FAQ about online training courses and online learning
Why use Online Training?
Online training or online learning is ideally suited to remote workers and home workers. Also where large numbers of people require training without business interruption.
Because it is available 24/7 and no special facilities are required just internet access and a suitable device. The standard is consistent and learners can go at their own pace without the pressure of a classroom.
The learner progress is easily monitored by the training organiser provided the online course is run on a suitable learning management system or LMS. Large numbers of people can be trained quickly and effectively enabling employers to meet their duty of care for training requirements.
Commodious offer online training courses with free access to an LMS
Why Online Training is better?
Quality and consistency is higher than a standard classroom approach. Trainers can have good and bad days and the training may be presented differently from day to day. Online training is 100% consistent, always up to date, never gets tired or bored and ensures everybody receives exactly the same treatment and information.
Knowledge retention is higher with online learning. Studies show that an average learner only retains 10% of the knowledge from a lecture or reading material. The learning experience from interactive online courses can raise this retention of knowledge to over 70%.
Convenience and cost benefits of training a group of employees without simultaneously stopping them from their work. It has been shown that online training reduces conventional training costs by up to 70% and yet delivers a higher standard of knowledge retention and consistency.
Immediate delivery where a training requirement is identified conventional face to face training can take time to arrange. On line training is available 24/7 with no restriction on numbers and can be rapidly deployed.
What is online learning?
Online learning is different from online training only in that training is usually about acquiring a skill or awareness of a subject. Whereas online learning is usually more about acquiring knowledge of a subject.
It is generally accepted that online learning started in 1996 with the formation of Jones International University and the growth of the internet.
How to make online training effective?
For online training to be effective the course must be interactive so that the trainee engages with the training course not just sit, watch and read. The trainee must be able to go at their own pace and re-visit sections of the course.
The trainee must be able to start and stop the course but return to where they left off. This means that there is no stress to complete the training in one session.
A variety of media should be used, graphics, images, videos, audio and slides. This will ensure the trainee stays interested in the subject matter.
Links to further resources should be provided for the more interested learner or trainee. These should not be in the main body of the course so as not to outface some learners.
All the training courses offered by Commodious feature interactivity, varied media and resources. Plus an LMS system continuously logging progress so users can return to where they left off at any time.
Is online learning accredited?
This question is sometimes asked a different way. As, is an online certificate worth anything unless it is from accredited online training or accredited online learning.
First, some organisations can themselves be accredited to an overall standard or body. For example Commodious are an approved training organisation to deliver IOSH courses. Some of their courses are RoSPA accredited, some IATP and others with ConCEST.
Commodious as an organisation is also registered to the international quality standard ISO 9001.
So the answer is it all depends on what the learning is and the course. Before starting any course you should be able to find this information out.
