Globally, the COVID 19 pandemic has had a profound impact on traditional face to face learning.
Face to Face has long been the preferred traditional method of education. However, as technology continues to advance, the world offers more ways to reduce our reliance on face to face learning.
Face to Face learning can have its drawbacks. One of the main issues with traditional learning or face to face learning is the lack of flexibility it offers. Face to face learning or training programs do not permit one to learn at their own pace.
This can be particularly challenging with those who have other commitments such as work or family obligations. Second, Face to Face learning can be more expensive than e-learning because it requires a physical venue which would involve transportation expenses, building and utility expenses, teaching staff costs and a host of other expenses involved in face to face learning.
Hence, developing online or blended learning solutions can be more cost effective as it has lower cost as compared to face to face learning.
Another key drawback of face to face learning is getting consistency in training delivery. Trainer’s may come from a variety of backgrounds and have a rang eof different experiences within the industry, so it can be challenging to get consistency in the training delivery. Many industries are also finding it hard to attract and retain good trainers, finding high quality trainers is a challenge across a range of industries.
Ensuring business continuity is another key lesson which many businesses have learned over the past few years. By capturing existing knowledge from subject matter experts and trainers and developing high quality online and blended learning solutions, businesses can ensure their staff or students can still continue training even if an unplanned event forces the cancellation of face to face training.
So the question for any business is, how can we reduce our reliance on face to face learning and adopt a more suitable learning method for your organisation?
Here are some ways you can do to reduce reliance on face to face learning:
Online Learning
The most obvious way to reduce our reliance on face-to-face learning is to move more and more of our education or training online. Online learning allows one to balance their online learning with other commitments such as work and family responsibilities. With the rise of technology, it is now possible to learn at the comforts of your own home which eliminates the need to travel to the training venue or physically attend face to face learning.
Online learning allows you to study at your own pace and on your own time. In addition, online learning saves cost on learning materials like books which needs to be printed or bought. In addition, online learning allows a more personalised instruction through the use of technology, educators and training providers can create customised learning experiences that cater to each individual’s learning styles.
Businesses can develop very powerful online learning experiences by drawing on a range of subject matter experts and embedding the stories of their lived experience in their e-learning package. Businesses who embed interviews, video case studies or reenactments with subject matter experts have a much higher engagement and retention rate from their bespoke e-learning programs.
Blended Learning
Blended learning is a mix of face-to-face and online learning, and it is becoming increasingly popular in schools, universities and businesses. This approach allows students to take advantage of the benefits of both traditional and online learning.
Blended learning can provide a more inclusive learning environment because it can offer a range of multimedia resources and interactive tools that can cater to different learning styles and preferences, making learning more engaging and effective for all students.
The best blended learning solutions combine media rich, informative and engaging online learning content with face to face workshops where students can practise and be assessed on more practical skills. This is a great solution for many industries who need to combine theoretical aspects of training (suited to online learning), with practical, hands-on skills which are better studied to face to face workshops.
A well planned and developed blended learning solution can drastically cut down the amount of face to face training, increase throughput and increase retention levels.
Gamification
Gamification is the use of game design elements in non-game contexts, and it is being used more and more in a range of industries. By turning learning into a game, students are more engaged and motivated to learn. Gamification can be used in both face-to-face and online learning, and it is a great way to make education more fun and interactive.
Gamification may take the form of a competitive exercise between learners, simulation of workplace tasks, conversations or events, treasure hunts – where the learner must locate certain items (either virtually or in a specific location) or integrate a points scoring system where completing tasks or demonstrating knowledge may lead to an increased score.
In Conclusion, reducing our reliance on Face to Face learning has so many advantages. It can make learning or training more accessible, we can have reduced costs, greater consistency in learning delivery and more flexible and more engaging ways of learning. By embracing new technologies and approaches to learning, we can create a more effective and enjoyable learning experience.
To Sum Up
Poncho eLearning works with some of Australia’s top companies to develop high quality, highly engaging online and blended learning solutions. Find out how Poncho e-learning can help create enjoyable and engaging learning experiences. Message us to learn more.
