Why is the format of training important?

As we move towards an ever more digital world, it’s only natural that many of us look towards online training as becoming the norm.

Being able to undertake training online and on demand, at a pace to suit the individual is a wonderful development. But, is it right for every situation?

Quality of online training

Different people respond to different types of learning, for example some people are visual learners and others prefer to learn by getting actively involved. We think that most people would agree, that the more direct engagement individuals have with a training programme, i.e. active participation, the more likely it is they will understand the content, and more importantly remember it.

Therefore, it is very important that online training offers the opportunity for this type of interaction.

Online training, especially self-paced on demand, does not have the benefit of a live expert who can judge the response and reaction of their delegates, and make quick changes to the programme to suit the needs of attendees. Therefore, online programmes need to be carefully designed to overcome this limitation. This may mean offering extended examples, or the opportunity to ask questions which can then be fielded by an expert, in case the user is struggling. This can enhance their experience and help them to maximise the outcome of the training.

Active participation

Another drawback of online training, whether live or on demand, is the risk that participants are not actually giving the training their full attention. When participating in online training, it’s too easy to sometimes slip into your emails, and start multitasking in a way that we would not often do if the session was live in person.

When a significant investment has been made in training, it’s important that there is impact and a return on that investment. Full participation gives the best chance of this, and therefore training which considers these risks may produce a better outcome. This could be in the form of completion monitoring, or a knowledge quiz, where training cannot be considered complete unless a certain percentage is achieved. This can help to reassure a business that those being trained have fully participated and understood the material.

In person training

In person training naturally has a lot of advantages with these areas mentioned. A dedicated expert leading the training can monitor the reaction of trainees in a live way and flex and adapt the material and training to some degree to suit the needs of the group or individual they’re working with.

This type of training also takes people away from their daily roles and tasks, allowing them to concentrate fully on the material at hand and become absorbed at their learning rather than on their other usual responsibilities. This should be supported by a firm set of housekeeping rules at the start of the training so the trainer can communicate their expectations around phone calls and interruptions etc.

Learning with a group of peers can also have its advantages, where you get to hear the different questions, scenarios, and inputs from colleagues who may work in the same or a different field. This creates an environment with more exchange and sharing, which can further support and enhance the learning. A shared experience can also strengthen team relationships, so there are many advantages to this.

However, as we have all probably experienced, the fact that this type of training will take place on a set time and date, will mean that inevitably not everybody is always available to participate. Some businesses may also struggle to release large groups of people together at the same time while meeting the needs of the ongoing daily work.

Which is best?

There are pros and cons to both types of training, and the bottom line is to really consider which suits both the trainees and their style of learning, and the needs of the business. Then depending on the type of training which is chosen, the pitfalls of that particular type should also be considered underdressed in order to maximise the impact of the training delivered.

When you consider a training or provider you should ask about how they intend or build into their training the ability to combat any downside risks and maximise the potential.

Here at Halo Training Solutions Limited, we carefully consider every scenario for the clients we work with to help us deliver the outcome the client desires. Get in contact today to learn more about how we support businesses with different types of training to suit their needs.