A recent online survey has shown that online training courses are quickly becoming the new norm for adult learning and training.
In this era of COVID-19 and hybrid working spaces (working both offline and online), it is now more important than ever to be able to train online, so companies are turning themselves upside down and carrying out their traditional training online.
However, due to the pandemic, work from home and online learning situations have begun unraveling the inefficiencies of using this outdated method where interaction is required.
When online training courses are simply being filled with non-engaging material that is only directed at the participant as a one-way street, online learners become bored and disengage from the course material they are presented, simply dropping out of the online space.
However, that does not mean that improvements have not been shown. And when done right, virtual online training has now proven itself to be one of the most efficient ways of learning in our current digital era.
This article examines virtual online training in terms of how it has evolved over the years, what kind of programs or platforms are best suited for your learning progress, and how online training can be beneficial for both individuals and companies in the long term.
How Online Training Started
While many might think that online training is relatively new (in comparison to offline, classroom-based learning situations), the concept itself is as old as online technology itself.
One of the earliest online trainings I’m aware of is the MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses).
It is a type of online platform used to give access to a large variety of online courses which were resourced from leading universities like Stanford University, MIT, and Harvard.
This online training platform is just one of the many examples of online technology being used to give online learners access to quality online courses.
While MOOCs are still around today and are arguably quite popular, I think you will agree that online learning spaces have evolved significantly over the years
From e-learning platforms like Skillsoft or Lynda (which had to be accessed via a desktop computer), we have now moved on to mobile-friendly online learning platforms which allow us to access our online content from wherever we might be in the world in real-time or even asynchronously through recorded videos and seminars.
The synergy, which consists of a student-centered virtual classroom, is one of the most unique and important features of the online format. Individuals contribute to course discussions, comment, and work together. Resources and ideas are shared, and continuous synergies are created throughout the learning process.
So online training, as indicated above, has come a long way.
WHICH VIRTUAL ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORM OR PROGRAM SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
As there is no one-fits-all program for online training, it is hard to it is recommend any one learning platform as there are many different options and choices. It depends on your objectives as well as what technology you lean towards using in communication: email, video conferencing or online chat tools like Skype.
All these online training courses offer different features and benefits whether they are live webinars or recorded webinars, downloadable content, or professionally produced videos from top experts around the world.
Some will have both live & recorded sessions, while others will focus on just one format, so deciding depends on what you want the online training to do for your business.
Unfortunately, there are no right answers for this besides doing your own research and deciding based on what suits your needs.
HOW CAN VIRTUAL ONLINE TRAINING HELP YOU IN THE LONG RUN?
With virtual online training, the switch from offline to digital has now made learning and development for professionals easier than ever before.
Online training courses will allow you the time to assess what skills or knowledge gaps must be filled in your life, and all sessions are recorded such that you can watch them repeatedly until it is burned into your memory.
For instance, if you have always felt frustrated at not being able to understand a concept or it takes too much time to learn a new skill simply by self-learning it, then online training might be just what the doctor ordered to get on the right track.
It is very easy to sign up for online training with just a click of a button. No need for lengthy applications and other forms which may require several pages of information.
Now, learning just about anything is within reach of your fingertips, nor do you have to worry about additional travel costs or even make time during the day to attend face-to-face training.
As organisations themselves explore the long-term importance of digital environments for workplace learning, it is worth rethinking technological solutions outside the mainstream that reduce the need for personal interaction.
Companies that are not familiar with eLearning and virtual training methods should use this time to familiarise their employees with these technologies and develop the idea of using online training methods.
While the online learning space is relatively new and their techniques are still being refined over time, it is clear that these are necessary changes for us to advance into the future.
eFunnely is a marketing platform and source for digital marketing information, tools and digital solution providers in Southeast Asia.
Directory
Contact Us
- 10 Anson Road #17-21 International Plaza Singapore 079903
- info@efunnely.com
- www.digitalmarketingfunnels.org
Copyright © 2021. Grow Digital Pte Ltd