Technology has been critical over the last two years as we navigated the pandemic and found a means to operate remotely. Using smartphone apps to communicate with friends and family, browsing social media, and meeting online with coworkers have all been made possible by adopting technology into our daily lives.
But what about skills development? What is the difference in results between in-person training and online learning? Research suggests that while there is reduced stress around attending online training, it definitely comes with its disadvantages, such as:
- Increase in online fatigue
- Lack of engagement in virtual classrooms
- Certain subjects are hard to accommodate online
- Interruptions due to external factors (family, technology, weather, etc.)
On the other hand, below are the top 3 benefits of in-person training that should be considered when learning a new skill.
- It encourages employees to interact with one another in real-time
Social learning and safe practice in the group with the instructor increases memorization and skill development exponentially. Experienced instructors are equipped to put their audience at ease and help them navigate through the most uncomfortable practical exercises without feeling discouraged or judged by their group. In-person training also allows us to see an immediate response and the results of the participants.
If one subject is easily understood while another proves challenging for employees, instructors can instantly adapt and provide additional examples to make sure the material is well understood. This versatility enables employees to learn more at the same time and minimize confusion.
- It keeps employees engaged and collaborative
While online learning can benefit some people, it can also be problematic for others, especially if the topic does not appeal to some employees. When conducting online training alone, it’s easy to lose focus, get distracted and skip some content. People tend to multitask throughout online training sessions, whether intentionally or unconsciously.
On the other hand, in-person training can be made fun, enjoyable and interactive. Physical involvement and interaction are still the most effective methods of learning. There is much to be claimed for in-person learning, which results in higher productivity, engagement and satisfaction.
- It strengthens workplace relationships
Online training is beneficial in various ways, but it may be an isolating experience. In-person training allows employees to cooperate and communicate throughout the process. It encourages them to build workplace relationships and get to know one another better on the human level. While discussing the problems at hand and learning from coworkers’ expertise, employees get inspired and come up with more creative solutions for the business.
When it comes to establishing relationships, nothing beats time spent together, and it is a terrific method to simultaneously strengthen team spirit and boost staff skills.
In-person learning provides a safe space for participants to ask questions and receive answers immediately, maintaining the confidentiality and allowing employees to sort out their problems professionally under the instructors’ guidance.
It is also important to consider the impact of body language and nonverbal cues in communication. These cues are often lost or misinterpreted in online communication, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications. In-person training allows for the opportunity to read these cues and adjust communication accordingly, leading to a more effective and efficient learning experience.
Additionally, in-person training allows for the use of hands-on activities and demonstrations, which can be more effective in reinforcing learning and retaining information. Overall, while online training has its place in modern communication and skills development, in-person training should not be overlooked as a valuable tool in achieving desired results and outcomes.
Conclusion
With today’s business worldwide shift occurring at what appears to be a breakneck pace, it is easy to underestimate the strength and importance of face-to-face communication. Online training does not yet deliver the one-on-one attention that face-to-face training does. As a result, in-person communication is critical for enhancing engagement among leaders and teams and should be included in every internal communications strategy.
In-person learning facilitates teamwork and learning from other participants. It also enables collaborative issue-solving and, most importantly, networking. Employees meet like-minded people with common interests who can help them further their learning path.
If there is a major behavior change campaign, it is beneficial for the instructor to come in and address the audience to support with detailed and accurate change management practices. Connecting the learning objective to an inspirational activity is a helpful strategy to ensure that the learners remember the important message, whether it is about improving teamwork, environmental challenges, or fostering cultural awareness within the organization.
