What are the benefits of using online training for continuing professional development and staff development?

Online training delivers real benefits for staff and professional development.

The next four benefits are inherent in all online training courses.

Online Training allows you to fit your training around your lifestyle and work schedules.

You meet your individual needs for professional development, and at the same time organizations get better trained staff. But you still have time for personal, family and work obligations.

Online training is web-based so you can log in from anywhere: home, office or when working remotely.

Because you are not tied to a fixed location to complete training, this reduces the tyranny of long distance travel. And if your project or work schedules change, you can still carry out your training online. This is beneficial for both individuals and organizations.

Learn at your own pace and time. Have you ever been in a face-to-face course and thought – This is boring, I wish they’d speed up!” or “Hmm, didn’t quite get that, but don’t really feel comfortable asking a question . . . “

Learning something well takes time. With online training you choose the time and pace that suits you best. You study when it is convenient for you and for lengths of time that suit your concentration span. It’s your choice. Doing your training when you choose to leads to better training and development.

Course costs are lower and there are no down time, travel or accommodation costs.

Online training has the smallest carbon footprint and is the most sustainable learning solution.

Studies show that online training is generally 25% to 60% shorter than face to face training on the same subject. Since the largest cost of any training is learner time spent on training, this makes a big difference to the bottom line and also frees up personal time.

Now take a closer look and make sure you choose online training courses that offer a personalized approach to learning.

Online training courses that are interactive, practical, offer expert support and track your progress deliver personalized training.

One of the best things about online courses is the online community, so look for courses that have an active online network where you can share ideas and knowledge.

Everyone has the same opportunity to contribute, whether you are confident and extroverted or quieter and more reflective.

This makes it easier to have your say and creates a richer learning experience, as you discuss and share your ideas and share in the experience of others.

Look for courses that have been developed by professionals with real-life experience and that provide you with practical skills. Then, when the course is finished you can apply the knowledge you have gained in a practical way.

Does the course teach you the key things you need to know? Does it provide opportunities for you to test your learning and practice your skills so that you are confident to apply those skills in the workplace?

Check that your online training course has a Course Facilitator.

Well qualified course facilitators should be available to moderate discussion forums and help you with any queries. Everyone needs help at times and this one-to-one contact ensures that you are not left in a learning vacuum where you are unsure about any aspects.

Look for online training courses that record your progress, so that you have the opportunity to go back and review your training journey. This enhances learning and retention. It also allows the Course Facilitator to monitor your progress and see where you may need help or encouragement.

At the successful completion of your course this digital tracking system also allows you to print a unique certificate of completion for your records which shows your training achievements.

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