Barco

Kortrijk, Belgium, 14 September 2021 – Barco announced today that Walmart is piloting virtual classroom technology as part of the retailer’s commitment to offer impactful, high-quality training to its workforce.

Powered by the Barco virtual training and LED video wall technology, together with technology solutions provider and integrator Diversified, the virtual classroom supports Walmart in its pledge to invest in the careers of its associates, support their development and promote from within. 

"Over the last year and a half, remote collaboration capabilities have proved more critical than ever," says Pat Wheelon, Diversified's Director of Strategic Accounts. "When Walmart displayed an interest in our virtual learning offerings, we immediately turned to the capabilities of Barco's weConnect solution."

Barco weConnect is a powerful software solution that enables engaging and interactive training, online and onsite. Walmart plans to pilot and test this technology as part of its Walmart Academy’s immersive training program that teaches retail skills and soft skills like leadership, communication and change management. Academy training classes have traditionally taken place in physical classrooms located in stores or distribution centers, but this new technology will provide a convenient alternative. 

Andy Trainor, Vice President, Walmart U.S. Learning states: “We’re excited to pilot this technology as a virtual complement to the in-person training we provide our store associates. The platform offers the same interactive experience our associates are used to getting in our Academy classrooms but enables them to attend training from their home store so they can spend less time traveling and more time developing and offering stellar customer service.”

Barco weConnect can bring Walmart associates from anywhere and put them all together in a front-row learning experience, entirely online  or in a hybrid mode with participants both remote and on-site. 

The instructor trains every person in the audience effectively, monitors responses and offers support whenever necessary. The trainees engage in real-time with both their trainer and other participants that can connect from continents away, all while enjoying the meaningful collaboration typically found in a standard physical classroom.

Additionally, Barco virtual training creates an engaging environment with features such as polls, quizzes, enhanced breakout rooms and multiple content streams. 

Carmen Dominguez, Business Development Manager for Learning Experiences at Barco states: “Barco is delighted to have teamed up with Walmart and leveraged our groundbreaking technology to help achieve its vision of upskilling its workforce. We applaud organizations that prioritize the development of their employees. Through our virtual classroom, weConnect, Walmart associates and their trainers will enjoy a collaborative and interactive experience that will help prepare them for the future of retail.”

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.