Is virtual or face-to-face "better"?
Yesterday I attended my regular Zumba class with my regular teacher. Though of course, it wasn't regular - I was in my kitchen and she appeared via screen. Having had a quite sedentary day, I needed it. I'm glad I'm keeping up with my classes.
It's good to keep some sort of normality, some sort of routine whilst we all stay at home to stop the spread of covid-19. But its not the same.
Technically it is - same teacher, same routines, same time... but I miss being with other people. I miss the brief chat before and after (I didn't realise that some of these nodding acquaintances had started to become friends). I never appreciated how the energy of those around me encouraged me to put more effort it. I miss a reliable sound system. It's not as good despite everyone's best efforts. BUT it is better than nothing!
A bit like training. After the initial panic, many people have started to deliver training virtually - of course some people already did - it's not a new concept. A few people have been trying to banish face-to-face training for years in favour of virtual training, but in my opinion, no matter how well its delivered, it's just not the same. The experience just isn't as good. Learning is enhanced by social contact - and much of that is informal.
However....
Virtual training CAN be more appropriate (for the topic) practical (in terms of logistics) or cost effective. Why drag people half-way across the country for a 1-day session, put them in a hotel etc when you may be able to deliver the content via self-directed learning, webinars, and virtual classroom? Why sit people in the same room to learn basic IT skills if they are essentially learning individually?
So it depends how you define better.
If the benefits around practicalities/costs are significant, then yes - virtual training is a no-brainer. At the moment, it is our only option (apart from NOT training) due to the restrictions we're under.
But if the costs and practicalities aren't the driving issue, OR if we think the benefits to be gained from the total experience warrant it, face to face (as far as I'm concerned) is the better option.
So when the world starts to return to normal and we get to choose how we provide learning and development opportunities, we need to make the right choices. If we are clear about what matters the most in relation to the topic (experience, peer support, and emotional engagement V logistics and costs) we can make an informed decision about which type of training is BEST.
Both have their benefits. I also like the social side of face to face, but can see that for some people in certain circumstances would prefer remoteness.
I agree there is a place for virtual, and in many ways it does make sense from a financial perspective, and that is going to matter all the more when we get to the 'other side'. However, as a facilitator of team development and experiential learning, I'm hoping there will be a space for face to face training in my particular field. All the virtual team literature I have come across strongly advocates the need for virtual teams to sit in a space together at least once in a while. I'm keeping my fingers well and truly crossed. Great article and thanks for sharing.
100% agreed Sheridan. Great piece and echoes my very thoughts. Face to face, in my opinion also, is absolutely, hands down the most effective way to deliver the best training experience.