Going Back to Basics: Online Training vs Offline Training

In this blog Carrie Roberts, Training Team Leader at Bond International Software, discusses the benefits of online and offline training.

Training is no longer limited to the classroom. With an increase in web-based learning technologies, such as interactive webinars, companies are inundated with different ways to train their team members. Amongst the mix is traditional face-to-face training, which for some learning styles is still the most effective way to train.

With pros and cons for all training formats, mainly depending on the learner’s preferred learning environment, companies need to look at having a blended training approach to ensure that the training available is the most efficient it can be – both from a time and financial perspective.

Technology has transformed training. Where once a disparate process, team members can now be trained online in different continents, through one training session, at one time. With the tools now available online via webinars and live Q&A, trainees are no longer tied to the classroom and can benefit from a flexible approach.

This flexibility brings significant benefits to businesses that want to ensure all team members are trained to the right level, and at the right time. By addressing individual training needs when training an employee, the process is smoother and more efficient as the content is presented in a format that is easy to digest for the individual and will ultimately result in a wider cost saving for the business.

Popular for matching many learning styles, the benefit of online training is that it is interactive and engaging for the learner. With live webinar online training sessions the learner can have the opportunity to ask questions during the session and receive a high level of support from the training team.

Businesses are increasingly focused on the bottom line and after spending time, money and effort in either installing a new piece of software – or alternatively in hiring a new member of the team – focusing on the how, what and where are still important questions to ask when looking at training requirements.

Understanding how the specific team member learns best, whether by a one-to-one, face-to-face or in an online environment, is a wise first step to take. Next, looking at what tool best suits that individual – for example a training session or webinar; and finally where, whether it’s online or offline.

Click here if you would like to find out more on how Bond International Software can provide support and training.