E-learning is the rage. It’s convenient, can be done mostly anywhere, and extremely cost-effective. It is a great offering for both small and large organizations alike and can bridge the learning gap for remote employees that may not have access to in-person trainings. You can’t deny the positive consequences generated by exclusive e-learning opportunities. However, no matter how great the content and activities of e-learning, there is still a strong case for live instructor-led training. So before you take the leap to create a total online learning experience, consider the 6 benefits of live instructor-led training.
- Live classes allow the opportunity for individuals to have deeper conversations, which allows a greater comprehension of the subject matter. In e-learning settings, there is limited two-way communication, which means that participants lack the opportunity to practice and apply their learnings, which increases the probability that they will not retain or fully comprehend the topic at hand.
- Live instructor-led trainings create a space for individuals to make genuine connections both inside and outside of their organization. The face-to-face format allows individuals to build deeper relationships as they share their challenges and experiences throughout the class. The setting minimizes awkward conversations and sets individuals at ease as they are all united with a common experience which enables more genuine connections.
- Accountability and Return on Investment (ROI). In e-learning settings, accountability comes in the forms of buttons and mini-quizzes that check the individual’s comprehension and usage. In live classes, facilitators are better able to identify an individual’s comprehension by leveraging group exercises and discussions. If they find that the audience is struggling with a topic, facilitators can modify their approach and provide additional information to ensure individuals understand the content. The built-in accountability offers a return on investment component where you can ensure individuals are capturing the necessary learnings to then apply in your organization.
- On-demand feedback. Live instructor-led trainings allow individuals to share their challenges and utilize the group and facilitator to help solve them. E-learning does not offer an on-demand option for feedback that can support an individual’s instant application. Chat boards, while beneficial can be a great source for collaborative problem-solving but it can take longer to find a solution. Individuals may not fully understand tone and content, making it difficult to filter through the messages to find a solution.
- Hands-on learning. Experiential, or kinesthetic learners can struggle with e-learning content because of its presentation and limited opportunities for a hands-on approach. Live trainings, by design, can support all types of learners. In addition, live trainings allow individuals to get up and move around which can boost energy and retention as they are not struggling to focus.
- Improved retention and engagement. While e-learning is convenient it is very common for individuals to multi-task. They could be checking email, reading the news, or face office interruptions which all diminish the learning experience. Live trainings provide a designated date and time to focus on learning without distractions. Individuals have less opportunities to multi-task and therefore are more engaged with the content which can support their comprehension and application of the content. The retention and engagement is another way to ensure you are getting the return on your investment when you enroll a participant in training.
