Training during Lockdown
It's been a valuable time to consider the use of new learning mediums now that 'face to face' training is on hold. I've been taking some of my own advice to embrace innovation and converted an existing training course for online delivery.
I do voluntary work for Samaritans and during this incredibly stressful time it was important to find ways to complete the induction process for trainee Samaritans. Getting people trained and into the role is helping the service to meet increasing demand.
Having competed the courses over several sessions these are my observations:
The online medium is fantastic for short (90 mins max) , less discussion focused, dissemination of information.
The ability to share powerful graphics is very good.
The convenience of being able to dial in from a remote location means people, who may not have been able to travel, don't miss out.
The sessions can be recorded for review.
Undoubtedly the virus will challenge organisations to think about how they can do all kinds of tasks differently. Already I see online discussion of increased homeworking, etc.
Whilst online training will play its part (and has for some time) in this, its good to have a balanced view.
Having spent most of my career training groups face to face I'd also make the following observations:
The ability to laugh, drink coffee, share heartfelt stories and seek out trainer and peer support during breaks is the backbone of face to face training.
I've been privileged throughout my career to have been approached by people during training (and in the breaks) who have lacked confidence or have been in turmoil trying to resolve conflict. I've spoken to people with ambition who have lacked direction. Others have spoken of desperately trying to make a role successful whilst being aware they haven't the knowledge or skills to decide whether they are doing the right thing.
I have watched their body language during sessions and can often sense when they would like a word.
I've seen people blossom with peer support. They laugh together, share problems and put the world to rights.
Being face to face with people is special. The intimacy and trust that builds is special.
The time will arrive when we sit back and assess what the current situation has taught us.
I hope that when we take action we don't do things simply because we can.
What's your thoughts?
Facilities Manager
4 年Having been lucky enough to benefit from your training on a number of occasions, I can see myself in some of the descriptions that you gave. The peer support. The “approach over coffee”. The ambition without direction. I don’t think face to face training can ever be fully replaced with online learning. However, I think employers will have a sadly different view.
Digital/Informatics Skills Development Manager at Skills Development Network Yorkshire & Humber
4 年I agree Kevin and there's certain training that's better face to face. We need to make sure that 'people' and 'communication' skills are not lost which would be a risk is everything was digital. The feeling we're getting at Skills Development Network Yorkshire and Humber that both have their place and going forwards a mixture of the two will be?used.?
Owner, New Tricks Advanced Business Training Ltd
4 年Definitely Vicky. I think there is a real danger that just because we have the technology to do something, we do it. Regardless of the quality and/or results. I also have a feeling that given the mental challenges the current situation is creating, even the youngest generation will need some face to face discussion and development. An opportunity to talk. A chance to examine their own perspective and approach to work, post virus. They have a huge challenge ahead to make sense of the situation and to develop the skills and mindset they are going to need to support and manage staff. And themselves.