Advantages of Online Learning
In this day and age, it is not uncommon to see both online and classroom options available for registered safety courses. Many businesses are embracing the new wave of digital delivery, but several still hold to older training methods. SET Safety is here to settle the debate! Read on for a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of online and classroom-based safety courses.
Time
In-class safety courses require time from an instructor, as well as travel time for everyone involved. A classroom setting also risks no-shows and other hassles caused by rescheduling. To minimize these problems, classes are usually compressed into daylong seminars.
Online safety courses can be completed without supervision, on an employee’s own time and at the employee’s preferred pace. These factors increase motivation, retention and the course’s overall graduation rate. Courses can be completed piecemeal over an extended period of time.
Money
Classroom-based safety courses have a wide variety of costs: wages for instructors and trainees, possible travel and accommodation costs, food and refreshment expenses, venue considerations, the risk of rescheduling penalties and fees and the purchase of texts, documents and other supplies.
Safety courses delivered online only have a one-time investment to register the trainee or trainees. Instruction can be delivered in an existing workspace or even at the employee’s own home via tablet or smart-phone!
Retention
While a classroom may be a comfortable setting for some, many adults find them oppressive or may have had negative experiences. Seminars and lectures are a traditional means of passing on information, but they can be droning or lecture-like in practice.
Online courses often cover the same amount of material as a classroom session in half as much time. This is because direct delivery at a comfortable pace can help the retention rate among students, speeding up the entire process.
Interactivity
Classrooms offer a conversational setting that can encourage questions and discussion, but it depends on the staff, instructor mood and trainees involved. Expensive equipment is often required to boost the interactivity and connectivity of an in-class experience.
Investing in online delivery means you have access to a wide-range of interactive features that are already a part of the safety course. This streamlined accessibility has been shown to boost trainee productivity, retention and morale throughout the process.
AND THE WINNER IS… Online Courses!
By a wide margin, online safety and training courses are a modern success story. Most major companies have left antiquated classroom courses behind by embracing the engaging technology of interactive software. We here at SET Safety are proud to provide a myriad of courses and related subject matter via digital delivery.
If you are considering a transition to online safety courses, contact SET Safety today! Our expert staff is eager to assess your needs and create a customized package tailored to you and your business.