As kids head back to school and workplaces decide whether they want to open office buildings back up, switch to a hybrid model, or stay remote, it’s time to take stock of virtual learning. Did it work? What lessons were learned during mass implementation that could help teams make the most of this training strategy in the years to come? What are the pros and cons of virtual learning?
Did Virtual Learning Work for Schools and Students?
Research in 2020 and 2021 found that virtual learning can work for students, teachers, and schools – but only with the right set-up. Many schools had different outcomes depending on how well equipped they were to make the switch to remote learning. Some students didn’t have the equipment or support at home to be able to complete their coursework. It was also found that while some students thrived under the remote learning experience, others struggled.
Overall, the switch came on suddenly, and many schools, teachers, and students were unprepared for the overnight change. There was no plan for many districts, which caused virtual learning to not work as well as it could have. A detailed and well thought out strategy that’s based on this experience and research though could be the difference-maker going forward for students and teachers alike.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Virtual Learning and Training?
When it comes to virtual learning and training in the workplace, there are definitely pros and cons that are worth mentioning and considering for your business.
Pro: More Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits that comes with virtual training (and remote work overall) is the flexibility it provides. Employees can complete their training when it fits in their schedule and at their own pace.
Pro: More Convenience
Another benefit that comes with virtual work is the convenience it provides. Your team members can work on their training sessions from anywhere, whether they’re in the workplace, at home, or out of town.
Pro: It’s Cost Efficient
Virtual training also has benefits for the business – it’s cost efficient. You don’t have to shell out cash to pay for hotel rooms or other travel expenses, and you’ll also reduce the idle time of your employees during the lessons.
Con: There Can Be Tech Problems
One of the biggest downsides of virtual learning that is worth mentioning is the potential for technology problems. Not all of your employees may have the resources available to complete the work, for example. You’ll also need a network and programs that are able to support the workflow and content delivery.
Con: Not All Employees Will Thrive
As with virtual learning for students, virtual training isn’t for every employee out there. It’s important to provide the resources your team needs and benefits from the most.
Con: Cybersecurity is a major concern
As with any online resource or tool, businesses need to give thought to cybersecurity. Employees and the company as a whole need to be protected from hackers and cyberattacks during any activity online, and that includes virtual training.
How Can You Make the Most of Virtual Training?
One of the best ways businesses (and their employees) can make the most of virtual training is to come up with a strategy. This plan should include detailed outlines of what the sessions will teach, but also how your business will tackle:
- Cybersecurity issues and concerns
- Tech issues
- Employee support for remote learning
- Ensuring employees have the technology to attend virtual lessons
- Making sure employees complete their training
- The gaps in the current training strategies
Written and detailed strategies will be your company’s best friend during virtual learning and help ensure all the targets are being met when it comes to compliance, productivity, and efficiency.
How Can Shea Help with Virtual Learning and in-person Training?
Did you know we can help your company make the most of virtual training while also offering online lessons for your team?
We Can Assist with Your Training Strategies
Shea Writing & Training Solutions offers training and instructional design to help ensure your company is filling in the gaps and making the most of online and in-person training. We offer assessments, analyses, delivery solutions, instructional development, and more so that your business can meet the needs of customers while keeping employees properly trained and up to date for their individual roles.
Shea Capability and Compliance Solutions (SheaCCS) can also work to make sure your up-and-coming workforce is prepared to properly tackle their jobs. Through these services, our team will assess standards, design systems that support your workers, and offer strategies that deliver the training and coaching your employees and business need.
We Offer Online Courses and Training
Our Technical Writing Workshop is dedicated to helping you and/or your employees learn the ins and outs of technical and business writing. Using your own work-related documents, you can take what you learn in our course and apply it directly. These courses are designed for project managers, engineers, business managers, operations specialists, and more.
Virtual learning and training, when done right, can be extremely beneficial and convenient for students and employees alike. It’s also a boost for your business – you’ll save time and money, while improving efficiency and productivity. However, it’s essential to get it right – the wrong approach could be detrimental to your bottom line as well as your team members.
Want to get virtual training right on the first day? Then our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today to begin with an assessment of your current gaps and needs when it comes to online learning in your business and industry.
