YES In-Person Training is Still Relevant
In an era where digital transformation shapes every aspect of business, including learning and development (L&D), the relevance of traditional instructor-led training (ILT) often comes into question. With the rise of e-learning, virtual classrooms, and AI-driven adaptive learning platforms, the position of ILT within business training strategies warrants a closer examination. Despite the digital tide, there are compelling reasons why instructor-led training remains not only relevant but essential in today’s business L&D landscapes.
Personalisation and Engagement
Instructor-led training brings a level of personalisation and engagement difficult to replicate with purely digital formats. Instructors can adapt their teaching methods and materials in real-time, responding to the immediate needs, questions, and feedback of their audience.
This adaptability ensures that the training is relevant and engaging for participants, fostering a more effective learning environment. The opportunity for real-time interaction allows learners to explore topics more deeply and clarify misunderstandings instantly, which can significantly enhance the learning outcome.
Building Relationships and Networking
Instructor-led training facilitates networking and relationship-building among participants, which is a critical aspect of professional development. The face-to-face interaction in classroom sessions encourages the formation of bonds between learners, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that can extend beyond the training room. These connections can be invaluable for career development, mentorship, and professional networking, offering benefits that extend well beyond the scope of the training itself.
Hands-On Learning for Complex Skills
Certain skills, especially those that are complex or highly technical, benefit from the hands-on, interactive approach that instructor-led training offers. For example, soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork are more effectively developed through practice and interaction, which are central to ILT.
Similarly, technical skills that require the use of specialised equipment or software are often best taught in an environment where an instructor can provide immediate guidance and feedback.
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Instructor-Led Training
It’s important to note that the evolution of technology does not diminish the value of instructor-led training; rather, it enhances it.
Tools such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and learning management systems (LMS) can be integrated into ILT to create a more immersive and interactive learning experience.
These technologies can simulate real-world scenarios, provide instant access to additional resources, and facilitate the tracking of learning progress, thereby enriching the traditional ILT experience.
The Future of ILT in Business Learning and Development
The future of instructor-led training in business L&D is not about choosing between ILT and digital learning modalities but rather integrating them to harness their combined strengths. Blended learning models, which combine ILT with online modules, videos, and interactive simulations, offer a balanced approach that caters to diverse learning preferences and needs.
This hybrid approach ensures that the personal touch, adaptability, and interactive benefits of ILT are complemented by the scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency of digital learning solutions.
Conclusion
Instructor-led training continues to hold a vital place in learning and development strategies for businesses. Its capacity for personalisation, engagement, and hands-on learning makes it irreplaceable for certain types of training. When combined with digital learning technologies, ILT can offer a comprehensive, multi-faceted learning experience that meets the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
As businesses strive to develop skilled, adaptable, and collaborative employees, embracing the unique advantages of instructor-led training will be key to achieving these goals.
Of course, with Glasshouse Training, the choice between instructor-led training or online courses is not one you have to make. We have the resources and tools available for you to provide a robust blended learning approach, using our training course materials or online learning via our learning management system or your own.
As the founder of Glasshouse Training, I've been pondering a question that's vital to our evolving corporate landscape: Does Instructor-Led Training (ILT) still hold its ground amidst the surge of digital advancements in learning and development (L&D)? In today's era of digital transformation, where e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and AI-driven tools dominate discussions, it's natural to question the role of traditional ILT. However, from where I stand, ILT not only remains relevant but stands as an essential pillar in modern business L&D strategies.
Toni
