Driven by Barco weConnect virtual classroom technology, Wilmington plc, a global provider of information, education, and networking services is transforming their training offering for the digital age.
As part of their digital transformation program, Wilmington plc needed a powerful solution to offer a highly engaging, broadcast-quality remote training experience to its more than 20,000 yearly participants around the world; and at the same time provide a seamless, user-friendly and more natural method of training to their instructors. The answer was, of course, Barco weConnect. Wilmington has chosen a weConnect virtual classroom for their offices in Birmingham (UK), that will benefit the businesses providing training and qualifications to their risk and compliance, healthcare and professional industries.
Investing to deliver differentiated training programs
The lucky ones to first use the platform are the International Compliance Association (ICA), which delivers expert training and qualifications to financial regulatory and compliance professionals. Tamara Kahn, Wilmington’s Compliance Divisional Director and Executive Director of the ICA, explains their position and why they chose weConnect: "This is a key part of ICA’s cutting-edge learning approach. We are investing heavily into our training programs to make sure they are engaging, effective and relevant to our learners."
Digitally transforming their training while keeping and even improving outcomes was top of the agenda since before the pandemic, which only confirmed their forward-thinking strategy.
Tamara continues: "We realized that to deliver truly impactful experiences online we needed to do something different. We started planning for our new digital classroom before the pandemic because we wanted to deliver truly impactful experiences. The last year has only strengthened that vision and resolve and we are delighted by the response from our students and trainers so far."
A true connection between the trainers and trainees
For trainers, weConnect is a game changer. It helped Wilmington´s trainers really see their audience, just like in a standard classroom. They no longer lose sight of their participants, but make an impact on every person, monitor and offer support whenever necessary, even in breakout rooms. They can now ensure their sessions are perfectly accurate and effective, a mandatory aspect when training subjects such as compliance.
As Tim Tyler, Head of Qualifications for ICA, mentions: "The trainers love it, they feel like they are taking part in a proper training event that is operating in three dimensions. We underestimate the importance of those nuances: being able to read the room, to understand the level of energy and interest from students by being able to see them very clearly life-size on screen. The participants can see the teacher in the same way as well, so it brings a new depth to the experience."
Innovative remote learning experience and ease of use
For participants too, it brings a whole new training experience. weConnect offers a rich, interesting and innovative learning environment through its powerful features (polls, quizzes, whiteboard and pins, enhanced breakout rooms etc.). It allows participants to fully engage in real-time with the content, their trainer and other participants in an immersive way that traditional methods do not support.
Additionally, it is a hassle-free solution, that effortlessly enables trainers to deliver high-quality, impactful learning sessions and successful outcomes. Thomas Mount, Group Chief Technology Officer, concurs: ´We have integrated the Barco weConnect studio with our learning management system to provide a seamless, single sign-in for ease of use. The early student feedback we have received is positive, with praise for the two-way interaction with the teacher and attendees, akin to traditional classrooms.´
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
