In today’s day and age, everyone and everything is going online. Remote learning wasn’t even possible just a few decades ago. Overall, online training platforms have contributed to making knowledge much more accessible. Students who were previously unable to attend certain classes due to their schedules, responsibilities, or financial status, now have the opportunity to study whenever and wherever they choose.
But choosing an online platform for your training can be a confusing task, so here are eight factors to consider for an effective online training delivery platform. Hopefully these tips will help you make the choice that’s best for you.
What Do You Need?
Before you decide which delivery platform is right for you, figure out what you want to learn. Are you working toward a certification, or do you have an interest in a subject? Many different training platforms offer to teach various skills and subjects, but you really have the opportunity to hone your focus with online learning.
For example, suppose you are looking to learn a specific skill in software development, but you don’t want to study the entire course. Or, maybe you simply don’t have the time for a lengthy course because you’re a busy professional. In this case, you can simply select individual classes and lessons to help you polish that particular skill. This option is generally not available in most traditional classroom settings, so specific online platforms are quickly becoming more popular than courses that are taught in person. After all, you should be able to tailor your education to fit your lifestyle and interests.
Which Platform?
Online learning platforms allow you to discover who your trainer will be before you ever sign up for lessons. Take advantage of this opportunity. It can save you time and frustration. Generally speaking, you can try to get a sense for what the course will be like based on who is scheduled to deliver it. If the platform doesn’t say much about the instructor, do some separate research on the professor, teacher, or coach.
Learn more about them to predict whether their personality, teaching style, and expertise are suitable with your interests and learning style. Delving a little deeper into the trainer’s past experiences and records also helps you to feel more confident about your trainer. It’s important to be certain that your education is being guided by an experienced and reliable source. These are some of the most essential questions you may want to ask about your future trainer:
Who is The Instructor?
Find out his or her name and general age. While this may not seem important, you’ll realize that it is. Your instructor’s age is relevant to how many years of experience he or she may have. Recent graduates often have more technical knowledge than someone older. On the other hand, instructors with more years of experience may be able to offer a more nuanced perspective on the material.
Related Content: 7 Best Online Training Hacks for Instructors
What is Their Expertise?
Learn more about your instructor’s experience to find out where their expertise lies. You can learn a lot about someone based on their background. This will provide you with a more informed sense of whether or not an instructor is a suitable match for the material you’re most interested in learning.
For example, your trainer might be a knowledgeable professional in software engineering, but if he or she isn’t an expert in the area of focus you’re interested in, that may factor into your decision. You can research where your prospective trainer studied, how many years of experience they have, and in which fields they have the most experience.
What is Their Reputation?
Of course, a person’s reputation is also a critical aspect of their reputation. While you are doing your research, pay close attention to personal reviews and responses. Look for testimonials from students and colleagues. Responses and feedback, whether negative, positive, or neutral, are always a good source of information to take into consideration.
While you’re at it, learn more about the reputation of the online learning platform that you’re reviewing. This should be comparatively easy since the platform is public and people have probably posted reviews that are accessible to you online.
Does the Platform Use the Most Current Technology?
Since we are in the digital age, it is essential to consider how technologically aware and advanced a specific training platform is. This can really shape your learning experience. Being technologically aware is not just about running a class online. It has a lot to do with modern innovation, the latest technology, and how it’s implemented to make a platform more convenient for remote learning.
Outdated platforms aren’t pleasant to use. You may spend more time battling tech issues than learning. If this aspect is important to you, take the time to ensure that your platform of choice is technologically up to date.
Related Content: The Online Training Platform: What Works and What Doesn’t?
Content Delivery, Quality, and Management
Once you’ve learned more about the content on the platform and who is delivering it, it’s essential to understand how material is provided. Content delivery is a crucial aspect of any training program that you may wish to look into before signing up.
There are many different kinds of content. These include:
Learner-centered content
This kind of curriculum is always relevant to a student’s requirements and interests.
Interactive content
Interactive content involves a lot of learner interaction to ensure concentration and attention. Interactive content helps promote learning. This kind of content may involve scenario-based learning techniques, graphics, and more.
Engaging content
Specific instructional techniques help develop an engaging learning experience. This content, in turn, helps learners to stay focused and motivated.
Personalized content
This type of content may run at a specific pace based on the interests and needs of the student. Tutors and coaches individually record the progress of the student’s performance.
Decide which content type is best suited to you and see if the learning program delivers it. In addition, take notice of the quality of content that the platform provides and how it’s managed. Is there a library? Do they provide ebooks? What’s their content database like? Are you provided with printable content? All of these questions are important.
What are The Learning Techniques Involved?
Just as there are different types of content, there are also various types of learning techniques that online platforms use. These may include visual, verbal, physical, logical, and oral learning strategies. While all of these strategies have pros and cons, each individual has a specific learning style that works best for them. It’s important to understand how you learn best, and then figure out whether a particular learning platform is utilizing that technique. If yes, good. If not, you may require specific accommodations.
Is the Platform User-friendly?
Online platforms need to have a user-friendly interface. If you can’t understand how to access a class or important information, there is no use in spending effort, time, and money on the platform.
Choose a platform that is simple and easy to navigate, along with a properly-managed educational system. Poorly designed interfaces are inconvenient from the start. Ideally, a training platform has features that make your learning experience easier and more comfortable. These features could include calendars, reminders, test schedules, and more.
Can You Access It Offline?
Possibly the most essential thing to consider about content is its accessibility. Offline viewing is an important component to look at when choosing a training program. You may not always have the Internet available to you. Plus, sometimes the Internet is a real distraction. So, before you sign up, find out whether you can download and access course materials offline.
What is The Length Of The Course?
Not everyone is willing to spend six months learning a particular skill. While some students are willing to devote this much time, other learners only want to polish their skills. Consider the kind of content you’re looking for and decide whether or not the course’s length will work with your schedule and daily obligations.
How are Courses Priced?
It’s especially important to look at the prices you can expect to pay for courses, especially if you’re on a budget. Luckily, there are many options available, so you’re likely to find a course that best matches your needs and your budget.
Contact Us
When you need an online training platform that’s right for you, knowing what you’re looking for will help you make the right choice. Understand what your primary requirements are and where you can compromise. Then, choose the right platform for your personal preferences and needs.
At ReadyTech, we offer online training software and solutions. Contact us at 1(800)707-1009 to learn more, or email us at get-info@readytech.com.
