A question usually asked by students and professionals as well, is which is the right way to get trained in inter-personal skills – virtually or face to face. The answer to this is contextual and is different from people to people. Both the modes of training have their own merits and demerits. Having understood the difference between the two modes of training, one can take a learned decision on what suits his purpose best.
Advantages of virtual or on-line training:
- Flexibility and Convenience: Online courses allow learners to study at their own pace and on their own schedule, which can be beneficial for those with busy lives or other commitments.
- Accessibility: Online learning can make educational resources and training accessible to a wider audience, regardless of location or physical limitations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Online courses can be more affordable than traditional in-person courses, reducing costs for travel, accommodation, and other expenses.
- Self-Paced Learning: Learners can progress at their own speed, allowing them to focus on areas where they need more attention.
- Variety of Learning Styles: Online learning can cater to different learning styles through various formats, such as videos, interactive modules, and online discussions.
Demerits of Virtual or on-line training
- Lack of Interaction: Online environments can limit opportunities for face-to-face interaction. The trainer is not able to comprehend whether the student has understood the topic, and the student too has less opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications during the flow of training.
- Potential for Isolation: Some learners grasp better if they are with their peers. They can learn with each other as well as from each other. The group dynamics create an encouraging atmosphere and students feel at ease.
- Distractions: Online learners may find it difficult to stay focused and avoid distractions. Already the span of attention is on a declining trend because of the social media, and with such distractions the students lose the opportunity to be with the virtual group and may miss important contents.
- Technical Issues: Software glitches, connectivity problems and other technical issues affect the rhythm of learning.
- Difficulty Assessing Nonverbal Cues: Online interactions may not allow for the same level of understanding of nonverbal cues, which can be crucial for effective communication
Advantages of Face-to-Face Learning:
- Real-Time Interaction and Feedback: Face-to-face learning allows for immediate interaction and feedback. The trainer can adjust the pace of the training based on his assessment of the students’ response, doubts asked and other non-verbal clues.
- Ability to gauge interest: Face-to-face training allows the trainers as well as the students to gauge the interest and engagement of the other party, which can be difficult to determine through virtual or on-line training
- Enhanced Learning Environment: A structured classroom environment can promote focus and engagement, leading to better learning outcomes. The faculty can exploit the power of non-verbal clues to bring clarity on the topic.
- Better retention: Studies have shown that face-to-face communication is more effective for the retention of information than digital communication, as it allows individuals to better focus and engage in the conversation.
- Stronger Relationships: In-person interactions can foster stronger relationships between learners and instructors. Students feel free to seek clarifications during the flow, as well as the trainer can give personal attention to someone who is not able to cope up with the speed.
- Improved Communication Skills: Face-to-face learning can enhance communication skills, including nonverbal communication, active listening, and conflict resolution.
- Networking Opportunities: Face-to-face learning provides opportunities to build relationships and network with others in the field.
Disadvantages of Face-to-Face Learning:
- Less Flexibility: Face-to-face learning requires learners to attend classes at specific times and locations, which can be inconvenient for those with busy schedules. Deployment of technology in trainings is limited to available infrastructure.
- Higher Costs: In-person courses can be overall more expensive than online courses. Batch size becomes the constraint so tuition fee per person is higher. he also has to commute to the classroom location.
- Time consuming: The trainer has to clarify the doubts of all the students and thus face to face training is normally of a higher duration.
- Limited Reach: Batch size constraints reduce the potential to reach maximum aspirants. Global reach is practically impossible. Also, face- to-face learning may not be accessible to learners with disabilities or those who live in remote areas.
Summarily, you have to decide what best suits you. You can evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of both the modes of training and decide.