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How to Choose the Right Training Solution
E-learning versus Instructor-led training
There is nothing like a real instructor in a real classroom face
to face with real participants. If the instructors are available,
if there is a small enough number of people to be trained, and
if they are in the same place or willing to travel, then instructor-led
training is a great alternative.
If this is not the case, then there are a number of issues to
consider in choosing between instructor-led training and e-learning.
The profile of the audience is a big determining factor. If there
are hundreds or thousands of people to be trained, or if they are
geographically spread out, or if they cannot all be available at
the same time, then e-learning may be a better option. However,
if the audience is seriously computer-averse or has limited computer
access, it becomes less attractive.
There are, however, some other considerations. E-learning has
many benefits, but also presents some challenges, as we shall see
in a moment. But first, the benefits.
Benefits
E-learning can be delivered at a much quicker rate; if 100 people
need to take a course online, they can all do it at the same time;
there is no need to block out a schedule.
E-learning can be more efficient, because if the training is
properly structured, only those modules that are needed are taken;
all others are skipped. Likewise, if a particular participant already
understands a section of the material, it can be skipped. This
is not as easy to do in instructor-led training, where everyone
in the class typically listens to everything that is taught.
Timing is another issue related to the retention of knowledge.
If a participant has to take a class when it is given, as opposed
to when it is needed, the chances of forgetting the material increase
greatly. E-learning, which is on demand, has the great advantage
of being right there when it is needed. Also, because it is on
demand, e-learning can take place at the convenience of the participant.
Two further benefits of e-learning are consistency and ease of
maintenance. Since the course content is online and not affected
by the instructor, it is automatically delivered in a consistent
fashion. And if you expect that course material will need to be
frequently updated, e-learning is handy because the course material
is all in one place. Once it is updated, everyone taking the class
automatically gets the new version, complete with any downloadable
support material (e.g., PDFs, podcasts).
Finally, e-learning is often more cost-effective for larger audiences,
and the larger the audience, the more cost-effective it is. It
is more cost-effective because it can reach greater numbers of
people more easily and because the costs associated with each individual
session of instructor-led training can be avoided (e.g., the costs
of instructor’s time, preparation and printing of materials,
time required to prepare for each class, review of post-class assessments,
travel time for participants and instructors, and the cost of the
classroom or conference room).
There are many benefits to e-learning, but there are also a few challenges.
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