What’s the best Training format?
In recent years the world of education and professional training has seen a significant shift from traditional in-person learning to online platforms, and we’re no exception to this. As a small business based in Malvern, travelling around the UK is both time-consuming and expensive, and we would need to reflect the cost of our travel - and venue hire - in our course prices.
As a result we only offer in-person training by request, usually in the form of bespoke courses for colleges and studios. Our standard courses take place online, via Zoom, and we are in the process of recording them as short-format videos, which will be released from this autumn.
However, while there now more options available when it comes to software training, we recognise that not all of them will work equally well for all customers. The best format depends on what you’re learning and how you like to learn, and may also depend on your budget.
So we thought we would take a look at the different training formats available:
Instructor-Led, In-PERSON Training
Why it works: You can ask questions, work through challenges with guidance and connect with your peers.
Watch out for: In-person training can be more expensive, the cost of venue hire is reflected in the purchase price, and your travel will add to the cost.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training
Why it works: You get live interaction and immediate feedback without the travel costs. Small groups provide the opportunity to chat, keeping sessions engaging.
Watch out for: Zoom fatigue is real! Sessions need to be broken into shorter, interactive chunks.
Self-Paced e-Learning
Why it works: You can access modules anytime, revisit lessons and progress at your own pace. The content is curated to provide a clear learning path.
Watch out for: You cannot get live feedback. It can be easy to let motivation slip without accountability!
YouTUBE VIDEOS
Why it works: You can access videos anytime, replay them when needed and they are free to view.
Watch out for: They cover bite-sized aspects of the software - you will need to visit several channels to find the content you need.
Learning software isn’t so much about choosing the “right” format, but choosing the one that works for you.
If you learn best with a teacher guiding you, try live classes
If you need flexibility, choose self-paced
If you prefer diving in and figuring it out, start with YouTube
And remember, no matter which path you choose, the key is consistency - the more you use the software, the easier it will become!
You can see our upcoming courses on our calendar page and if you have any questions about anything we do then please get in touch.