Online Job Training Has Advantages and Disadvantages

In this age of technology and information, many companies are moving away from classroom training and doing more computer-based training where employees sit in front of their computer—both Web-based training and/or using a training program on CD.

Advantages and Disadvantages to Online Job Training
There are many advantages—and a couple small disadvantages—to using online job training. The advantages are:

• Companies can save money because they’re reducing travel time and expenses to/from class.
• It’s more convenient for employees.
• Employees aren’t away from their workstations as long as they are when they attend classroom training.
• Allows employers the ability to offer training on-the-spot when a subject pops up.
• Creates a more consistent approach to training.
• It’s usually faster than traditional classroom training.
• There are some online learning programs that allow employees to call in and have conversations regarding what is being learned.

The disadvantages are: 

• Some employees would prefer classroom training because they enjoy interacting with others.
• The online/call-in training (mentioned above) is usually a little more expensive than online training without the call-in option.

Of course, there are costs associated with online job training, but the costs are typically a lot less than for classroom training—which includes books, supplies and the instructor. 

Is Online Training Right for Your Company?
If your company is interested in offering online job training, you really need to stop and determine what your objective is, because there are so many different paths you can take with training.

For example, once you figure out what you’re trying to accomplish, you may see that you just need a CD to train your employees on one particular thing. Or you may find your employees need a broader training program that covers everything they need to know.

Once you have your objective in mind, you need to make sure you have support from the top. The advantage to having support from the top is that it makes sure that the higher-ups are on board, and that they understand the pros and cons of doing online learning. Basically, they know the goal of the training, so they can support that, as well.

Next, depending on your decided-upon objective, you have to look at whether or not your company has the electronic equipment and systems in place to do the CD or online job training.

For example, you will want to look at: 

• Does our Internet work?
• Will the Internet browsers we use support the online training or do we need to download newer versions?
• Is your IT department behind you?

You definitely want to make sure your IT department is part of planning the online job training project because they are going to be the ones employees go to when they have questions. 

In this age of technology and information, many companies are moving away from classroom training and doing more computer-based training.