Is online training enough, or do employees still need face-to-face courses?
Now live online learning has progressed quite a lot over the last 5 years mainly to the C word, Covid. Where we needed to move all meetings and training online to keep our businesses functioning, even those of us that were furloughed could attend online training. BUT 5 years on where is training in your business, still online, back to in person or both! How do you and your team like to learn?
In-Person Training vs. Online Training: Which is Right for You?
Training and professional development have evolved dramatically over the past decade. With the rise of digital platforms, learners now have more options than ever—traditional in-person training or live online training. Each approach have unique strengths and potential drawbacks, and the best choice often depends on a person’s learning style, goals, and lifestyle.
In-Person Training
- Hands-On Experience
In-person training offers immediate access to instructors and practical, hands-on learning opportunities. For fields that require physical skills (like healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, or trades), face-to-face guidance is invaluable. - Networking Opportunities
Sharing a classroom with peers fosters collaboration, relationship-building, and spontaneous discussions that often lead to new perspectives and professional connections. - Structured Learning Environment
For those who thrive on routine and accountability, in-person training provides a set schedule, fewer distractions, and a focused environment.
Challenges of In-Person Training
- Less flexibility with time and location.
- Travel and accommodation costs may be involved.
- Limited to the instructor’s availability and the physical setting.
Live Online Training
- Cost-Effectiveness
Online live programs often come at a lower cost compared to in-person training, with no travel expenses or physical materials required. - Networking Opportunities
Sharing a live classroom with colleagues and others around the world, can help build strong relationships. - Wide Range of Resources
Within the live online training, there might be interactive simulations to discussion forums and quizzes, online platforms offer diverse content formats to suit different learning preferences. You can set transcript online to help you keep track of what is said. All workbooks or resources can be added into the chat function, instead of remembering to email them later.
Challenges of Live Online Training
- Less flexibility with time.
- Trainers or delegates internet could go down.
- Can’t always interact with the person that you want too, without everyone knowing!
Blended Learning: The Best of Both Worlds?
Increasingly, organisations and learners are turning to blended learning—a mix of in-person and online training. This approach combines the structure and interaction of face-to-face sessions with the flexibility and accessibility of online modules. It allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge in person while continuing their education digitally at their own pace.
So, Which Should You Choose?
- If you value direct interaction, structure, and networking, in-person training may be the better choice.
- If you value Solo learning, structure, and affordability, live online training may be the better choice.
- If you need flexibility, affordability, and access to diverse resources, online training could be the way to go.
- If possible, consider blended learning for a balanced approach.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to you or your team’s learning style, career goals, and personal circumstances. The good news? There’s no “one-size-fits-all.” With today’s options, you can tailor your learning journey to what works best for you or your team which is why we offer both. If you would like to explore training solutions for either yourself or your team please get in touch or click the link https://claritashrandtraining.com/learning-and-development/ to find out what training we have coming up ………
