THE VALUE OF VIRTUAL TRAINING VS IN-PERSON TRAINING – DEBUNKING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

In this reflective blog post, Hayley considers why some people insist on the superiority of in-person training and, as a result, quickly dismiss the idea that virtual training can be as good as, if not better than, the face-to-face environment.

As working and learning from home becomes the norm, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional models of training and learning are being challenged.

In the digital age where technology connects us all, a debate has risen around the effectiveness of virtual training versus in-person training. People can struggle to adapt to any change, so it is unsurprising this shift has been no different.

Why do some people prefer in-person training?

Human Connection

This is the one I hear a lot. One of the most common reasons people prefer in-person training is down to “the irreplaceable human connection which it offers”. There is an argument that face-to-face interactions foster better understanding, rapport and collaboration.

Hands-on experiences

“In-person training provides immediate hands-on experience”, which is particularly important in organisations where tactile skills are essential.

Fewer technical challenges

“In a face-to-face environment, you aren’t as vulnerable when it comes to the unpredictability of the technology.”

Can you resonate with these?

We could sit and accept these perceived benefits of getting large groups together, making people travel cross-country, leave their families, and waste their energy on long commutes. Or we can challenge these misconceptions to ask ourselves, is there a better way?

Virtual training vs in-person training: challenging the misconceptions

Creating human connection through virtual training

While face-to-face interaction in the main, makes us feel good and part of the wider group, it’s a myth to say that virtual training can’t generate the same feeling.

Platforms now have so many features we can use to generate collaboration and interaction. Most people only access 20% of the available techniques and technology for great online design and delivery. Bad habits creep in which don’t help.

Designing and delivering online hands-on-experiences

How we design and deliver great online learning has a direct impact on how many opportunities we can provide for application.

In fact, by running shorter sessions, in the flow of work, you can argue that the opportunity for immediate application to real-life scenarios is far greater than that created inside a room, out of the real-world context.

Experiencing fewer technical challenges with online training

Who has tried to set up a projector in a training room before? I won’t go down that rabbit hole, but I think we forget about the technical challenges we’ve faced in all environments.

While it’s true that technical glitches can and do occur, with more familiarity, confidence and better broadband now available, this is happening less and less. We need to remove the technical burden from our attendees and design effectively with technical disruption in mind.

So, what is the real value of virtual training?

For me, reducing travel and costs are obvious benefits to virtual training and are often talked about. But the opportunity to provide a more intimate learning environment, one where everyone’s contribution can be valued and learned from isn’t as obvious. If designed well, we can increase the level of participation.

Not only this but what if we remove the four walls of the training room and train people whilst they are working? The opportunity to apply their learning in a real environment increases.

This won’t happen if we keep designing our learning in the same way as we do for face-to-face training. But if we apply a different design methodology with learner participation, involvement and input at the heart of it, then we create some real magic.

NHS Wales’ virtual training was more valuable than face-to-face training

This value came into its own when we collaborated with NHS Wales to challenge the assumption that ‘mandatory training must be delivered face to face’.

In fact, by delivering Violence and Aggression Breakaway training, we could still demonstrate breakaway techniques through thought-provoking activities, exercises to challenge mindset and videos to learn techniques.

A conscious decision was made to move some, but not all, of this training online and the impact on engagement, attendance and participation was considerably greater than previous face-to-face sessions.

Feedback from participants included:

“Different way of learning, and hopefully more to come this way”

“Excellent person to make you all feel welcome and I understood the training better than in a classroom full of 30 plus people”

Let’s not forget the value of hybrid training

This brings us to the value of Hybrid Training.

You combine the best of both worlds – take the value of each and combine the methods to really bring learning positively into the workplace. In my experience, always start with a digital-first approach. Shifting your mindset in this way means you are making more informed decisions about how, when and where you deliver content for maximum impact.

What training is right for your organisation?

A final piece of advice, having debunked the common misconceptions around virtual training and in-person training.

Decide on what training is more valuable to your organisation based on training needs and not bias or preferences.

Consider your current in-person training, does it need to be delivered that way? Why wouldn’t you deliver training virtually? The benefits virtual learning brings to your people and your business must be something to think about, right?

Get in touch to chat about your current in-person training and the benefits of shifting to virtual delivery.