Selecting The Training Method That's Right For You. This past year, eLearning was the talk of the industry, making headlines and shaking up the training world. Now that the hype has settled down, it is apparent that integrated learning, not just eLearning, is the model that is here to stay. Read Full Article

Selecting The Training Method That's Right For You. This past year, eLearning was the talk of the industry, making headlines and shaking up the training world. Now that the hype has settled down, it is apparent that integrated learning, not just eLearning, is the model that is here to stay.

The focus has switched from training products and delivery methods to providing you with choices. You need to know where you are going in your career, assess where you are each step of the way and find the best solutions to meet your goals. You constantly need to be learning, assessing, absorbing and certifying. Your studies will end only if you choose to get out of the field. How you get there is what integrated learning is all about, choosing what and how you learn.

Some of your deciding factors include money, time and your desired goals, as well as how you learn best and what works for you. Let's look at the different choices available when it comes to an integrated learning approach.

Self-study:

In the most basic form of learning, you can purchase a book and study on your own.

Asynchronous eLearning:

Next to self-study with textbooks, Asynchronous eLearning over the Web is the next lowest-cost form of learning. It is ideal when you want just-in-time training by skill or topic level. You can take the courses in their entirety or use the course as an instant reference for immediate answers to your questions.

Synchronous eLearning:

Although Synchronous eLearning is relatively new to the industry, this live online instruction method is getting a lot of attention. You have all of the positive aspects of instructor-led training combined with the convenience of the Internet.

Instructor-led training (ILT):

Instructor-led training is the most traditional form of training and the most interactive.

On-the-job training:

Many companies are able to provide on-the-job training. While this may be an excellent way for some to learn, it may not work for everyone.

The beauty of integrated learning is that you do not have to choose one method. You can mix and match. You might go to a classroom for one course and go online for another. Or you could complement your classroom studies with eLearning, combining the two methods and possibly saving yourself valuable time and money.

The type of courses you are taking may also direct you toward one method over another. For application training, Asynchronous eLearning has exploded as an incredible tool, possibly the best answer as far as price and immediate results. On the other hand, when you are covering a highly technical topic there is a need for equipment, information from an expert and hands-on training. Live eLearning or instructor led training is then going to be your best solution.

While each learning method has its own strengths and weaknesses, using the combination that is right for you will generate the best results.

Specialised solutions

You may take an assessment and discover that you are very knowledgeable on a topic. In this case, self-study or asynchronous eLearning might work for you in that area. If you do not do well, you may need instructor-led training or live eLearning where you can have more instructor interaction and assistance.

To most effectively meet your needs, find a training provider that really ‘gets' integrated learning. You want to be in a situation where you are able to choose and are not limited in your options. Ideally, you want to find a training centre or school that not only offers an integrated learning approach, but also actively practises it. A primary example would be one that supplements instructor-led training with Asynchronous eLearning. The combination of these methods will further strengthen your skills and understanding as well as provide you with instant post-class resource to find the answers to your questions.

As you can see, the battle is not that one learning method is better than another, but that integrated learning is the only way to go. Exercise your right to choose what you learn and how you learn it and you will find your travels along your own learning path much smoother and more successful.

By Craig Chandler

Craig Chandler is the ‘Integrated Learning' Product Manager for Skill Master Australia. For further information, telephone (02) 8234 2020.