Information Technology is constantly evolving and, as a result, many companies are swift to recognise the benefits of that development and use the end result to support all areas of their business – training included.
It’s not surprising that there has been a notable growth in the number of web-based distance learning courses available, and that these are gaining popularity.
If web-based courses are indeed the new way to learn, is there still space for face-to-face learning in the educational landscape?
As noted in last month’s blog entry, Perpetuity Training is, of course, a strong supporter of web-based distance learning (we deliver distance learning ourselves). We recognise the flexibility and accessibility that these courses offer to learners.
However, this doesn’t mean that face-to-face learning is becoming obsolete. On the contrary, face-to-face learning remains a popular method of teaching and education (the school and university systems are good examples).
Furthermore, there are some advantages to face-to-face teaching that are difficult to replicate effectively within a distance learning programme.
While it’s true that distance learning can be as successful as face-to-face courses, this is largely dependent on which distance learning programme you are talking about.
It’s absolutely essential that distance learning programmes offer learners adequate tutor support and that materials are of a high standard in order to achieve success.
Sadly, in the past, the standards of distance learning have varied widely from course to course. However, the overall quality of courses is improving, especially as educational institutions and training companies make more effective use of the new technology available.
The use of social networking media and web-based tutorials, for example, has led to better communication between tutors and learners and between learners on the same course (both of which can facilitate learning).
In summary, some of the key benefits of distance learning are:
- easy access to learning materials: all you need is a computer and Internet access
- accessibility: learners can access courses in other regions or other countries
- practicality: a large number of employees can be trained at the same time
- flexibility: learning can be to built in around existing commitments
- cost-effectiveness: no travel and venue costs)
Why choose face-to-face learning?
Given the wide ranging benefits of distance learning, then, why should anyone choose face-to-face learning?
The first reason is quite simple: some people are just better suited to (or otherwise prefer) face-to-face learning. Different people learn in different ways, and face-to-face teaching suits some learning styles more than others.
For example, some people are nervous of on-line learning options. Others prefer to separate training from their day-to-day activities, and would prefer to attend a short course. This allows people to concentrate on what they are learning without the distraction of daily work commitments/ deadlines.
Certain individuals learn more effectively through hearing and/or seeing rather than reading. Although some distance learning courses have interactive elements, sometimes people simply prefer to be in the room, with a group of people and having a discussion rather than interacting with the group remotely.
Also, some people find it very useful to focus their learning around asking a lot of questions. This is often easier for the tutor to manage in a face-to-face setting than online.
Motivation is a big factor, too. It can be difficult to remain focused on distance learning, particularly when this is completed on a part-time basis. Life becomes a fine balance between studying and other priorities, and sometimes this has a significant impact on motivation and enthusiasm.
One of the biggest advantages of face-to-face learning, therefore, is the relatively shorter time in which training can be delivered. Focusing exclusively on learning can be an exciting and rewarding experience, while it’s much easier to keep motivation high over a shorter timeframe.
Face-to-face learning provides opportunities to learn informally as well as formally. For example, learners often learn from each other. Sharing anecdotes and informal opinions about topics can be useful discussion points.
The spontaneous questions arising from group discussions may also become interesting learning points.
The topic being taught should also be considered when choosing how to deliver training. While some topics are well-suited to online learning (for example, learning the facts about the Data Protection Act), others are harder to teach (such as how to write and implement a data protection policy).
This is not to say that more challenging topics cannot be taught through web-based distance learning, but it would mean considerable investment to ensure the materials are up to standard and learners receive adequate support.
Where only a few people need to learn the more complex skill, it may still be more cost-effective to run a face-to-face course than design and develop an online learning platform.
There are, of course, some skills that are easier to learn face-to-face than via distance learning. For instance, it would be very difficult to learn to deep sea dive without getting a diving suit on and jumping into the sea!
However, it would be possible to supplement the face-to-face learning with some online teaching on theory (ie blended learning).
Security surveying and conducting interviews
From a security management point of view, skills such as security surveying and conducting interviews are likely to be taught more effectively through face-to-face methods or blended learning than web -based learning alone.
There are also benefits to face-to-face teaching for the tutor. Firstly, face-to-face teaching is often more fun! Tutors not only have a chance to use interactive methods of learning such as role play exercises, but they are also able to express their enthusiasm about a subject in a more animated way.
It’s also easier for the tutor to gauge the level of understanding throughout the course – they simply need to look around and judge body language rather than assess the nuances of language used in e-mail or how someone sounds on the telephone.
From a practical point of view, distance learning courses often require a heavier investment in the development of learning materials than face-to-face training.
Interactive elements, such as online videos, take time to produce. Furthermore, good quality written materials are still the bedrock of a sound distance learning course, and authors may need to learn new styles and/or develop new skills to ensure that all material is appropriate to be used in a virtual learning environment.
Maintaining the tutor-learner relationship must also be considered. The availability of tutors, and their ability to respond to queries quickly, is essential to supporting learners effectively. That being the case, it’s vitally important to consider how and when learners might contact tutors.
The bottom line: evaluating the options
While distance learning can be used to meet learning objectives while reducing travel time and expenses as well as other costs, it isn’t ideal for all learning situations.
It’s important that people carefully evaluate the options to determine the most effective way of learning in their specific circumstances, taking into account who, where, how and what they want to learn.
This may mean distance learning or it might entail face-to-face training – or, since they are not mutually exclusive, a comfortable mixture of the two.
Ken Livingstone (managing director) and Amy Burrell (training consultant) are with Perpetuity Training
Further information about… Perpetuity Training
Perpetuity Training offers a range of short courses, including Level 4 professional awards in Managing Security Surveys and Security Management.
All of the company’s short courses can be adapted to meet the needs of individual businesses. Bespoke training services are also available.
Perpetuity Training is proud to be associated with The Security Institute and to be the provider of the Institute’s two membership qualifications: the Certificate in Security Management (Level 3 Advanced Certificate) and the Diploma in Security Management (Level 5 Professional Diploma).
For more details telephone 0116-222 5550 or e-mail: training@perpetuitygroup.com