Skip to content

virtual lABS

When it comes to learning new software and IT skills, there is simply no substitute for practical, hands-on training. Virtual lab environments have provided a much-needed antidote to the many problems with on-site software training. Because virtual labs are live environments, you can empower learners to learn by doing without the crippling fear of negatively impacting the production environment. This allows them to feel more prepared for real-world training problems and also enhances engagement and knowledge retention. 

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS:

What are virtual labs?

A virtual lab is a live environment where learners can experience the same software they will use in their job. It is not a simulation – it is the actual product, but in a non-production environment where users can experiment without affecting the actual production environment. Virtual labs are the antidote to the challenges of traditional software training models – they are practical, hands-on, immersive learning environments that lead to better training results. It empowers learners to learn by doing, which, in turn, improves engagement and knowledge retention rates. Learners will also feel more prepared for their role having experienced live, real-world training problems that will reflect the challenges they might face. This can lead to longer term job satisfaction and employee retention. 

Why do i need virtual labs?

People learn by doing. For that reason, it’s hard to teach technical skills the same way you teach soft skills. In-person training at physical training locations were the status quo – but travel, accommodations, and extensive set-up caused major problems for training delivery. Labs give you hands-on practice in a live environment so you can experience real-world scenarios to learn a service, practice a usecase, or prepare for a role. They combine the ease of use of online classes with the power and flexibility of the latest technology. Rather than travel to a central location, learners can use their own devices to log in to a remote computer where they can input commands and access a powerful remote workstation equipped with the software they need to train on. Instructors can see progress in real time and learners get constant feedback while applying their skills in real-world scenarios. 
pretoriusn_Hyper_realism_Lime_green_and_light_blue_water_color__2925e9cd-6698-497e-bf75-49942fe7f3bf
pretoriusn_Hyper_realism_a_person_thinking_in_a_computer_lab_wi_e2feccf5-247d-4558-b1bd-55f6469ddafa-1

The challenges of physical labs:
Why traditional lab training didn't work.

Traditionally, hands-on training was provided using physical labs. However, in an age where learners demand access to training at the touch of a button, the cons soon began to outweigh the pros. 

Here are the key problems with physical lab training:

  • Cumbersome Set-up logistics: For these labs, machines would have to be set up in a classroom environment prior to the training date, requiring extensive planning and logistics.
  • Excessive Set-up costs: Machines would often have to be shipped to training locations and instructors flown to the physical space.
  • Endless Machine Maintainence: For these labs to be effective, the machines used would have to be maintained constantly, updated with the software necessary for training exercises. And that’s before we even mention troubleshooting.
  • Limited Scale: Because there were limited available spaces at the physical location, training could not be scaled effectively.
  • Rigid Schedule: Attendees would find it hard to keep up with day-to-day demands of their job to immerse themselves in an on-site training.
  • Lack of Instructor Oversight: Because individuals would often be responsible for their own machines on-site, instructors would have limited oversight during the training
  • Lack of practicality: Simulations are better than nothing, but they lack the impact of real-world, hands-on training in a live environment.

The benefits of virtual labs:
Using virtual labs to scale your training.

Virtual lab training transforms the learning experience. Here are some of the key benefits of using a virtual lab solution:
pretoriusn_Hyper_realism_Lime_green_and_light_blue_water_color__2925e9cd-6698-497e-bf75-49942fe7f3bf
pretoriusn_Hyper_realism_a_team_looking_at_computers_with_light_ad035067-0c70-46f1-8322-110c728c0341-1
  • Increased Accessibility: As long as users have a web browser and internet connection, they can access a lab from any location at a time that suits the learner. There is no need for an instructor to monitor thanks to extensive metrics and analytics.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Because employees can do all of this from their own device, they don’t have to take lengthy breaks from their day-to-day responsibilities to expand their skill set.
  • Simple Scalability: Virtual labs can scale to meet almost any training demand. Whether it’s a handful of learners or thousands, they will receive the same high-quality training experience.
  • Safe Experimentation: Labs are a safe way to allow learners to practice their skills without corrupting data.
  • Empowered Learners: This approach makes employees more likely to take control of their own learning, empowering them to grow on the job and likely making them more satisfied in role.

Use cases:
When to use virtual labs.

Virtual lab training transforms the learning experience. Here are some of the most significant use cases for using virtual labs: 

New Hire Onboarding

When recruiting a new employee, it’s important to get them up to speed on the software as soon as possible. Virtual labs provide a learning environment that gives specific examples and exercises of how they will be using the software. Each environment can be tailored according to the team, role, technical knowledge, or seniority.

Product Training

Existing employees also need regular training to get the most out of any software. Virtual labs can provide continuous refresher courses, as well as deliver learning on product updates and new features (to internal employees and external customers). 

Skill Development

Virtual labs can upskill and retrain a development team (and retraining internal staff is cheaper than hiring new employees) to help them learn a new SDK, API or programming language. They can get hands-on, real-world experience without needing certain dependencies installed on their computer.

Partner Training

Having to fly an instructor out to train partners and having to install software on external computer is expensive, ineffective, complicated and time-consuming. The only requirement for a partner that wants to access a virtual lab is that they have a browser with an internet connection.

 

Generating leads and closing sales

A virtual lab can help convince a customer of the value of buying a product by providing real-world examples of how the software can solve their problems. Instead of giving a static demo, customer can try out the software in their own time. Offering hands-on, interactive training post-implementation to learners anywhere in the world is also a good value-add to offer when trying to sell a product. 

Post-sales training

Once a company has purchased software, the next step is to train the users. Using virtual labs means these employees can try out the tasks they would complete in their day-to-day jobs but in a controlled environment.

Learn to grow podcast

Cath-up on our podcasts

Blog Posts

Current Blogs written by our Team

Meet our team

Meet our team