14 June 2023 Blogs
Advances and processes are constantly evolving across many of the industries that Develop operates in, including utilities and construction, defence, healthcare, facilities management, and telecommunication. Increasingly, new technologies are emerging and ways of working are changing due to advancements in AI, technology and the environment post-Covid. To keep up with these changes, skilled professionals need to embrace a continuous learning culture and that’s where Develop can help.
We offer a range of different training methods including in-person, virtual classroom, e-learning and blended learning, and in 2023 alone we have already provided a wide range of training solutions to over 16,000 delegates.
To further enhance our offering, Develop recently introduced a series of digital e-learning programmes accessed via a learning management system (LMS) called LEDA. The initial set of 64 e-learning courses is designed to focus on crucial areas such as team development, leadership & management, IOSH, and a range of general health & safety courses from manual handling to fire safety awareness.
In this blog we explore the four main learning methods and the pros and cons of each. So whether you’re interested in virtual classrooms, in-person training, e-learning, or blended learning, our blog post will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your learning journey.
In-person learning
Traditional in-person courses allow delegates to meet trainers in a physical learning environment, whether that’s a classroom or on-site and individually or as part of a wider group. This style of learning is particularly suited to social and hands-on learners as they can interact with other people, share ideas and actively work through problems in a practical and communitive way.
In this format, delegates can receive immediate feedback from trainers and peers. They can also feel motivated by a physical sense of community and use this as an opportunity to build relationships with those around them.
Given the hands-on nature of work in the various industries that we provide training for, in-person education is often a necessity as delegates will need to operate equipment and machinery, sometimes under close supervision. For example, several one day courses that we offer such as Utility Excavation (Category 2), as well as NRSWA Reassessment (NRSWA R1) and (NRSWA R2) will require practical-hands on learning where trainers will teach delegates the correct methodology and how to operate machinery safely to prevent accident and injury.
In-person learning can be challenged by distractions from peers and made more difficult by a lack of flexibility due to timetables and the logistics of organising locations and schedules, although Develop makes this much simpler with a variety of options including bespoke and on-site training.
Virtual classroom
Through virtual classes delegates can experience the same training as an in-person classroom environment with the added flexibility of being able to attend from anywhere in the country.
Virtual classrooms are led by our expert trainers, facilitated using industry-leading platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom — and carefully designed to ensure that no significant elements of a ‘physical’ classroom environment are lost.
An additional benefit of virtual classes is heightened convenience and accessibility, and delegates don’t have to travel or commit to accommodation costs.
This form of learning relies heavily on technology and a reliable internet connection from all parties. Additionally, trainers need to ensure that despite physical challenges, all delegates are actively engaged. On longer courses, this can be ensured by trainers providing frequent feedback on delegates work, creating an environment that provokes engaging discussions and giving delegates the opportunity to comment on how their training could be tailored to best suit their needs.
This style of learning also benefits employers by offering a cost-effective method of training that can be delivered from anywhere, meaning that employees don’t need to take extensive periods of time away from work in order to complete qualifications.
e-learning
Digital e-learning allows individuals to learn at the location, time and pace of their choice, often at a cost-effective price point. Additionally, due to the accessible nature of course materials, many industry professionals believe that online learning has made it easier to stay up to date with the latest industry trends. Although e-learning is flexible, this method risks the interruption of technical difficulties.
At Develop, our e-learning LEDA platform has been developed by industry professionals to provide high-quality training courses. For employers, the e-learning platform could be used on its own or alongside our in-person and blended training programmes to supplement your employees’ learning experience and create a full-circle culture of learning.
Importantly, through the LEDA e-Learning system, employers can stay up to date with delegates, keep track of progress, better understand knowledge gaps and development opportunities and evidence commitment to employee development.
To find out more about LEDA, please visit: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/develop-launches-innovative-elearning-courses-to-meet-diverse-training-needs/
Blended learning
Blended learning uses a mix of in-person and online techniques to deliver training. This style of learning can be tailored for each course, meaning that the most effective methods are included. This can include delegates benefiting from theoretical knowledge being delivered virtually or via e-learning as well as attending practical in-person training to bolster and reinforce their learning — leading to enhanced long term knowledge retention.
Whilst many of Develop’s delegates don’t work in a hybrid environment this learning style mirrors hybrid working, in this case delegates will benefit from hybrid training delivered virtually and physically on site. The Office for National Statistics suggests that 52% of hybrid workers said that working in a hybrid manner results in quicker completion of work, 52% stated there are fewer distractions and 47% reported improved well-being. With this is in mind a hybrid learning style could be a suitable option for delegates, particularly where courses include practical assessments such as handling machinery or on-site training as well as learning theory.
Finding the ideal learning technique
Develop understands that everyone learns differently. That’s why it offers a variety of training formats to meet the individual needs of delegates. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, with the vast number of courses available through our LEDA platform as well as those delivered via in-person learning, virtual classroom, e-learning and blended learning, employers can discover which learning style will be most appropriate for their employees and suit business needs in line with their budget and time allocation.
