As I was typing the heading of this article I named it the future of training with the thought of discussing how the technological development of the past decade WILL make trainers' and students' lives easier. The reality is it already HAS and in this article I will share my experiences on how I adapted to change and used technology to my advantage.
When I started working at DataSaint more than 2 years ago we offered one type of training and that was classroom training. The training was presented at the client's site or in our training centre (Pretoria). Classroom Training is the most effective type of training after one-on-one sessions, but we required an alternative solution that will make training more COST EFFECTIVE and CONVENIENT for the client. It didn't require much brainstorming, the answer is an obvious one, online training.
Before I get into the benefits of online training, first a personal story that most of us can relate to in one way or another. I have a strong bond with my parents, unfortunately I live far away from home. The occasional Skype session brings me to them wherever they are. What does this have to do with training you might be wondering? Everything! If brings students to you and you to the students and makes it JUST as effective as classroom training.
Except for the effectiveness of online training I have experienced since we started, here are some other benefits:
· COST SAVINGS. Just saying it makes executive committee members excited. With accommodation and transport costs, on-site training becomes real expensive, real fast! But there is still a place for on-site training in this day and age, in the case of initial/implementation training, or training where distance isn't really a factor. For everything else there is the internet alternative.
· TIME SAVING. Related to the first point, time is money. Time spent getting VISAs ready, making bookings, travelling is money out of the bank. Online training is FAST and effective.
· CONVENIENT. Nothing more convenient than sitting in your Hawaiian floral swimming trunks in front of a camera with your best shirt and tie on presenting training. Oh, and it is also convenient for the people attending! Training can be split up into short sessions to allow people to get their work done and receive training on the same day. Still not convinced?
· IT IS FREE, well, at least the applications used are free, fro example Skype. You are able to share your laptop screen with a picture in picture video to not break the immersion of receiving an interactive training experience.
We developed an online academy site, where you can attempt assessments after the training and earn certifications! Online and on-site training is a daily adventure and I discover new things every time. Keep an eye out for my next article covering, why revision in training is so important for storing knowledge learned into those long term memory banks.
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