In the early parts of 2020, companies around the world had to rapidly shift their training plans away from in-person delivery, and some had to abandon plans altogether. Whether part of an existing plan that needed to be escalated or a brand-new plan, the learning industry grappled with enthusiastic and skeptical questions about the efficacy of 100% virtual learning. Can the virtual learning experience be engaging? Are people going to tune in and tune out? And in hindsight, what have those teams learned?
From both learners and developers alike, a majority of the stories are positive. Many companies and learning teams were surprised by the ways training could be delivered, by the way skills could be practiced, and by how technology could facilitate some of those practices.
As companies begin the return to in-person training, business and learning leaders need to incorporate lessons learned from virtual programs of the past two years.
In-Person Training vs. Virtual: The Battle of Benefit
As in-person training programs begin to reappear, the question most companies are asking themselves is how it compares to virtual training?
In-person training usually requires bringing a group physically together and pulling them offline, often multiple days at a time, and that system has worked well. These types of programs have since been separated into segmented virtual sessions, offered in smaller chunks of time, and can be less disruptive to the business environment and day-to-day needs.
Even though this approach has benefits for busy work schedules, shortening attention spans, and logistics budgeting, there is still an important need for in-person training. When learning new concepts and processes, there seems to be something magical about bringing people together to share the same physical time and space.
And people still crave in-person experiences. In some of our evaluations at GP Strategies, we’ve received feedback that various virtual learning programs were excellent, but the participants also wished they were offered in-person sessions. Learners still crave the informal learning experiences and connections that come with in-person training.
There are priceless moments of learning instructional designers can’t plan for, such as when participants are sharing a cup of coffee or heading to a meal after hours. The connections made can translate to coaching and mentoring moments or building a professional in-house network for future troubleshooting and ideation.
In short, virtual training does certain things very well, and in-person training does too. It’s now time for learning teams to examine the benefits of both and develop criteria for the right blend and when to use them.
Balancing Cost and Value
The cost for virtual training can be lower than in-person training in many cases, but it’s important to consider the concept of cost and value. In-person training can incur costs associated with bringing people together, from the logistics of travel to lodging, food, and time away from their duties. But it can be argued there is a value of bringing people together.
As an example, one of GP’s customers had teams that had never met each other in person because they were all hired within the past two years. GP delivered a cohort-based learning program over a few months. Bringing them together helped to amplify their learning experiences and build interpersonal connections. It also built rapport, relationships, and positive experiences within the company culture that continued throughout their learning experience.
It’s also important to understand that each company is different. Some companies and industries are more on-site-based than others, and in those situations, a fully digital or virtual solution may end up costing more because the technological capabilities don’t exist.
What Learners Need
Instructional designers need to keep the learner at the heart of every program and module. At the moment, learner needs and preferences differ greatly. The learning industry is entering an era of great capabilities and opportunities, but people have been impacted in vastly different ways. Instructional designers and business leaders need to understand that not all learners and not all people are ready to return to in-person experiences. They may not be comfortable, they may not be able to, or they may have a situation going on both in and outside of work which may impact their willingness or ability to participate in an in-person training experience.
Learning and business leaders need to be mindful of these situations and think about ways to be more inclusive in those experiences. When designing training experiences and bringing people together, it’s critical to be as safe and practical as possible in the classroom. This may include distancing, minimizing the use of shared materials such as whiteboard markers, and being considerate.
Leaders also need to consider ideas for virtual participants to be included in those experiences, such as having one or more cameras on the facilitator and in turn having the facilitator be mindful of those cameras.
Facilitating Hybrid Learning Experiences
Learning leaders need to examine their facilitator pool because it has most likely changed in the last two years. Like participants, facilitators are at different points in their journey in their comfort level and their willingness and ability to travel and come back from their pivot to virtual training delivery.
Virtual facilitation and in-person facilitation are similar in some ways, but also require distinct skillsets. Some facilitators were adept at making the shift to virtual learning while others are leaping at the opportunity to go back to in-person learning. It’s up to the organization to recognize that and structure their facilitator pool around those mindsets.
Planning for In-Person Training Events
When planning for in-person training events, there is local variability when it comes to COVID-19. Rates of infection are different, and the rules and regulations have varying requirements. Learning leaders must be aware of those differences in where people are coming from and going. If the venue is off-site, there may be additional rules as well. Also, airlines may have an increased number of delays and cancellations.
These protocols and other variables add an extra layer of logistics for training coordinators. Learning leaders need to build an agile and flexible mindset into training events.
A Transitional Period for In-Person Training
The learning industry is in a transitional period and one that will fluctuate. Learning leaders need to cultivate an experience that is inclusive and build flexibility into learning programs for a large variety of mindsets, comfort levels, and logistical challenges. Creating a safe work environment with built-in flexibility for both participants and facilitators is crucial for success during the transition.
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