Face-to-face training has been a consistent form of training
for many years and as it is not dependent on technology it is understandable
why some may be attached to this method and be resistant to the thought of
changing to something new like e-learning. What is e-learning and how can sitting
in front of a computer screen possibly be more beneficial than being able to
interact with a trainer in a classroom setting?
Let’s imagine we are sat in the classroom right now with our
colleagues, the trainer walks in, greets us and then begins their journey
through a multitude of PowerPoint slides. How likely is your mind to wander
elsewhere, perhaps onto how many emails you have waiting to be answered or what
we might be having for lunch? There can
be many distractions in a classroom and it can be hard for the trainer to know
if all learners are really paying attention and how much information is being
retained.
How does e-learning technology
compare?
E-learning doesn’t prevent interaction; it encourages it and
pushes the learner into taking on an active role rather than passive. Yes the learner must have the motivation to
sit down and go through all of the material, but there is no way of missing out
information or becoming distracted. The interactive quizzes and functionality
of the e-learning material ensures that learners work through each step,
gaining underpinning knowledge and completing competency assessments along the
way.
The obvious advantage of using e-learning to train your
staff is that it allows them to learn at a time, pace and place which suits you
and the learner. This method of training
is ideal for a large dispensed workforce: learners can work through the material
in an environment which is best for them, they simply need internet
access. E-learning can be tailored to
meet individual requirements and the variety of digital technologies
incorporated into the course material (text, imagery, animation, audio, video)
allow for different learning styles. The course material is continuously
updated with changes to legislation and learners can revisit units if
necessary. The Learner Management System provides management information and
allows for an audit trail and evidence for CQC requirements.
Overhead costs can be reduced by eliminating the need for
travel, accommodation and food expenses as well as external trainer costs, room
hire and having to take staff out of their day to day roles and cover shifts.
Remove all of these costs and you are only left with the initial cost of
implementing the e-learning course. E-learning is the clear winner in terms of
cost.
Blended learning is the best possible training method and
can enhance the overall learning process, offering a collaborative and holistic
approach to learning. I am by no means
claiming that face-to-face training is ineffective but with the advances in
technology in the past decade, it is unquestionable not to incorporate
e-learning into your training and development programme.
The evidence is there - over 10 years of our learner
feedback shows that 85% of learners prefer e-learning over face to face
training.
Lack of knowledge is not accepted as a legal stand.
Completed training is. Certificates can be printed off after completing the
e-learning training and used as evidence of best practice.
If you had the option to reduce all of your training costs
yet keep the quality of your staff training at a consistently high standard,
would this be of interest to you?
