Life is rarely predictable. How can we expect our training to be? Using Saba Centra for over five years, the Department of Defense modeled its program as a traditional virtual classroom. They delivered quality online synchronous training to their personnel. This instruction was modeled after traditional class delivery. In other words, an instructor met with pre-registered students at a specified date and time. Students in these virtual classes saw the power of the application and wanted more. DOD needed to break down the mindset (mostly of the trainers!) that online learning must follow the constraints of traditional training. They needed to create a learning culture where informal training was treated with the same respect as formal courses. Why must training be done in “courses”? Why must trainees adhere to a set schedule?

Within the past year, the DOD's use exploded as they moved from the “course” mindset to a learning culture. Focusing on what their personnel need to know and delivering this knowledge in a timely manner (at a time convenient to them) has pushed the DOD's virtual classroom around the globe. Whether they are providing formal training, open sessions providing up-to-date HR information, introducing new technologies, or using recorded events to capture knowledge, their audience has become loyal, energetic users of the virtual classroom. The DOD is now able to easily adapt their training and provide what is needed, when it is needed.