Online vs face-to-face training

The deputy opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull recently commented on the importance of Australian businesses embracing the digital world.

It comes as a timely reminder for those of us who deliver training courses.

Absorb Environmental, like most other training course providers have been using the face-to-face classroom approach. It has been said that there is nothing better than being able to see the trainer, and the trainer the participants.

However, face-to-face training does have its disadvantages, which include, travel time and work commitments conflicting with the course schedule to name a few. Therefore it is important for training providers to embrace digital media and use this platform to further improve the way in which courses are delivered.

Absorb has been delivering courses online for a number of years. Some of the benefits we would like to highlight include, the student being able to go through the course work at their own pace, it suits the younger generation (X,Y and Z) and as there is no travel time involved, there are no interruptions during the working day.

In addition, we better utilise the time of our skilled trainers, as more individuals can be trained at once.

Results for courses delivered online as opposed to face-to-face have been very positive. In fact, the majority of the Advanced Diploma of Environmental Management course is delivered online.

Meanwhile, the entire Certificate I in Workplace Environmental Responsibilities coursework is delivered online. The feedback to date and results have been great.

I have to say though, despite the benefits of online delivery I am still apprehensive, but I understand the importance of embracing it in order to remain competitive in the market.

Turnbull has hit the nail on the head about companies having to make the most of what new technology has to offer.

I’ll leave you with a comment Turnbull made, “The shortest commodity is not technology, but technological imagination.”