great tips, see the Best Practices When Attending a Virtual Class help article.
Inspired to join a virtual class?
Check out the full schedule of Trailhead Academy virtual classes for courses, including:
- Trailhead Virtual Bootcamp for New Admins — This 30-day, expert-led program covers everything you need to become an awesome Salesforce Administrator, fast-tracking you to your Salesforce Certified Administrator certification.
- Programming Lightning Web Components — Take your skills to the next level! Learn to build and develop custom Lightning Web Components and applications that run in multiple Salesforce Experiences.
- Essentials for Marketing Cloud Email Marketers — Get hands-on experience creating emails, sending and tracking results, managing subscriber data, segmenting data to deliver targeted, relevant messages, and learning automation tools to streamline campaigns and daily tasks.
Taking a virtual class can be a big investment of your time and energy. But we got you! Everyone at Trailhead is dedicated to your success and eager to see you develop your incredible Salesforce skills. Be sure to shout out your virtual classroom experiences via #TrailheadAcademy.
Here are even more inspiring virtual training tips from our amazing community:
See you (virtually) in class!
