Delivering online skills-based training on HIV prevention interventions through the creative use of interaction and rich media

Background: The high cost of using in-person events to train community-based agency staff on proven HIV prevention interventions has increased the need for cost-effective alternatives, including online training. It is commonly believed, however, that online training is not as effective as classroom training in developing participants' skills around intervention delivery. To address this challenge, Education Development Center (EDC), used interactive activities and rich media to meet the skills-based objectives of a new online training course for agency staff implementing the popular VOICES/VOCES HIV prevention intervention. Methods: EDC consulted with experienced VOICES/VOCES trainers and subject matter experts and observed classroom training sessions to identify how skills-based objectives are addressed during in-person trainings. Online learning experts then transformed these findings into a course design that, through the creative use of video and interactivity, replicated some of the strategies used in the existing trainings, while also overcoming some of the challenges that can often prevent effective skills training in the classroom. Results: The new VOICES/VOCES for Facilitators online course, completed in January 2011, incorporates numerous videos of experienced VOICES/VOCES facilitators demonstrating best practices, frequent and varied interactive exercises, and innovative online study tools to provide learners with a highly engaging, self-customizable, standardized-quality learning experience. Conclusion: The VOICES/VOCES for Facilitators course includes multiple examples of ways in which skills-based training can be presented online in a manner that is comparable to – and, in some cases, improves upon – the classroom experience. These will be demonstrated and examined in detail during this presentation.