Making the move from traditional training to virtual instructor-led training (VILT) makes sense for organizations, students and instructors. For training organizations, the comparison of in person training vs. online training is particularly easy because switching to online training is an extremely cost-effective way to train students.
In fact, online training is an accepted way to increase an organization’s revenue. Studies have found that roughly half of associations that use technology for learning purposes have been able to increase their revenue from educational offerings. For these organizations, a strong corporate learning strategy also creates a significant competitive advantage. Not only does enhanced learning and knowledge sharing translate into innovative ideas and solutions, but a well-trained workforce produces high-quality products and services.
And virtual training is not only good for organizations. On average, students in online learning situations perform better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.
Many students prefer online training because it offers convenience and flexibility. Students can attend instructor-led courses from home—or attend self-paced training anytime and from anywhere. With VILT, there is no inconvenience from travel, such as missing important family events, missing actual work, managing lost productivity from traveling to training locations, and dealing with the stress of being away from home.
It is clear that VILT is beneficial for students and training organizations, but what about instructors and trainers? Are they ready for VILT software?
Simply put: Yes! And here’s why:
VILT software enables instructors to work from anywhere
In today’s world, work is no longer a place you go. It’s something you do. And nobody has embraced this more than instructors and trainers who have realized the benefits of virtual training. After all, the option to work on from home instead of having to travel or commute to deliver training provide extreme flexibility without compromising any productivity.
Instructors and trainers are comfortable with—and rely on—technology
Technology plays a vital role in our lives. In fact, the Internet is so integrated in their lives that many technology users can’t remember the first time they even accessed the Internet. They are extremely comfortable in the world of digital devices and rely heavily on technology for learning, communicating and entertainment.
According to research from the Pew Research Center:
- The vast majority of Americans–95%–now own a cell phone of some kind.
- About 90% of American adults use the Internet.
- Roughly 75% of American adults have broadband Internet service at home.
- And 65% of American adults use social networking sites regularly.
In short, the average American is used to technology, so with these statistics in mind, it’ is no wonder that today’s instructors and trainers are also very comfortable using technology while at work–as well as at play.
Instructors and trainers are already embracing the Internet Of Things
The Internet Of Things—the concept of connecting every device with an on and off switch to the Internet—includes everything from cellphones and washing machines to lamps and wearable devices. In fact, according to Gartner, 20.4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2020.
According to Forbes, the new rule for the future will be: “Anything that can be connected, will be connected.” And because the Internet Of Things is a huge network of connected things and people, today’s instructors and trainers are already becoming accustomed to relationships between people-people, people-things and things-things.
Instructors and trainers understand the value of VILT software
Virtual desktops are now accessible on all devices using the cloud. This means that organizations can leverage a single technology to provide local and remote users with a seamless learning experience.
According to a KPMG cloud survey report, “the top 2 value drivers from mobile cloud workforce enablement are increased productivity and higher employee satisfaction.” Because instructors and training managers understand this, they have turned to virtual training software to increase their own productivity and improve the learning experience of their students.
Instructors and trainers enjoy working remotely
Do remote employees feel isolated and unhappy? Are they unsatisfied with their working situations? Do they feel less valued? Are they less productive? The answers to these questions are a resounding “no.”
In fact, employees who telecommute are almost twice as likely to love their jobs than employees who work in traditional worksites, such as in office buildings. A recent study of remote working arrangements found that remote workers are happier because they enjoy the freedom and flexibility of their jobs. Having control over one’s schedule and being able to customize work hours to meet the needs of one’s personal life and working style are vital.
In addition, remote employees believe they are more productive when working remotely, feel more valued and have consistent contact with managers. The bottom line is that as training organizations make the move from traditional training to VILT software, organizations, students and instructors all benefit.