Pictured above: Karen Turner

Imagine Virtual Training has become the first company in the Midlands to provide real-time personal IT training via the web.

The company offers online classes delivered by a qualified trainer directly through the customer's computer. 

The company's founder, Karen Turner, said: "Virtual training is increasingly popular in the USA but is in its infancy in this country. But I believe it will rapidly become the predominant way to deliver IT training in the UK as well."

There has already been strong interest from several major employers who see the benefits of the new approach offered by Imagine Virtual Training, based at Wolverhampton University's e-Innovation Centre at Priorslee, Telford.

Karen Turner said: "Clients don't incur travel and accommodation costs, training can be delivered to more people in a more flexible way, wherever they are and whenever they need it. Courses can be more easily tailored to meet individual or team needs."

Studies in the USA show people who are taught virtually, rather than in a traditional class, can concentrate for longer and retain more information. Trainers also ask more questions and so test their trainees' knowledge more thoroughly.

Imagine Virtual Training specialises in Microsoft Office training because 99% of business professionals use the software but often to only 20% of its capacity.

Karen Turner, who has 20 years' experience as an IT trainer and is a Microsoft Certified Instructor, said:  "It's like buying a great car then only driving it in second gear.

"Many companies struggle along, often significantly undermining the efficiency of their businesses, knowing there is probably a better way of doing things and that the software could do so much more for them. 

"Until now, conventional training methods have had too many perceived drawbacks to be widely used. Virtual real-time training gives our clients all the benefits of quality personal training without those limitations."

Topic areas include Word, Outlook, Excel, Project, OneNote and PowerPoint. 

Training is usually delivered in concise two hour lessons. Delegates log in and a virtual classroom appears on their screen. Using webcams, the trainer can also be visible as he or she welcomes them to the session.

The trainer can then start the training, showing delegates keystrokes and new features directly on their screen.  Tests and polls are used to confirm the delegates' understanding, allowing topics to be reviewed, if necessary.

Unlike traditional e-learning, which is much more passive, delegates can ask questions to clarify new processes they are learning.

Customers can download free Training Needs Analysis forms to help decide which courses to prioritise. Virtual training helps companies plan their training efficiently and courses are targeted at the key learning areas individuals need, so a training budget is used most effectively.

Because the training is virtual, it is ideal for teams working across many sites - and is especially useful to learn the many new features on Microsoft Office that allow individuals to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients.

Also, clients can quickly update themselves on Microsoft developments such as how new Outlook add-ons can facilitate social media connections such as Facebook and LinkedIn.