Knowledge, Skills, Attitude – Can Online Training Facilitate All?

As the world progresses, so does technology. While the concept of online training was once a luxury, this is not the case anymore. The industry has grown considerably over the years, especially since 2020.

Nowadays, people of all ages and walks of life are benefiting from this type of learning. According to the study by Statista 65% of teaching faculty believe that digital learning is a more effective way of spreading knowledge, while 81% of students have found that digital training and online learning have actually helped them improve their grades.

This gives rise to a very pressing question; can online training really facilitate all? Is it a universal cup of tea, or are there some people and some industries that won’t benefit as much from the concept? In this article, we will discuss just how effective online training and eLearning really are for developing different skills, improving knowledgeability, and enhancing synergy across learners for a better tomorrow.

Can Online Training Facilitate All?

While online training can be a great way to learn new skills, it is important to remember that it may not be the best option for everyone. There are people who find the traditional learning model more effective, while others may require a more modern approach. There are a wide range of learning techniques and processes, each addressing a different requirement.

There are a few things that learners need to consider taking before they decide whether online training can facilitate them. Managers need to keep these factors in mind and their workforce preferences when authoring eLearning courses.

First, you need to think about the prevalent learning style and the company culture. Do people prefer to learn in a hands-on environment, or do they prefer to read and absorb information?

Next, it is important to consider if the learning experience is extensive enough to impact one’s schedule or not. If it is, people may not always have the time to commit to your course.

Online training offers better versatility than physical classes and, therefore, may be better suited in such an environment.

Motivation is another very important consideration here. Is the course for personal or professional development? Is it one that people are looking forward to? Is it compulsory or optional? What is the eLearning course targeting; knowledge expansion, skill development, upskilling or reskilling.

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Importance of Online Training for The Future

As mentioned above, the future seems to focus on online learning models more because of their versatility and general ease of access. Online courses have proven themselves to be a great way to learn new things and stay updated with the latest developments in a wide range of industries.

However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges that come with this type of learning. With dedication and effort, learners can successfully complete an online course and reap the benefits that come with it. 

For the most part, online training is extremely versatile and can be used to teach a variety of subjects. In a world where different industries are coming together (multidisciplinary industries), it is important to get used to the rapid evolution of knowledge-providing material.

Another benefit of online training and eLearning is that it can be done at one’s own pace, unlike traditional models of learning. Most people have a busy schedule nowadays and therefore require a learning model that can be reshaped according to their schedule.

Furthermore, eLearning and online training also allow rewatching and reviewing materials as many times as needed to fully understand the concepts.

Online training further allows learners to be exposed to a much larger pool of instructors and expertise, hence learning more. This offers authors and learners a better ROI altogether.

The Downsides

Of course, online training is not perfect as it is, which is why it may not be suitable for everyone. One downside is that it can be easy to get distracted when learners are not in a physical classroom. It is important for them to set aside dedicated study time and create a quiet, distraction-free environment if they want to get the most out of the online course.

Additionally, online learning can sometimes feel isolating. If you are used to working with other learners in a traditional classroom, you may miss the social interaction that comes with that. This is why online courses that offer forums are important, as they allow learners to connect with their peers.

How Online Training Can Facilitate Learners

Online training and eLearning can be a great way to learn new skills, knowledge, synergy, motivation, and more. Initially, it may not be suitable for everyone, but with a bit of dedication and effort, it has been found that the model can successfully facilitate the newer generations than older ones (such as Baby Boomers or Generation X).

1. Online Training for Time Management Skills

Online training can help with a lot of things. It can be used to improve cooking skills, business knowledge, or even time management skills. Time management is a critical skill and a basis for almost every other skill.

In fact, it is a well-known fact that online training models are more successful for reskilling and upskilling and can help improve employee morale much more cost-effectively!

For improving time management skills, some people prefer to use a more structured system, while others prefer to be more flexible. No matter what the approach is, online training can be easily tailored to help learners hone their skills, understand their importance, and improve time management.

Online training for time management skills starts by offering learners a set structure to follow. For those struggling to keep track of time, having a set schedule can be extremely helpful. Online courses can be regularly updated to help individuals learn newer techniques for managing time.

Of course, online training is not the only way to improve time management skills. There are a lot of books and other resources that can help as well. However, for people who prefer a more interactive and active way to learn, online courses can be a great option.

2. Online Training for Facilitating Motivation

It is not uncommon for people to lack motivation when it comes to learning new things. This can be especially true when taking online courses. The primary problem people face is that of distractions. The interactive nature of online learning can facilitate people’s focus and concentration, hence shielding them against distractions.

3. Online Training for Facilitating Synergy

When working with others, it is important to be able to create synergy. Synergy problems are more evident in physical classes than in online environments. Synergy is when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, when working with a team, each member should be able to contribute their own unique skills and knowledge in order to create a successful outcome.

In physical training or physical classes, all it takes for damaging synergy is one student not focusing or making jokes. This is not the case in online training, as people may choose to avoid other learners during sessions or take individual classes altogether.

This creates a better synergy between the teacher and the learner, hence improving the learner’s focus and their ability to connect with the ultimate goal of the training. This improved synergy can be very evident in the medium-term, hence creating a collaborative learning environment throughout the organization.

4. Online Training for Facilitating Communication

One of the most important skills that you can learn online is how to communicate effectively. According to the Journal of Medical Internet Research, it has shown that medical students saw a much higher degree of communication improvement from online training than from physical sessions. This happens because online training does NOT rely on body language or other nonverbal cues but instead allows people to be more vocal.

This gives learners a confidence boost, not only during the session but after it as well. This is a benefit that everyone attending the online training or eLearning course can benefit from.

5. Online Training for Addressing Technophobia

Technophobia is the fear of technology. This can be a major barrier for people who want to take an online course. After all, if people are afraid of technology, it can be hard to use the tools that they need to perform in real life.

Online training and eLearning courses familiarize learners with technology and improve their comfort level, hence giving people a better sense of when to ask for help. Furthermore, the concept of microlearning makes it easier not only to learn about the technology but also offers a better learning experience empowered by technology.

It’s a Wrap!

While online training may not be everyone’s cup of tea all the time, it is important to note that based on the current rapidly evolving and fast-paced world, it may actually be better suited. This is why organizations should motivate individuals to give eLearning a try and get used to it for their own good.

The future currently seems to be all-online, and people who do not get used to online training and eLearning may find themselves struggling to keep up with the times if they stick to the traditional learning models.

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