Run instructor-led training sessions directly in Factorial without relying on external video conferencing tools. This article explains how live sessions work, what features are available, and how to host and manage online training sessions from start to finish.
Live sessions are available to all customers using the Trainings module.
Overview
Live sessions allow admins and instructors to host online training sessions directly within the Trainings module. Instead of using external meeting platforms, everything related to the session—including attendance, transcripts, chat, and notes—is stored alongside the training.
The feature automatically tracks participant connection time throughout the session, making it easier to review attendance and confirm training completion.
When and why it should be used
Use live sessions when delivering training that requires real-time interaction, such as:
- Employee onboarding sessions
- Compliance or mandatory training
- Instructor-led workshops
- Live Q&A sessions
- Team learning events
Hosting sessions directly in Factorial helps you:
- Keep training and attendance information in one place
- Reduce manual administrative work after each session
- Automatically track participant attendance
- Store transcripts, chat, and notes for future reference
- Create an auditable attendance record for training compliance
How to use
Schedule a live session
- In your sidebar, go to Trainings
- Open a course
- Access a training group
- Click on +New session
- In Modality, select Virtual
- Fill in the rest of the details
- Save the session
- Factorial automatically creates a live meeting that participants can join from the training or through the calendar invitation
Your calendar has to be connected to send invites and schedule training sessions with your team.
Host the session
- Open the scheduled session
- Click Start session
- Admit participants from the waiting room
- Deliver your training using the available collaboration tools
- During the session, you can:
- Share your screen
- Use the in-session chat
- View the live transcript
- Take session notes
- Manage participants, including muting attendees when needed
Review attendance
- Open the completed session
- Review the automatically calculated attendance
- Confirm participant completion based on the configured attendance threshold
- Save your changes
Attendance is calculated using each participant's total connection time, including reconnects during the session
Access session records
After the session, you can review:
- Attendance records
- Session transcript
- Chat history
- Session notes
Admins can also export an attendance report for each training group.
If participants cannot join the session, make sure the instructor has started the live session. Participants remain in the waiting room until the session begins.
Attendance is calculated using participants' total connection time. If someone disconnected and rejoined, their connection time is combined automatically.
If a participant was not marked as completed, review the participant's connection time and verify whether it meets the configured attendance threshold before confirming completion.
Tips and best practices
- Start the session a few minutes early so participants can join before the training begins
- Review the attendance summary before confirming completions
- Use session notes to capture key decisions or follow-up actions
- Share your screen when presenting materials to keep learners engaged
- Encourage participants to use the chat for questions during the session
FAQ
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Do I need a third-party video conferencing tool?
No. Live sessions are hosted directly within Factorial.
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Is attendance recorded automatically?
Yes. Factorial automatically measures each participant's connection time throughout the session and pre-fills attendance for instructor review.
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What happens if a participant disconnects and rejoins?
Their connection time is combined across reconnects to calculate their total attendance.
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Can participants join from their calendar invitation?
Yes. Calendar invitations include a one-click link to join the live session.
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Are transcripts and chat saved?
Yes. After the session ends, the transcript, chat, and session notes remain attached to the training session for future reference.
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Can I export attendance?
Yes. Administrators can export attendance reports for each training group.