The BIG Question in Training – Remote vs Face to Face
In March 2020 things changed in the training world. In fact, things changed in every world as COVID became a reality to all. Businesses had a period of panic that led to frantic periods of planning. How do we keep producing or product or service? How do we communicate with our staff? What do we say to our customers? What are the COVID secure ways of doing things? – were the types of questions that all organisations were asking themselves.
In the learning and development sector the most important question was specific; can this course be effectively delivered remotely?
If the answer was yes, we would be able to continue delivering training. If the answer was no then deliveries would cease, competence would fall and standards with it. It was clear that we had to redevelop our courses to ensure both knowledge (easily delivered remotely) and skills (more of a challenge with remote delivery) were effectively delivered and embedded in our students.
Overseen by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI and IRCA) we developed virtual variants of our library of courses with activities suitable for Zoom.
The results were astonishing. Delegate feedback was exceptional – but I had my suspicions that the crisis had evoked a war time attitude of resilience, leading to stoically positive feedback. I was wrong. Virtual deliveries were being warmly received and continued to attract positive feedback long after COVID memories began to fade.
Below are some of the discussions we’ve had with students over the last few years;
Benefits of Face-to-Face Training:
Personal Interaction: Face-to-face training allows for direct and immediate interaction between trainers and participants. This enables trainers to gauge the participants' understanding, address their questions and concerns, and provide personalized feedback and support.
Non-Verbal Cues: In-person training allows for the observation of non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Trainers can interpret and respond to these cues, enhancing the communication and learning experience.
Networking and Collaboration: Participants can network and collaborate with each other during face-to-face training sessions. They can share experiences, ideas, and insights, fostering a sense of community and peer learning.
Hands-on Practice: Certain types of training, such as practical skills development or equipment operation, may require physical presence and hands-on practice. Face-to-face training allows participants to engage in practical exercises and receive immediate feedback.
Social Dynamics: Face-to-face training offers a social element that can contribute to a more engaging and motivating learning environment. Participants can build relationships, establish rapport with trainers, and feel a sense of belonging.
Benefits of Virtual Training:
Flexibility and Convenience: Virtual training eliminates the need for travel, allowing participants to attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility makes it easier to accommodate busy schedules and reduces logistical constraints.
Cost-Effectiveness: Virtual training eliminates travel expenses, venue costs, and other associated expenses, making it a more cost-effective option, especially for geographically dispersed participants.
Accessibility: Virtual training enables individuals who may have physical limitations, geographical constraints, or other accessibility issues to participate in the training. It promotes inclusivity by reaching a wider audience.
Technology Integration: Virtual training can leverage various digital tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience. These may include interactive presentations, virtual simulations, online collaboration tools, and multimedia resources.
Recording and Playback: Virtual training sessions can be recorded and made available for later playback. This allows participants to revisit the material, reinforce learning, or catch up on missed sessions.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of each approach may vary depending on the specific training objectives, participant preferences, and the quality of implementation. A blended approach, combining elements of both face-to-face and virtual training, can also be considered to leverage the benefits of each.
Each will have their own preferences but its clear that remote learning is a permanent option in the iqms Learning portfolio. It has meant becoming a qualified auditor is more convenient, less expensive and more accessible than ever.
To discuss the merits and draw backs of learning by either method please contact us. Our website outlines a schedule of remote and face to face deliveries in many topics and we’ve a huge library of courses that we don’t advertise.
Our team will be happy to talk to you anytime :)