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Online training courses provide individuals with access to a virtual classroom, delivering a safe way to continue learning and developing their skills and knowledge. Kelly Mansfield of International Workplace explains how it works
For employers making decisions around employees’ training needs post COVID-19, many remain concerned about bringing high numbers of people into a physical classroom. As a result, the pandemic has pushed the ‘virtual classroom’ to the forefront, which allows employees to keep learning during a time when meeting trainers in-person has not necessarily been safe.
Virtual learning has changed the face of education in so many ways. Developments in technology mean that trainers can now deliver training sessions over the internet that effectively replicate the in-person experience.
A virtual classroom brings trainers and students together, via the internet, in an online platform. Students log in to the virtual classroom at the time that the lesson is due to take place, via a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone connected to the internet.
This means training sessions can be accessed from any location with an internet connection, usually at home or at work.
Well-delivered training via virtual classrooms offers the same high standard of in-person training. It also makes training more accessible for those with disabilities who might struggle to attend a physical classroom session.
If the virtual classroom is being used for compliance, or requires a test of knowledge, learners can get immediate feedback on how well they comprehended the information.
KEEPING LEARNERS ENGAGED
There are concerns that it is difficult to maintain learners’ attention when carrying out online training, but where online training previously meant watching through pre-recorded video lessons, more recent virtual classrooms are live, interactive and engaging.
Simon Holt of Voltalia called the IOSH Managing Safely virtual classroom training he received by International Workplace, “the best delivered remote learning course I’ve come across in COVID times”. He continued: “The elements presented made a good impact and made the course feel really relevant! I’ve recommended this to others in my team to get up to speed with H&S culture.”
The tutor will usually give the lesson live, providing students the opportunity to ask questions and participate just like they would during a face-to-face lesson.
The difference to ordinary video conferencing is that virtual classrooms can offer an added set of features. For example, virtual classroom software can allow instructors to:
- Monitor student participation
- Use learning materials in the form of documents, slides, or multimedia files
- Enhance training with screen-sharing and virtual whiteboard features
- Divide the participants into breakout rooms, which the instructor can join
- Record the sessions
As a result, virtual classroom lessons can be as engaging and interactive as in-person sessions, allowing students to ask questions in real time and participate in group activities.
Perhaps most importantly, a virtual classroom ensures human connection, a vital element of classroom teaching that video-on-demand courses don’t have. In a virtual classroom, students can voice their questions and interact with peers just like they would in a regular classroom.
OTHER BENEFITS
Convenience
One of the most obvious benefits of virtual classroom training is how it can be conveniently fitted in with students’ home or work life. Virtual training sessions can be completed from either home, work or any other convenient location.
Without the location or time limitations of a traditional classroom setting, students have the freedom to learn and engage with their peers, at a time and location that they will learn best.
In addition, travelling to attend training sessions can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming. Completing training in a virtual classroom eliminates the need to travel anywhere.
Time efficiency
Travelling to attend a training session can take a full day and sometimes even require an overnight stay if the venue is a long distance away. Attending a training session remotely only requires students to take the length of the training session out of their day.
Cost efficiency and scalability
Online training can be a more cost-effective option than face-to-face learning; the training sessions themselves can be more affordable than in-person training as they accrue fewer overheads.
For businesses and organisations, putting employees through online training sessions also means less expense as face-to-face training may incur transport, accommodation, petrol and food costs.
An additional benefit of virtual classrooms is that a larger number of students can attend at any one time. Physical classrooms often limit seating to a maximum number. By contrast, virtual classrooms can accommodate higher numbers, allowing more students to attend classes at once.
MANAGING L&D WITH ONGOING HYBRID WORKING PATTERNS
Developments in technology have enabled the creation of virtual classroom learning, allowing students to continue to learn in a world where physical classroom lessons are not currently a safe or viable option. But this isn’t just a temporary substitute while we continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19, it has become a beneficial method of education that will continue to rise in popularity and use.
