Covid-19 has forced many people to embrace other methods of training and communicating. The face to face classroom is no longer the only way to learn. Many businesses are now resetting their methods of training as we have seen with the universities. However, some people are resistant to change and want to keep the status quo. It is a bit like the swing away from cheques to online or mobile phone banking. Some just will not do it.
However we all know that now some banks are no longer accepting cheques and when we do receive a cheque it is not an easy option to bank it. Is training going to go the same way? I believe it will and whether we like it or not, it is the way of the future.
Zoom meetings and training have mushroomed over recent months, with many people using zoom in a variety of ways to communicate, be it for training, running meetings or for catch ups with families and friends.
So, what are the advantages of online training as opposed to face to face training?
- Can be done anywhere anytime
- All learners get the same information
- No travel required
- Annual leave is left untouched
- Staff don’t need to be replaced to let one staff member off to attend training
- Easier to get multiple members of staff trained at the same time
So, what are the disadvantages online training
- Option for discussion is reduced but not impossible
- Unable to network with people from other facilities
- Less cost effective as may only send one person instead of many
- Cost of travel, time off and replacement of staff to attend
The feedback we got from the online learners at the clinical update has been very positive. Being able to attend Online Real Time and the Recorded options for the Clinical Update ticked all the advantages listed. I have found also that people using Care Training Online get positive result. I know it takes a shift in mind set to go online as opposed to face to face learning. We all don’t like change that much as I said, but once we get past that block it is easy. I remember when I first started using a projector for training. It really scared me but now it is dead easy and I wouldn’t be without it. When I started using Zoom I messed it up but now I really like it. We just have to practice, be bold and try something new.
So, give online a go. With some encouragement from you for your staff, it could save you not only a lot of time but also a lot of money too. On top of that that your residents will get great care. What a bonus.