When it comes to training employees, law firms and other businesses can take several different approaches. One option is to use technology-based training tools, such as e-learning modules, virtual trainings, or online videos. Another option is to provide instructor-led training, in which a trainer leads a group of employees through a learning experience. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Technology-based training (TBT) has become increasingly popular due to its many advantages over traditional instructor-led training (ILT). We will discuss the advantages of technology-based training vs. instructor-led training.
What is Technology-Based Training?
Technology-based training (TBT) is a type of instruction that uses technology to deliver content and promote learning. It can take many different forms, but all TBT involves using some technology to support the delivery of training content. Common examples of TBT include webinars, e-learning courses, and virtual simulations.
TBT can be an effective way to reach geographically dispersed learners who have limited time for traditional classroom-based instruction. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to in-person training. When designing TBT, it is essential to consider the learner’s needs and the specific learning objectives. TBT should be designed to optimize learning and allow learners to apply what they learned successfully.
What is Instructor-Led Training?
Instructor-led training (ILT) is a type of educational delivery where learning occurs in a classroom or other face-to-face setting, led by an instructor. This type of training can be used for various subjects, from academic subjects like history or mathematics to more practical skills like welding or first aid. Instructor-led training is often seen as the most effective type of training, as it allows for immediate feedback and interaction between instructor and student. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming.
What are the Advantages of Technology-Based Training Over Instructor-Led Training?
1. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages of TBT is its cost-effectiveness. With TBT, there is no need to rent or purchase classroom space, hire instructors, or pay for participants to travel to a central location. Additionally, you can often get discounts on technology-based training courses by purchasing them in bulk. As a result, TBT can save organizations a significant amount of money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses.
2. Convenience
Convenience is one of the main advantages of technology-based training over instructor-led training. Because TBT can be delivered entirely online, it is convenient and easy to access for employees located in different parts of the world. Technology-based training can be done anytime, anywhere. All that is needed is an internet connection and a computer or mobile device. This means that employees can do the training at a convenient time for them, without having to take time off from work.
3. Flexibility
One of the most critical advantages of technology-based training over instructor-led training is flexibility. With technology-based training, learners can access courses from any location. This is ideal for busy professionals who may not be able to take time out of their schedule to attend a traditional classroom setting.
In addition, technology-based training can be customized to meet the needs of individual learners. For example, learners can focus on specific topics or skills most relevant to their job roles. As a result, they can get the most out of their learning experience. The flexibility of technology-based training is a significant advantage that should not be overlooked.
4. Access to Experts
Technology has transformed the way we learn, providing new and innovative ways to acquire knowledge. One of the significant advantages of technology-based training (TBT) over instructor-led training (ILT) is that it gives learners access to experts who might otherwise be inaccessible. When you use technology-based training, you have access to experts who can help you with your specific needs. This is because many technology-based training courses are created by experts.
With TBT, learners can watch lectures or presentations from world-renowned experts, pause and rewind as needed, and review the material as necessary to fully understand it. ILT, on the other hand, typically provides learners with only one opportunity to hear from an expert and does not allow for pausing or review. As a result, TBT provides a more practical learning experience to understand better and retain the material.
5. Increased Engagement
Most people learn best by doing, not listening to a lecture or reading a book. With technology-based training, learners can be more engaged because they can control their learning environment and pace. They can also receive feedback in real-time and get immediate help if they need it.
In addition, technology-based training can be more interactive and engaging than instructor-led training. It can include simulations, games, and other activities that make learning more fun and exciting. As a result, learners who receive technology-based training are more likely to be engaged in the learning process and remember what they have learned.
6. Increased Retention
Technology-based training is often more effective at promoting retention than instructor-led training. This is because learners can review the material as many times as they need to master it. Additionally, technology-based training courses often include quizzes and other assessment tools to help learners track their progress.
7. Scalability
Scalability is another advantage of technology-based training (TBT) over instructor-led training (ILT). TBT can be easily scaled up or down to meet the needs of a changing workforce, whereas ILT requires a more static approach. For example, if an organization experiences a sudden increase in the need for training, TBT can be quickly ramped up to meet the demand.
Conversely, if the need for training decreases, TBT can be quickly be scaled back, saving the organization time and money. In contrast, ILT is more difficult to scale and often requires a longer lead time to make changes. For these reasons, scalability makes technology-based training an attractive option for many businesses.
8. Self-Paced Learning
One advantage of technology-based training over instructor-led training is that learners can work at their own pace. This is especially beneficial for adult learners who often have to balance work and family responsibilities with their educational goals. With technology-based learning, learners can study when convenient for them, rather than having to adhere to a set schedule.
In addition, they can choose to focus on the areas where they need the most help and spend more time on those topics. As a result, self-paced learning can help learners retain information and master new skills more quickly. Ultimately, this type of flexibility can lead to better outcomes for learners and businesses.
9. Accessible
Technology-based training provides greater accessibility than instructor-led training. Technology-based training can be delivered asynchronously, meaning that learners can access the content independently and at their own pace. In contrast, instructor-led training must be scheduled in advance and typically happens in a physical classroom, making it difficult for some learners to attend.
Additionally, technology-based training can be easily tailored to meet the needs of individual learners. For example, if a learner struggles with a particular concept, they can review the material as many times as they need to until they understand it. By contrast, in an instructor-led setting, all learners must move at the same pace, regardless of their individual needs.
10. Timeliness
In today’s fast-paced business world, timeliness is often critical. When employees need to be trained quickly on a new software program or process, technology-based training can be the most efficient option. Technology-based training is more timely than instructor-led training. This is because you can update the content as needed. Additionally, you can launch new courses quickly and easily.
Conclusion
Technology has revolutionized the way we live and work. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to learn new skills quickly and efficiently. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both technology-based and instructor-led training, technology-based training is a more effective way to learn.
It can be more cost-effective and efficient since it doesn’t require the same resources as instructor-led training. However, some employees may prefer the personal interaction and guidance they receive in an instructor-led setting. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the needs of the business and the learning preferences of the employees.
Still, should you decide to invest into technology-based training on law firm business development for yourself or your employees, we at RainmakerVT are happy to help.
The Advantages of eLearning
Technology has revolutionized business; now it must revolutionize learning. In the 21st century, people have to learn more than ever before. Especially for global organizations, live classroom-based training is becoming too costly and cumbersome. Even if employees had the time to attend all the courses and seminars and to read all the books and reports they should to remain up-to-date in their area of work, the cost of such learning would be prohibitive. The need to transform how organizations learn points to a more modern, efficient, and flexible alternative: eLearning. The mission of corporate eLearning is to supply the workforce with an up-to-date and cost-effective program that yields motivated, skilled, and loyal knowledge workers.
Anywhere, anytime, anyone.
The growth of the World Wide Web, high-capacity corporate networks, and high-speed desktop computers make learning available to people 24 hours a day, seven days a week around the globe. This enables businesses to distribute training to multiple locations easily and conveniently. Employees can then access training when it is convenient for them, at home or in the office.
Substantial cost savings due to elimination of travel expenses.
When delivered through technology-based solutions, training is less expensive per end user due to scalable distribution and the elimination of high salaries for trainers and consultants. The biggest benefit of eLearning, however, is that it eliminates the expense and inconvenience of getting the instructor and students in the same place. According to Training Magazine, corporations save between 50-70% when replacing instructor-led training with electronic content delivery. Opting for eLearning also means that courses can be pared into shorter sessions and spread out over several days or weeks so that the business would not lose an employee for entire days at a time. Workers can also improve productivity and use their own time more efficiently, as they no longer need to travel or fight rush-hour traffic to get to a class.
Just-in-time access to timely information.
Information can be retrieved just before it is required, rather than being learned once in a classroom and subsequently forgotten. Training Magazine reported that technology-based training has proven to have a 50-60% better consistency of learning than traditional classroom learning (c-learning).
Higher retention of content through personalized learning.
Technology-based solutions allow more room for individual differences in learning styles. They also provide a high level of simulation that can be tailored to the learner’s level of proficiency.
With 24 x 7 access, people can learn at their own pace and review course material as often as needed. Since they can customize the learning material to their own needs, students have more control over their learning process and can better understand the material, leading to a 60% faster learning curve, compared to instructor-led training.
The delivery of content in smaller units, called “chunks,” contributes further to a more lasting learning effect. Whereas the average content retention rate for an instructor-led class is only 58%, the more intensive eLearning experience enhances the retention rate by 25 – 60%. Higher retention of the material puts a higher value on every dollar spent on training.
Online training is less intimidating than instructor-led courses.
Students taking an online course enter a risk-free environment in which they can try new things and make mistakes without exposing themselves. This characteristic is particularly valuable when trying to learn soft skills, such as leadership and decision making. A good learning program shows the consequences of students’ actions and here/why they went wrong. After a failure, students can go back and try again. This type of learning experience eliminates the embarrassment of failure in front of a group.
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