Musings On L&D-8: Virtual Training vs Classroom Training

While the world has moved to virtual learning because of the pandemic, the cries about its effectiveness refuse to die down. Trainers, Facilitators and L&D practitioners are unsure if all kinds of training interventions can be moved to the virtual format. They are skeptical about the efficacy and effectiveness of virtual learning. Through this article, I would like to dispel all doubts about the effectiveness of virtual training. After all, this is here to stay and not just that. It is also going to emerge more powerful learning medium than learning in the physical classroom setting. Here is why I think so:-

1. Cost Effectiveness

Conducting classroom training could become quite expensive. Why spend so much money on booking hotels, conference rooms, providing for lunch and snacks and arranging travel and stay for instructors and participants? The costs go up further, if it involves international travel, visa arrangement etc. Conducting training virtually can actually kill these expenses.

2. Efficient use of time

Imagine break-out room discussions in a class room training scenario. Though these sessions are useful, so much time gets wasted during such sessions. During break-out rooms sessions, participants get divided into multiple groups and go into different rooms. But they never come back in time. In fact, the facilitator goes into different rooms and literally drags the participants back into the rooms. However, in virtual classroom set up, technology can send participants to and bring them back from break-out rooms at the stipulated time. There are many such instances where virtual classroom can help you avert the time leakages usually seen in physical class room training.

3. No geographical barrier

Virtual training can transcend the barriers of location, time zones, country etc. Participants don't have to physically come together at one place. They can just log in to the virtual sessions from anywhere, any country, any location (from home, office or vacation).

4. Anonymity Advantage

In a physical classroom, if the facilitator asks students how they feel about the class. Generally everyone would give a positive response. But if the facilitator asks the same question using tools like Kahut or Mentimeter, he /she would could get any interesting responses ranging from 'feeling great' to 'boring' 'stressed' etc. Technology can keep the respondents anonymous while they respond.

5. Better attention to individual needs

It is impossible for the facilitator to pay individual attention to all participants. In most likely, he/she cannot answer questions from everyone. At best, the facilitator can take a few questions only. However, the Virtual Training Platforms come with powerful features like chat window, Q&A section, polls etc. These tools, if used effectively, can drive engagement among learners. For example, the chat feature will allow the facilitator to answer questions offline as well.

6. Learning Analytics

Virtual Training platforms provide for great learning analytics. These tools capture a lot of data about participation, coverage, learners interest levels, learner preferences etc. Data provided by these platforms can be analyzed and be used for effective decision making to improve experience and effectiveness.

7. Sustainability

Sustainability is a very important benefit that comes from virtual training. The carbon footprint can be reduced because there is no travel or commute required. You save paper, because you don't need to to print courseware for participants. Therefore, it is not just the economy but also the environment which presents a strong case of virtual learning.

The above factors clearly suggest that virtual learning is a better proposition for organizations. L&D leaders should take note of this. Why are many seasoned trainers and facilitators are worried about the efficacy of virtual training. After all, learning neither happens in the physical classroom nor does it happen in the virtual classroom. Learning happens in the brain. Hence our attention should shift from the format to activities in the learning process that maximize the use of brain.