In today's dynamic learning landscape, organisations and individuals alike are faced with a crucial decision: should training be delivered live in-person, or online? Both methods offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. Let's delve into the pros and cons of each approach and share my own experience in this regard.

The Power of Live In-Person Training

Live in-person training has long been the cornerstone of professional development. It offers a unique blend of human interaction and immediate engagement that can be difficult to replicate online.

Pros:

• Direct Interaction and Engagement: The ability to ask questions in real-time, engage in lively discussions, and receive immediate feedback is invaluable. This fosters an engaging learning environment where ideas about understanding are exchanged by participants freely.
• Personalised Feedback and Guidance: Trainers can observe participants' body language and tailor their approach to individual needs. They can read the room and decide real time what is and what is not appropriate for the audience. This personalised touch ensures that everyone gets the most out of the training.
• Enhanced Focus and Reduced Distractions: A dedicated learning environment minimises distractions from work or home life, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the material.
• Networking and Relationship Building: In-person training provides opportunities for participants to connect with colleagues, build valuable professional relationships, and share experiences.
• Immediate Application and Practice: Hands-on exercises and group activities allow participants to immediately apply what they've learned, reinforcing key concepts.

 Cons:

• Higher Costs and Logistical Challenges: In-person training often involves booking rooms, physical travel, making it a more costly option.
• Limited Scalability and Reach: Venue capacity can restrict the number of participants and make it difficult to reach a wide audience.
• Scheduling Constraints: Participants must be available at a specific time and place, which can be challenging for those with busy schedules.
• Inconsistent Delivery: The quality of training can vary depending on the trainer and the audience, and people learn at different speeds.

 With this in mind, we have been developing Continuous Improvement on-line modules to help our internal learners.

The Convenience and Reach of Online Training

Online training has revolutionised learning by offering flexibility and accessibility. With videos and text-based content, it provides a convenient and scalable alternative to traditional in-person training.

Pros:

• Increased Accessibility and Flexibility: Participants can access training from anywhere, at any time, and learn at their own pace.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: Online training eliminates travel and venue costs, making it a more affordable and scalable option.
• Consistent Delivery and Quality: Online modules ensure consistent delivery of content, and materials can be easily updated.
• Measurable Results and Analytics: Online platforms provide data on participant engagements, allowing for tracking and evaluation of training effectiveness.
• Resource Rich: Online training can easily provide downloadable resources, and links to external resources.

 Cons:

• Lack of Direct Interaction and Engagement: Maintaining participant engagement can be challenging in an online environment. This is an area where it has been particularly challenging to replicate the “live” experience.
• Potential for Distractions and Lack of Focus: Participants may be easily distracted by other tasks or notifications.
• Limited Personalised Feedback and Guidance: Providing personalised feedback to questions can be difficult in an online setting.
• Technical Challenges and Accessibility Issues: Reliable internet access and technical proficiency are essential for online training.
• Reduced Networking and Relationship Building: Online training can feel isolating, with limited opportunities for interaction with peers.
  
  

Choosing the Right Approach

The ideal training method depends on your specific needs, budget, and learning objectives.
Consider factors such as:

• The complexity of the subject matter.
• The size and location of your audience.
• Your budget and resources.
• The desired level of interaction and engagement.

In my opinion, a blended approach that combines the best of both worlds may be the most effective solution. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each method, you can choose the training approach that best suits your needs and maximizes your learning outcomes.

Some Lessons Learned

Here are some lessons learned from my recent experience of creating on-line content.

• It takes longer than you think!
• Appearing on camera for the first time can be quite daunting, so practice.
• Always try and put yourself in the shoes of the participant.
• Getting feedback on the content is more challenging compared to a live situation.
• Make the content more interesting by varying the media.
• It is more complex to deliver more people involved.