One of the most transformative shifts has been in the realm of employee training. Virtual training, compared to classroom training, has become a primary medium for professional growth and skill acquisition.
This shift to online platforms ensures safety and compliance. It also provides efficiency, adaptability, and scalability. It’s all the more critical for deskless workers. They need robust support when learning new skills.
Dive with us into virtual training, where learning meets innovation.
What Is Virtual Training?
Virtual training is online learning for employees. Instead of gathering in a company classroom, employees access training from computers or smartphones.
Whether at a desk, at home, or on the go, learners connect via the internet. Training materials might include videos, quizzes, and interactive modules. Some can be accessed whenever it suits the employee.
Virtual training blends technology with professional development. This blended learning method has become popular for companies because it saves time and offers flexibility. It’s a modern approach to employee growth and skill-building.
Importance of Virtual Training Courses
Employee virtual training, or also known as corporate eLearning, is vital for companies today. They help employees learn new skills without leaving their workspaces. This saves time and money.
Online training can reach everyone, even if they’re in different locations. It ensures all staff get consistent information.
Deskless workers can also get the training and the skill acquisition they need. Even when their roles lead them to sites out of the office, they can still learn with a virtual training session.
Lastly, virtual training resources can be updated easily, keeping content fresh and relevant. They offer flexibility, so employees can learn at their own pace. Virtual training boosts job performance and confidence too. Plus, it helps companies stay competitive.
In today’s fast-changing world, virtual training is a key tool for employee growth and business success.
How Virtual Training Sessions Benefit Employees
1. Convenience
Virtual training sessions offer unparalleled convenience for employees. Instead of driving to work or staying in the office, they can access virtual learning with a click. They could be at home, a cafe, or anywhere else. They only need to whip out their laptops and phones.
This convenient access gives employees freedom. They can tailor their learning around personal and professional commitments. All they need is a compatible device and a stable internet connection.
A virtual training platform removes geographical constraints and provides on-demand access. It empowers employees to manage their learning experience themselves. This results in more engaged and stress-free participation.
2. Flexibility
A virtual training session provides flexibility as it caters to a diverse workforce.
Deskless employees are often on the move or stationed on-site but outside the office. Without interruptions, they can seamlessly engage with training using their phones or laptops. They won’t have any need for a traditional desk setup.
Furthermore, remote workers are spread across different time zones and locations. But they can stay updated and aligned with the company’s objectives through virtual training channels. This keeps a global team synchronised in its goals and knowledge base.
3. Engagement
Virtual training also has a unique impact on employee engagement. When employees use online resources, they often feel more involved. The reason? They experience less pressure in a digital environment.
Unlike traditional classroom settings, virtual sessions allow them to choose when to engage. This freedom means they can integrate learning smoothly into their daily tasks. They decide the best time for them to focus and learn.
The personalised approach feels less intrusive. As a result, employees may feel more motivated and receptive. You may then see increased engagement and, most importantly, better retention of information.
How Virtual Training Courses Benefit Organisations
1. Design Your Way
Online training softwares offer organisations the flexibility to design tailored learning experiences. With platforms like Cloud Assess, customisation becomes a key feature.
You don’t have to settle for generic, off-the-shelf training modules. Training providers and businesses can create courses specifically for their goals and requirements.
Cloud Assess empowers businesses to craft the training courses they envision. You can easily tweak content, modify the layout, or integrate specific tools. This means more relevance and better alignment with company values. You may even see a higher chance of achieving desired learning outcomes.
It’s training designed your way.
2. Value for Money
Virtual training courses offer outstanding value for money. Software programs receive regular software updates. You’ll receive support and constant improvements to the platform as time goes along. All these upgrades make designing and implementing training smoother than ever.
Tech-driven tools also address potential challenges through other features. Some common challenges in using virtual training will be addressed later in this post. But you will receive solutions and support in areas you have yet to realise are critical.
For example, it goes without saying that you need to train and asses employees. But have you thought of assessing your training designs themselves?
You also have to check your training programs to see how effective they are. Using the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model (internal link here), you can understand how to improve your learning courses. In turn, you can use assessment software features to implement the evaluation model.
With powerful technology in your hands, your organisation can efficiently roll out meaningful training. You’ll then get the most out of every resource spent. It’s an investment that delivers both immediate benefits and long-term value.
3. Safety, Compliance, and Quality
Following safety and quality regulations is indispensable in some industries. But virtual training courses are a game-changer.
Organisations can ensure compliance from the very beginning. You acquaint employees with the necessary guidelines and standards. In the end, you reduce risks and uphold quality.
Besides, you can update virtual courses to reflect changing regulations. Training stays current and relevant. And you can easily prove your organisation’s compliance with the same standards too.
4. Adaptability and Scalability
Virtual training courses shine in adaptability and scalability. Learning is digital. You can easily enrol your employees and support them accordingly. For example, adjust training modules for diverse employee groups.
Moreover, scalability becomes effortless. Once you develop a training course, you can duplicate it. Then, release it to an expanding workforce without incurring significant extra costs. As your organisation grows, your training efforts can keep pace. Employees will then have consistent learning experiences.
How Can You Adopt a Virtual Training System?
Evaluate
Assess your organisation first. What skill gaps and other learning needs do you have? How about future needs? You may conduct a training needs analysis for your organisation and your employees.
Design
Next, you can start creating your courses. You can use existing videos or digital copies of training materials in Cloud Assess. You can easily upload them on the platform.
Enrol, Release, Train, and Assess
Now, you only have to enrol your employees. Release training materials according to your training schedule. And conduct training on-site, off-site, or wherever. Finally, conduct online assessments to test what employees learned. All the benefits of a virtual training program is available for you to use.
Back to Evaluation
Last of all, take a look at your training. Was it effective? Assess it and improve your materials for future adult learning.
Virtual Training Challenges
Challenge 1: Software Learning Curve
Any software needs to be learned. And sometimes, the learning curve is steep, especially when you need more technical support.
Solution 2: Optimised User Experience for Both Employees and Managers
However, programs like Cloud Assess put user experience first, whether you’re an instructor, a learner, or a learning designer. Navigation and usage are simple. It’s designed for first-time users to use without prior knowledge of the program.
Challenge 2: Internet Unavailability
Virtual training programs are often online. It’s one of the advantages of the tech. But once the internet disappears, some software falls apart.
Solution 2: Offline Capability
In contrast, Cloud Assess can still be accessed without the Internet. Employees can continue with learning. All data will be saved offline. It will be uploaded once you have Internet again.
Challenge 3: No Interpersonal Channels
Unlike face-to-face learning, virtual training may hinder employees from interacting with each other and their instructors. This makes virtual training quite alienating.
Solution 4: Communication Features
However, Cloud Assess has communication channels that allow high interactivity. You can message 1-to-1. You can also make group posts. Clarifications or questions can be done over group messaging. All of these help keep learning lively even online.
Virtual Training: A New Tool for Learning and Development
Virtual training is a reliable way forward for employee training and development. It’s flexible, cost-saving, and tailored to everyone’s needs.
Of course, no training delivery is fit for everyone. Companies change and grow. So do the training these organisations need. Virtual training may be one way to boost employee learning and development. However, what you choose must ultimately depend on your organisation’s needs, the lacking skills or qualifications of employees, and overall goals and objectives.
In the end, regardless of the method of delivery chosen, learning and development should produce an agile, competent, and safe workforce.
