Face-To-Face Or Virtual Training: Which Is Better?
by Liz Seyi Digital marketing managerSorry, this is a trick question to start with. Both have their merits, and both have weaknesses. It is really a question of which works for both you and the topic at hand most effectively.
Virtual training (provided by ourselves using Zoom) is when participants in different locations can communicate with each other through online video and sound. Video conferences are the virtual equivalent of a group of people sitting around a conference table. This form of training really exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic when we were unable to physically meet up. Virtual tools, such as Zoom, allowed training to continue in the safety of our own homes.
The
strengths of virtual training when compared to traditional face-to-face
training:
- Lower cost
– there are no travel costs for delegates or trainers, catering expenses
or room rental costs. Given the current inflationary economic environment
it is fair to say that everyone is trying to reduce costs where possible,
embracing virtual training where possible may be one way to achieve cost
reductions.
- Lower
environmental impact – Virtual events
eliminate the need for any kind of travel making them more environmentally
friendly.
- Greater
attendance – it is possible to draw together
people from all over the UK, and even the world, to attend events
virtually. Widespread participation in this way improves the
cross-pollination of knowledge between Individuals in different offices or
disciplines.
- No close
contact with other people – it
reduces the transmission of pathogens because people are not physically
meeting, hence the 340% growth in this form of meeting during the COVID-19
pandemic
- Highly
interactive theoretical teaching platform – with the
right material preparation and the right trainer, sessions delivered over
virtual training platforms are interactive, inclusive and highly
effective. Each platform has its own array of tools including ‘breakout
rooms’ allowing delegates to divide into smaller discussion groups;
whiteboards where delegates can write on the main screen to share ideas
and concepts; annotation tools to highlight and write on the screen; polls
to gauge an audience opinion or use as a tool to ensure knowledge and
understanding during a training session; chat functionality to answer or
ask a questions; and videos where pre-recorded video or live
demonstrations can be played to event participants wherever they may be.
The
strengths of face-to-face training when compared to virtual training:
- Technology
– Face to face training limits the technological equipment and knowledge
required by the participant, the trainer takes on the burden for providing
and using the technology required. In a virtual environment, participants
need a good computer, mobile phone or tablet with video and audio
functionality and a good Wi-Fi signal to be able to attend the session.
Some participants may have a fear of technology or lack confidence in its
use, which can adversely impact the learning experience. With face-to-face
training this is not a concern.
- Practical
workshops and simulated competencies – during
face-to-face training practical demonstrations and the chance for
attendees to get ‘hands-on’ can be easily built into the training.
Simulated competencies can optionally be added onto most face-to-face
training sessions offered (ask when booking if these are of interest to
you and your staff). Despite virtual training being highly
interactive and inclusive if delivered correctly as discussed above, there
simply isn’t the possibility to deliver practical ‘hands-on’ sessions or
conduct simulated competencies. Therefore, the outcomes desired for
the participants needs to be considered before deciding on the type of
training to be booked.
- Focused
training environment – face to face training is
delivered in a classroom environment where distractions can be managed by
the trainer. During virtual training attendees are in their home
environment. When working from home in any capacity, there are always more
distractions (the washing, kids, pets etc). This too could hamper the
learning experience if the delegates aren’t able to focus on the course
and the course alone.
Which
is better?
The question of which is better between face-to-face and virtual training should really be a question of which is most suitable for the course being delivered and the outcome objectives for the audience. With traditional face-to-face training practical sessions and simulated competencies can be included in a focused distraction free environment. Whereas if wide participation for mainly theoretical content is the aim, then virtual training is probably the answer.
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider including the topic to be taught; the travel required; the diversity of delegates; the quality of the trainer and their ability to teach in the 2 very different environments; the availability of the technology and the participants ability to interact using the technology.
Here at Actionable Intelligence, we are comfortable delivering course content through either face-to-face or virtual training environments. We can offer advice as to whether a particular course is more suited to face-to-face or virtual learning and how best to achieve your desired learning outcomes for the participants, but ultimately your personal preference is important to us…. The choice is yours!
To book a training event with us, simply complete and submit our online contact form today, or give us a call on 0330 133 4195.
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Created on Dec 7th 2022 03:19. Viewed 77 times.