Online vs Face To Face Training
This is a topic that I find myself discussing with clients on a regular basis, what is better face to face or online? Well, I think each has pros and cons and then it is down to the client to decide and the trainer to adapt their approach for which ever option is selected. COVID opened the opportunity within the training industry, as many were forced to take the online approach which maybe before they were reluctant to do.
I think it depends on the business, for example I have some SME clients with around 10-30 people to train and as these are mainly people working in manual roles face to face is the best option for them as access to computers to attend the training is difficult. However, I have larger companies with around 200 people to train across 4 different sites across 3 different countries where online is the most cost effective and minimal impact to day to day running of the business.
We also must factor in the environmental impact, as face to face training requires travel and printed materials, whereas online can all be web based with interactive workbooks and manuals to support the training and no travel impact. This is even more significant for larger organisations who may have sites outside the UK where flights may be required as part of that training.
Of course, the connection to the content and the trainer is greater and easier to achieve when face to face. I also appreciate that my subject area is mental health and that some feel that face to face is a better approach in this instance. I really enjoy face to face and can get that ‘buzz’ feeling from delivering training easier and with greater satisfaction when face to face.
However, as trainers I think we need to be flexible and have the ability and skill to deliver on any platform to meet client needs. I have had some of my best feedback when delivering online and I have felt that my delegates still leave the course feeling the positive impact of the learning experience as if it were face to face.
These are some of the approaches I take when adapting a course for online:
· I always send an email approximately 1 week before the course, to give joining instructions but also to ensure that people are getting themselves in the right frame of mind for the course and the fact that it is online.
· Email includes things such as a comfortable area to be seated or stand, hydration, snacks and encourage people to take the breaks allocated and not just stay seated and do emails. I make it clear that this is an interactive session and therefore cameras are required to be on and that I will be encouraging discussion and participation.
· I also keep myself available online to greet and chat with delegates as they join instead of what I have seen before which is to leave everyone in a waiting room until bang on start time. This I feel helps to build rapport with the delegates from the start.
· Another thing I have noticed is that online training sometimes skips the introduction of the delegates, of course if it’s a webinar with many attendees then I understand this isn’t possible. However, for interactive training sessions, I think it’s important so that the delegates feel engaged with the other delegates.
· I limit my sessions for online training to 16 people as I feel anymore would make the training less interactive and more difficult to manage the various learning styles.
· I also make sure that I have a range of activities, videos, whiteboards, chat functions and breakout rooms are important as a lot of the key learning will happen in smaller group
discussions. I always make sure that I have time for a round up when I bring the group back together, this how I ensure that the key learning objectives from that activity are met.
· I also up my energy levels even more so than face to face, sometimes that means standing while delivering or and sit back from the camera so I can use my arms as I would if face to face.
· I encourage people to interrupt me if they have questions and I keep a keen eye on the chat boxes so that I can ensure that I answer questions. Or pop those questions in a ‘car park’ to come back to at the end of the session if I don’t want it to interrupt the flow. Again, these are tips that are similar to what you would do in a face to face training but can also be just a useful online.
· As a trainer practice and become confident with the technology to ensure, it is a huge benefit when you can easily move between activities using various methods and helps to keep the audience engaged.
These are the things that I have found work well for me and from the feedback I have received also work well for delegates and clients. Online has opened up opportunity to further education for workplaces and I for one will be embracing all opportunities that helps me to spread the messages that I am so passionate about.
Thanks for reading
Claire Bennett
Founding director of Hornbeam Workplace Wellbeing
Workplace Mental Health Consultant