Ask the Experts: What are the benefits of using an online, as opposed to a classroom, training method?
There will always be a need for classroom training, not necessarily within four walls though! There will always be certain businesses of a practical nature that need hands-on interaction, a share of experiences practically demonstrated. The popularity of the classroom environment however is decreasing quite rapidly and there are many reasons for this. The advancement of technology has created flexibility for those wishing to develop; we are able to choose a course and work on it at our own pace, to be slotted into our busy lives, which is where online learning comes in.
The online method of learning puts less pressure on learners, there are no feelings of inadequacy when fellow learners move ahead — we all absorb information at different rates especially if we are having to translate lectures into a different language. Online learning is also very cost effective. This is especially so for an individual as it means there are no textbook costs, no travel costs or no childcare costs. Corporates can save money too as up to 50 per cent of training costs can be cut using online methods of training.
Add the fact that retention of information by learners using online methods can be up to 70 per cent (as opposed to 20 per cent in a classroom environment) you can see why online learning is causing so much interest. Many beauty, spa and wellness brands are also taking the online approach. With minimal time available for trainers to get across product knowledge as well as the practical treatments, this kind of smart training offers a great back up. Product knowledge can be learned online before practical treatment training takes place, making the classroom far more effective. It can also be used as a form of referral and to share videos of procedures. For years businesses have used the 70:20:10 model, based on the thought that individuals gain 70 per cent of their knowledge from job related experiences, 20 per cent from interaction with others and 10 per cent from formal training. The arrival of the internet, online and smart learning has altered the views of this model and it is now felt that this doesn’t reflect the fast growing emphasis on informal learning.
Sally Hewerdine is managing director of My Apptitude an online training app.She has a long history in the spa and wellness industry, qualifying in CIDESCO, ITEC and IA beauty therapy in the Diana Carters School of Beauty in the UK. She has worked for many prestigious companies such as Steiner Maritime onboard luxury cruise liners and in several managerial roles in the UK. Turning her attention to training and development, she became a tutor at the Heart of England Academy where she worked with less advantaged adults to secure them qualifications in City and Guilds. Hewerdine moved to Dubai in 2005 and implemented the first spa management course in the Middle East for Cleopatra’s Spa Training Academy. Sally has a passion for writing, is the author of Driving Retail and has had articles published in several magazines.
Read more Ask The Experts in the current issue of Professional Beauty magazine here
There will always be a need for classroom training, not necessarily within four walls though! There will always be certain businesses of a practical nature that need hands-on interaction, a share of experiences practically demonstrated. The popularity of the classroom environment however is decreasing quite rapidly and there are many reasons for this. The advancement of technology has created flexibility for those wishing to develop; we are able to choose a course and work on it at our own pace, to be slotted into our busy lives, which is where online learning comes in.
The online method of learning puts less pressure on learners, there are no feelings of inadequacy when fellow learners move ahead — we all absorb information at different rates especially if we are having to translate lectures into a different language. Online learning is also very cost effective. This is especially so for an individual as it means there are no textbook costs, no travel costs or no childcare costs. Corporates can save money too as up to 50 per cent of training costs can be cut using online methods of training.
Add the fact that retention of information by learners using online methods can be up to 70 per cent (as opposed to 20 per cent in a classroom environment) you can see why online learning is causing so much interest. Many beauty, spa and wellness brands are also taking the online approach. With minimal time available for trainers to get across product knowledge as well as the practical treatments, this kind of smart training offers a great back up. Product knowledge can be learned online before practical treatment training takes place, making the classroom far more effective. It can also be used as a form of referral and to share videos of procedures. For years businesses have used the 70:20:10 model, based on the thought that individuals gain 70 per cent of their knowledge from job related experiences, 20 per cent from interaction with others and 10 per cent from formal training. The arrival of the internet, online and smart learning has altered the views of this model and it is now felt that this doesn’t reflect the fast growing emphasis on informal learning.
Sally Hewerdine is managing director of My Apptitude an online training app.She has a long history in the spa and wellness industry, qualifying in CIDESCO, ITEC and IA beauty therapy in the Diana Carters School of Beauty in the UK. She has worked for many prestigious companies such as Steiner Maritime onboard luxury cruise liners and in several managerial roles in the UK. Turning her attention to training and development, she became a tutor at the Heart of England Academy where she worked with less advantaged adults to secure them qualifications in City and Guilds. Hewerdine moved to Dubai in 2005 and implemented the first spa management course in the Middle East for Cleopatra’s Spa Training Academy. Sally has a passion for writing, is the author of Driving Retail and has had articles published in several magazines.
Read more Ask The Experts in the current issue of Professional Beauty magazine here