Delivering training online - What it means for business

Now more than ever, Web 2.0 technologies are having a tangible impact on the way we work. This is particularly true for the world of corporate training programs. With the implementation of Web 2.0 platforms for training, there has been an increase in online learning as an effective way of training employees across multiple locations. Switching to online training within the workplace offers trainers ways to supplement in-person training and provide a more dynamic learning experience.

Traditional employee training methods can often be expensive and time consuming. The success of such training programs can often be hard to measure - the time spent planning and executing the program often greatly outweighs the results. Technology advancements are now enabling organisations to deliver live, real-time training, online with minimal costs and no hassles.

The shift towards online training
Online training refers to an educational program that is delivered online. Both instructor and student use technologies such as web conferencing tools to deliver content, in a virtual classroom style environment. This form of training within the workplace is called synchronous e-learning and literally means "at the same time", involving interaction between the instructor and students via the Internet in real time* . Although still in its early days of adoption in Australia, businesses are increasingly using this form of training to supplement in-person programs, providing a richer learning experience for remote employees and the ability to leverage subject-matter experts from around the globe.

Why the trend?
There are a number of benefits of online training, including the following:

• Online training creates a richer learning experience: Online training offers a blended, more collaborative training experience. Tools such as Citrix GoToTraining are being designed specifically for training purposes, and often include a number of unique features that elevate engagement levels despite the fact that trainees could be dispersed in locations across the globe. Some of these features include an integrated content library that allows course materials to be stored and used online, as well as offering real-time curriculum management and testing options, making it easier for trainers to measure attendee knowledge and to adjust programming on the fly. Trainers do have to think about adapting their sessions for the medium. For example, all-day classroom sessions are not uncommon, but in the online medium, it's best to consider shorter time frames and/or break the content in a few sessions spread across a few days or a week. 
• It helps save time and reduces business costs: The most significant benefit for businesses is a reduction in costs. The travel and logistical costs associated with delivering an in-person training session can often be significant. Online training is a much more cost-effective way to deliver training programs because most of those travel and logistical costs are eliminated from the equation. Also, delivering in-person training programs can often be a time consuming task. Arranging program and presentation materials, venues, transport and determining a suitable schedule for employees are only a few of the many time-consuming tasks involved with organising an in-person training session of any size.
• It eliminates barriers of distance: Today, it's quite common for organisations to operate across multiple locations. Online training is valued highly where distance makes getting people together in the one place at the same time difficult. But nowadays, as the technology has become easy-to-use and reasonably priced, this means people at different offices in the same city, not just people separated by hundreds or thousands of kilometres, can benefit from this form of training.

Evidence of the trend
A survey conducted at the end of 2009 by the 1080 Group found that the use of online technologies such as web conferencing for training had increased by 63% year on year, with web conferencing now accounting for 10.9% of all delivered training. Of the 184 Australian and New Zealand trainers surveyed, most determined that they either currently used, or planned to use online training in the future to 'reach people they would otherwise not reach'.

The changing face of training
This evidence shows that there is growing interest in online training within the business community - and technology is driving adoption of this trend. There are early adopters paving the way, demonstrating value in using web conferencing as one method for effectively connecting more people across distances, subject matter experts and learners alike. And a lot more trainers are catching on.

About the author

H.R. Shiever is managing director of Citrix Online Asia Pacific

*Source: http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art1_7.htm

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