Benefits of Virtual Training
eLearning
Many organizations are cashing in on the benefits of eLearning. And although I am a person who really prefers face-to-face classroom training, as a facilitator I needed to identify the benefits to the organization of moving to e-learning. More importantly, I needed to observe the characteristics from a participant's and an organizational point of view.
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Cost effective
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Timeliness
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Synchronous
- Concentration of effort
- Comfort
Cost effectiveness:
One of the major considerations in reducing expenses in most organizations, especially in times of spending freezes, is to determine the quickest reduction to be made and to determine which one has the least impact. Unfortunately, what I have observed is it ends up being training along with travel expenses. With eLearning, or virtual training, you can actually still continue with your training, skill building and workshops and still reduce your expenses.
You need to stay competitive, current, and skilled in your organization. One of the things you really shouldn't eliminate is training. With virtual classrooms, you are able to continue and sharpen that critical edge. So, let's take into consideration the cost of air travel. It really isn't just the cost of the ticket. It's also the cost of the taxi or limo to the airport, which runs on the average of $200. Usually you will have your employees fly coach class and purchase a non-refundable ticket because it is cheaper. For the sake of argument, let's assume the average is $400 roundtrip. You then need to add in cab fare to the hotel on arrival or a rental car, the hotel room, and meals. The total for a 2 day face to face session will average around $1500 per employee, and this does not include the cost of the workshop. With virtual training, you eliminate all the travel expenses. If you are committed to consistent skill improvement and performance improvement, you can achieve it with virtual workshops.
Timeliness:
Virtual workshops usually have the most current material and statistical data, unlike some conventional classrooms. Virtual classrooms are living workshops and the information is usually "real time" and most current. Because of the time required to create face to face workshops, the actual facts and information presented could be dated by the time it is delivered. Even more importantly, participants will receive the virtual training wherever they are. Participants could be located in their own homes, at the organization's corporate offices, in conference rooms or even in the local coffee shop. What matters is it significantly makes the workshop and materials accessible by everyone, at their convenience.
Synchronous:
Well facilitated and planned virtual workshops are also synchronous, which means the communication of the material and the dialogue is two way and at the same time. Instructors are able to have all the participants interact as if they were in an actual standard classroom. There is the ability to have two way communications and group interactivity. This differs from a Webinar where you may have a presentation and then, via a telephone conference tie in, you may get to ask questions and get answers. With synchronous workshops you use your laptop, plug in a headset and microphone to increase your listening quality, and interact with your facilitator and other students. There is also the capability to download and save all charts and screens which are used as well. A paradigm shift is the focus is on the learning style of the learner, not necessarily the facilitator.
Concentration of Effort:
With a virtual classroom you can isolate yourself from the workplace. You can concentrate your efforts on the workshop and focus on the learning. If you plan properly there are no interruptions, no one knocking on your office door, no one talking over the important point you are trying to make.
Comfort:
What could be better than attending a class in your most comfortable clothes at your most comfortable location? Participants can literally join the workshop in the comfort of their homes, or if all co-located, in the comfort of a common conference room. Some people may even prefer the local coffee shop or public library. The choice is up to the participant.