New Class Research with Microsoft and Training Magazine Finds Learner Engagement Gap Persists—Despite Global Adoption of Virtual Training

Today, in partnership with Training magazine and Microsoft, Class is releasing brand new research exploring this very issue. The 2025 report, The Virtual Training Paradox: High Confidence, Low Engagement—What Will It Take to Keep Learners Engaged?, captures insights from over 650 learning and development (L&D) and training professionals on what’s working and what's not in virtual training.

Some key findings from the report include:

• VILT is here to stay and widely adopted by nearly all surveyed, with 73% of organizations relying on Microsoft Teams for VILT, and 52% using Zoom.
• Despite widespread adoption, many (72%) cite learner engagement as their top VILT challenge—revealing a gap between implementation and impact. This represents an opportunity to rethink how to deliver effective training experiences.
• The desired enhancements for video conferencing to improve VILT delivery include assessments (41%), engagement analytics (40%), enhanced breakout rooms (39%), and tools to monitor participation (37%).
• Best practices from practitioners underscore the need for more dynamic, personalized, and interactive VILT platforms and virtual classrooms.

Best practices to address the engagement paradox

To maximize learner engagement in VILT, the study identified four key best practices. First, understanding learners' needs ensures training is relevant and engaging. Second, make sessions interactive through hands-on activities, multiple speakers, and real-time collaboration to improve retention. Third, measuring engagement in real time allows instructors to adjust on the fly for better learning outcomes. Finally, using a purpose-built virtual classroom rather than standard video conferencing creates a more engaging and effective learning experience.

How Class can help transform your virtual training

Despite widespread confidence in VILT as a training method, engagement gaps can significantly impact learning effectiveness. Without active participation, knowledge retention suffers, and organizations struggle to achieve their training goals. The research makes it clear: it’s not just about delivering virtual training—it’s about ensuring it drives meaningful outcomes.

Organizations need tools that do more than facilitate meetings—they need platforms that actively engage learners, foster collaboration, and provide meaningful data to measure success. With Class, L&D and training leaders can create virtual learning experiences that make a huge impact on engagement.

To explore all the findings and gain actionable insights into making virtual training more engaging, download the full report at class.com/virtual-training-report.