Online learning has significantly increased since the first COVID lockdown in spring 2020, and this trend has continued. Video-conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom have experienced heightened usage as people continue to work from home. These platforms offer an alternative to in-person learning, enabling employers to connect with colleagues remotely.
We quickly adapted to these platforms and appreciated their ease of use, availability, and adaptability. Online learning has allowed people working from home or on leave to make productive use of their time by enhancing their skills and knowledge through available courses. This has led to a substantial increase in the uptake of additional classes, including ones developed recently to meet the demand, such as Workforce Training’s COVID-19 and COVID-19 Secure, as well as mental health and well-being courses.
However, the credibility of online qualifications has previously been a concern, especially when the qualification is obtained from an unaccredited organisation. This has raised issues during workplace audits and inspections. Workforce Training’s online courses are all endorsed by Highfield Qualifications.
While online training is more accessible and convenient, face-to-face training may be a more practical option as the world has returned to normal. The way people work has changed dramatically. Many more people continue to work from home or several days at home and attend a central point, only sometimes an office. Many employers value the advantages of face-to-face training due to its strong roots in the learning process.
However, the credibility of online qualifications has previously been a concern, especially when the qualification is obtained from an unaccredited organisation. This has raised issues during workplace audits and inspections. Workforce Training’s online courses are all endorsed by Highfield Qualifications.
While online training is more accessible and convenient, face-to-face training may be more effective when the world returns to normal. Many employers value face-to-face training’s advantages due to its strong roots in the learning process.
Engagement and Focus
Online learning involves watching a video stream playback and reading texts and presentations. Many distractions can affect the learning process unless self-discipline and focus are strong enough to ensure the learner is not distracted and always pays complete attention. Some people using online learning may subconsciously ‘multi-tasking’ while doing the course, affecting the knowledge gained from the online course.
When attending face-to-face training, usually in a classroom, many tutors use interactive activities such as group work to keep everyone involved and engaged as the activities, which retain attention and involvement, encouraging better learning and knowledge retention.
Discussion
An important factor we often forget about when completing online learning is the importance of human interaction during the learning process. Many memorable things can come from being in a room with others wanting to learn, such as discussions and debates on the subject. This results in learning from others and discussing different ways things are done. When you have a common ground, it is easier to interact with new people working in a similar job role.
One-to-Ones
Every learner is different. Some are very independent because if they have a problem, they will eventually solve it themselves. However, many learners need to be shown or have something further explained because they need help understanding it. Learning in person lets the tutor provide one-to-one support more quickly than online learning.
Adaptability – keyword “bespoke or customised training courses.”
Workforce Training offers bespoke or customised training, which is an excellent opportunity as it allows employers to release learners to learn precisely what they need to know, which is a much more efficient approach. If required, face-to-face courses can be adapted to the employer’s and the learner’s needs.
Suppose something goes wrong while online, whether it be something as simple as not knowing the meaning of a word or phrase or just simply not understanding the concept of something. This can lead to distractions starting. If a question arises during a face-to-face course, the tutor can be asked to explain it again so that the subject is understood.
Fully Accredited Online Learning
Having said all of the above, online learning continues to develop and improve and offers genuine benefits to employees who need to build their knowledge. Online training has become increasingly demanded by employers and individual learners, a common substitute to classroom-based learning, with the backing of reputable Awarding Organisations to ensure high standards and consistency.
Workforce Training is an approved centre for Highfield Qualifications to meet this demand. Our website has a range of online courses, which are amazingly easy to access. These online courses include the viral Level 2 Food Safety in Manufacturing.
Discounts are available for the purchase of a large number of courses.
Online learning has several benefits, such as increasing flexibility and accessibility. Our online courses have high-quality video and an increased level of interactive activities. See examples of the courses on our website, contact Philip Wadsworth on my mobile at 07764789450, or use the easy, convenient contact form.
