Positives Virtual Learning

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By: Minah Woo, Associate Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development

When the world began shutting down in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners and managers hit what they believed would be a “short-term pause button” on key programs and initiatives, sales cycles, and growth goals. As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, those same business owners and managers gradually pivoted, acknowledging a true shift in the way people live, work, learn, plan, make decisions, and grow. Business plans were rewritten. Priorities were adjusted. Standard processes and procedures that were in place for years were replaced with new approaches that make sense in today’s very different world.

The Training & Development Solutions team understood that more than ever before, businesses would have a need for our services and programs, and they needed to be delivered in a new format. We made instructional redesign and the shift to virtual platforms our key priority. We deployed new approaches to engage students and encourage online interaction. We restructured programs and courses so they could be every bit as impactful when delivered on a computer, as they always had been in the classroom setting. Our hard work paid off. It also delivered some unexpected positives along the way. The top 10, in my opinion, are as follows:

1. Virtual learning can accomplish the same objectives as in-person learning from an overall productivity and impact standpoint.
2. Virtual learning still allows for customized training program development. We are firm believers that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to training; it must be customized based on the needs, challenges, and opportunities that each client faces. As clients approached us in search of training and workforce development options, we could present what we were doing, what we could be doing, and how we could package learning opportunities based on their goals and needs, in new and even better ways.
3. Virtual learning opens a door for learners to self-pace. They can spend less time on concepts they are already familiar with and more time on those that are new.
4. Virtual learning comes with invaluable scheduling flexibility for working professionals. We work with our clients to establish course schedules based on their preferences and will work best for their teams.
5. Virtual learning makes it possible for learners to tap into our programs and courses, regardless of their physical geographical location. We can facilitate a course online, with 10 students logging in from 10 different states across the country, for example. And, we have!
6. Virtual learning allows more learners to participate at once. One client that typically registered eight or 10 participants for a specific course instead registered 45 participants, during the pandemic.
7. Virtual learning in and of itself teaches new technical skills that are applicable to many jobs and work environments – especially today.
8. Virtual learning still allows for group projects and team meetings. Breakout sessions and small group discussions can be facilitated virtually, too!
9. Virtual learning offers cost efficiencies that benefit everyone – us as well as our clients.
10. Virtual learning has allowed Training & Development Solutions to demonstrate responsiveness, flexibility, and engagement in new ways. In the past, we have described these commitments in words. Today, we show them through our actions.

There is no way of knowing for sure when the COVID-19 will be declared “over.” What we do know for sure is that Training & Development Solutions is committed to serving as a solid, trusted, adaptable partner for our clients, now and in the future. We look forward to facilitating in-person programs again. But virtual learning will always be an option for our clients, too. Perhaps we could add an eleventh positive to our list; the knowledge that we really can do it all!