The online conduction of classes, meetings, and training has skyrocketed in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the Internet and video call software such as Zoom and Teams, it’s become increasingly common for these events to take place not in person, but through a screen, via the magic of technology.
Many organisations, including us at DPAS, now opt to provide a variety of courses remotely, as well as offering traditional in-person alternatives.
But why is this?
In this article, we’ll outline the most significant benefits of virtual training, and why it’s taken over to become the most sought-after (in our experience!) approach to learning.
It’s more accessible
If we provided our training on-site, with no virtual options available, only those within a reasonable distance would be able to make it to the office to attend. Of course, this would significantly limit how many attendees would book onto our training.
By offering these virtually, all you would need to attend is a computer and a wi-fi connection. This massively opens it up to a much, much greater market, granting access to our courses to a considerably larger portion of the world.
It’s more cost-effective
To attend training in person, you’d need to pay not just the course fee, but also however much it would cost you to commute. Whether that money is spent on petrol, the bus, or a train ticket, it’s a cost that you completely avoid when you attend a virtual course.
Your commute to a virtual course is nothing more than a short walk from the sofa to your desk. Unless you’re comfy enough to have the computer on your lap, in which case, there’s no commute at all! Either way, it’s entirely free. With these added costs not a problem, virtual courses are much kinder to your wallet.
It’s more convenient
Leading on from our previous point, the lack of commute doesn’t just mean you’re saving money, but you’re saving so much time, too. Imagine it takes you an hour to get to an in-person course; taking into account the journey back, too, that’s two hours of your life spent travelling.
Not only that, but by attending a course from home, you’re able to use your short breaks between segments to perform little tasks at home, make yourself a cup of tea in your own kitchen, or pay a little visit to your dog lounging on her favourite chair. These minor things can break up the time and make the training session feel like a much more manageable and comfortable part of your day.
You can train from your office
Your office is specifically designed to help you focus on your work and is an environment that you’re used to. Therefore, it’s great for concentration and engagement to be able to attend a training session – something to aid you in your role – from your job.
While face-to-face courses would require you to be physically present in an unfamiliar location, it’s beneficial – particularly for those with conditions like anxiety – to attend these from your usual workplace. The training will feel more like part of your standard work day than anything disrupting your routine.
You have access to more resources
The beauty of online training is that it’s much more straightforward for the trainer to provide resources like engaging simulations, videos, and case studies. These materials can be projected onto the screen with a snap of your fingers (or a click of the mouse, really), making it simpler than ever to accompany the training with handy visual aids and activities.
In-person, anything like this is likely to be a lot less interactive. There could still be videos shown and materials passed around, but nothing that you could engage with as much as you can when it’s shared directly through your screen.
So, which is better?
At the end of the day, whether you like training to be conducted remotely or face to face all comes down to personal preference. Some people find that they learn more effectively by being physically present, and others enjoy the flexibility, convenience, and accessibility that virtual training can deliver.
At DPAS, our courses are available to you no matter where you are geographically. As long as you’ve got an Internet connection and enthusiasm for learning, you’re all set.
We provide a wide range of training courses on data protection, information security, and AI. These are all usually delivered virtually but can be done in person depending on where you are! Many of them are also BCS or CPD accredited, adding that extra spice to your CV if you choose to train with us.
We’re also now an official training partner of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), allowing us to deliver three IAPP courses – CIPP/E, CIPM, and AIGP.
Click here to read about our IAPP courses.
Or click here to view our full course list.
