Nowadays, training can happen in two ways: one is in the real-world while the other is in the digital realm. If traditional classroom learning has elearning, hands-on training has virtual training. As you can see, your option will be between learning in the real-world or through a representation in the digital realm.
The thing is, it really does not have to be a choice between the two. These learning strategies can support each other. You just have to understand what makes them beneficial so you can use both to complement each other. Armed with this knowledge, you can now make smart decisions when it comes to choosing which strategy should be used based on your training goals.
One thing is for sure, you need to seriously contemplate how you can take advantage of virtual training in your corporate initiatives. The world of learning is evolving and that includes the needs of the company. Technology is one the changes that the company has to keep up with. Virtual training is one of the developments in technology that you need to take advantage of.
Here are some of the advantages of online training simulation compared to the traditional hands-on training.
Education becomes fun. This is what makes this type of learning really motivating – the gamification element. You will learn through the simulation. The fact that you are role-playing and it all happens on screen is more exciting than actually doing it. Not only that, there is the element of winning. When you complete the simulation, the training program will evaluate your performance through the decisions and choices that your character made. If it turns out that you made all the right choices, then there is a feeling of accomplishment.
There is something new and personalized. Another advantage is that this is basically something new for everyone. The immersion in the simulation is something refreshing. A more sophisticated virtual training program will allow learners to customize their characters. This will make the experience more personalized and thus more meaningful – especially for the new generations.
Learning from mistakes. The best lessons are found in our mistakes. This is something that virtual training can help with. Since everything happens in a simulation, learners are not afraid of making mistakes. They can simply re-do the simulation and make different decisions. There is no harm done and they will learn the consequences of their mistakes.
Flexibility is possible. We are referring to the ability of learners to access the training program. Since this is an online material, learners have the freedom to choose when and where they will go through the training. This makes it possible for more people to access the program and benefit from it.
More cost-efficient. The flexibility does not only come with convenience, it also comes with being economical. Since everything happens online, you do not have to worry about paying for a venue and the computer terminals that the learners will use. The learners will use their personal devices. Once the online material is ready, you might not even need an instructor to be available all the time.
Easy evaluation. Finally, this training program can be easily evaluated. You can simply observe how many times the learners made mistakes against how many of them got things correct the first time around. You can also easily insert a survey form and even a quiz to evaluate what the learners got from the training program.
These are only a few of the reasons why virtual training can be a better option compared to a traditional training in a classroom setting. Of course, that does not mean you should stop using the latter. Learn how to balance the two strategies to take your training programs to the next level.
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