The dramatic adaptions we have all had to make to our daily lives in response to the new policies on social distancing and restriction upon gatherings, the world of training and education has changed – perhaps forever.
It’s essential that we maintain currency of skills and keep connected to our industries so that post COVID-19 we can quickly readjust to the changes that have been imposed on us globally. SAI Global Assurance is pleased to be able to support clients online and virtual training options, including webinar and specially structured podcasts.
Online Training
Even if you are tech savvy and you are accustomed to having taken face-to-face courses all your life, it’s understandable that you may be apprehensive about enrolling in an online course. However, online learning undoubtably has its attractions.
Perhaps the most notable benefit of online learning is the provision of a flexible learning schedule and environment which meet the needs of working students, parents and individuals with disabilities. Online courses do not have fixed times scheduled and so people can go about their lives without the fear of missing lessons. Studying online at your own convenience allows you to no longer worry about class location when choosing what to learn next. By taking an online course, you can really focus on the subject you are interested in and choose from the variety of online courses available.
Studying online certainly requires self-discipline, motivation and time management skills as you spend the time on your own without somebody to keep you focused on deadlines. Despite the skills that you learn from the courses itself, you will become more self-motivated, a trait that will assist you in the workplace.
Virtual Training
If you feel more comfortable with having personal interaction when training, virtual or remote training is an exciting option which is gradually becoming mainstream. This form of training simulates the traditional classroom, but the trainers and students are in separate locations while the course is delivered, integrating technology into learning and training. One of the advantages of this method is that learners can have greater access to top-level trainers
Remote training provides a myriad of benefits for individuals, as well as organisations because it allows for, amongst others, flexibility. Courses can be accessed from home or work; independently or in groups. Courses are delivered in bite size increments, usually in 3 to 4-hour blocks of time by an experienced facilitator. Students work together, share information and skills and have the expertise of the facilitator to discuss and review points of view.
Webinars
Signing up for a webinar is an excellent way to stay connected to industry and learn about current or emerging issues. The webinars are usually delivered within an hour, are cost effective and are an excellent way to enrich your knowledge about a given topic. Often webinars are recorded, and the information is made available to all those that register.
Many online and virtual courses offer recognised units of competency which in turn offer a pathway to more formally recognised qualifications. These qualifications can increase your employment opportunities and enhance job satisfaction and importantly provide you with a sense of achievement.
The potential benefits of online and virtual learning include the increased access to vocational courses which provide high quality learning opportunities, improving student outcomes and skills. There are probably many more advantages. The point is that we live in an ever-changing world that is ripe with new opportunities. The ability to gain knowledge and information or a new skill whenever you want and wherever you want, offers far greater opportunities for education than ever before. The developing scope and reach of training opens up possibilities perhaps never imagined before!