9 Benefits to Virtual Training
Virtual training takes the fundamentals of face-to-face, classroom training and replicates the experience online, in real-time. Virtual training uses live, interactive online workshops to provide training to your employees through a virtual classroom experience.
The virtual learning experience offers some benefits, I am listing these based on my experience….
1. Spaced Learning
When training is spread across a greater number of sessions consisting of mini learning opportunities participants get the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the training experience. For example, a number of 90-minute sessions spread over a few weeks, opposed to a 1-day training is critical for driving retention and engagement, allowing the participants to more immediate practical application. The training can be structured into weekly mini-workshops with a combination of activities or actions that reinforce learning for the participants.
2. Avoiding the logistical nightmare and risk of cancellation or rescheduling
The COVID pandemic has increased uncertainty and with very little notice we are made to go into a lockdown causing us to cancel or reschedule our plans. With virtual learning, you can usually access them from anywhere through a device. All you need is an Internet connection. You won't have to worry about hazardous weather conditions, traffic, commute time (use that extra time to read for leisure, enjoy family time or develop a work-life balance).
3. Incorporate on-the-job application
Spaced learning is a critical contrast to traditional classroom learning, during which concepts are not applied until after the sessions are complete. On-the-job application means your team can return to the next session with an understanding of how the concepts work in real-work scenarios. It’s easier when learners can immediately transition from the virtual classroom to their field without delay.
4. Access the programme tools from anywhere through a device and expand the know-how and confidence in the digital world we live in.
5. Effective Resource Management
A virtual option allows the opportunity to be connected from anywhere saving commute times (…and that is just the beginning).
It can allow you to maximise your spending power. This relates to money & time. Virtual training can save you the cost of your team member being away from the desk, and the expenses of hotels, meals, and more… Virtual training can minimise the cost of your team member being away from work and allow the possibility of having more participants attend the training or expand your training budget.
6. Opportunity for cozy conversations (via private rooms) allowing introverts to have an opportunity to share their knowledge and ideas in a more intimate safe space.
7. Keep your team empowered and motivated
One of the benefits of learning is that it empowers participants to take control of their professional and personal goals. Acquire new skills that will help them improve their work performance and provides that extra motivation to take control of their own learning.
8. Boosting Engagement (icebreakers, discussions, chats, polls, breakout groups and role play)
Online learning allows the possibility of colleagues sharing experiences and expertise, scenario role plays or problem-solving, polls (allowing some anonymity) and discussions, as well as document sharing or whiteboard note-taking. These elements not only expose learners to input from other participants, but they also create a cooperative learning environment. The effectiveness of cooperative learning is that participants share knowledge and work together to make each other’s understanding of the material complete. Employees become active participants in the learning process rather than relying entirely on the facilitator.
9. Safety
There are many factors that should be taken into account to determine whether a physical place is safe or not (location, attendance, parking area, the timing of the program, company, security services, etc.), but one thing that we have learned with the COVID-19 pandemic is that there is another aspect of safety that now needs to be considered as well. In general, it is safe to say (no pun intended) that, it is still safer (and in instances even still mandated) to stay at home except for necessary outings. One might argue that training and team bonding is a necessity, and they definitely are, but with virtual learning, there is the option to stay at home and still learn and team bond, so that we can continue to all work together to fight this pandemic the best we can.
There are so many benefits to virtual learning, especially as we adapt to an ever-changing world. Research has actually shown that virtual learning can be just as effective as - if not more than - traditional, in-person workshops, especially as we continue to see incredible developments in technology, making the experience very humane and easy.
To learn more about implementing virtual training in your organisation, contact Karl Grech, Performance Coach & Leadership Trainer via email
