E-learning – also known as online learning – has changed the learning and development (L&D) landscape in the corporate sector. Many corporations are transitioning their L&D programs to online delivery.
E-learning utilizes electronic technologies to deliver educational course content outside of a traditional classroom, using different methods. Broadly, there are two main types of e-learning delivery methods – synchronous learning and asynchronous learning.
In one of our previous blog posts – Synchronous Vs Asynchronous Learning – eServe Learning Tools – we discussed both in depth. In this post, we will cover specific benefits of synchronous training/learning.
Synchronous training is real-time or live training. In synchronous training, trainers and students or employees come together online at a particular time and go through the same training modules at the same speed. In asynchronous training, students learn at their own pace independently. Regardless of their location, synchronous training allows students to communicate in real-time and access course content instantaneously.
Here are seven benefits of synchronous training:
Cost effectiveness
Synchronous training is cost-effective. Large companies once had to send its top managers and corporate trainers to regional offices to train employees on new policies, procedures, applications, etc. Or, employees had to travel to one location to receive training. Synchronous training allows the same quality and level of instruction remotely, online. Employees can receive training on the office desktop computer at the same time via a webinar and can even have the opportunity to ask questions in real-time during the course of the training (more on this soon).
All of your employees, even those living in different cities or even countries, can come together online and get the training from the most reputed subject expert without the extra expense of travel and accommodations. All you have to pay for are the trainer fees and development of the e-learning course.
Instant feedback
Instant feedback is integral to the success of e-learning. Since synchronous training occurs in real-time, it allows instant feedback. Instant feedback means your employees can get their questions answered in real-time. It also means the trainers get to know which individuals are having difficulties with the course content, so that corrective measures can be taken. Immediate feedback keeps your audience engaged and active in the learning process, which helps improve knowledge retention.
Train from anywhere
Synchronous training is convenient. If you want to train your globally distributed workforce, synchronous training is the best way to bring everyone on board at the same time. Online training courses can be delivered to employees, wherever their location.
This means online training offers a great deal of flexibility to organizations of every size. With an internet connection, your employees can participate in online discussions and be part of videoconferencing. In addition, your employees can participate in the discussions and videoconferencing from the device of their choice, which means they can use desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.
Synchronous training is motivating
Synchronous learning programs are more motivating for your employees because real-time interactions are more engaging than the asynchronous learning environment. When the motivation level is high among your learners, they can learn faster and retain better. You can inspire your employees by setting performance goals in real-time activities. Real-time activities help employees demonstrate and develop their skills and engage with their coworkers more effectively. Real-time activities can help your employees to stay motivated because they encourage participation from everyone.
Student/trainer interaction
Because synchronous training allows students to interact with their teachers or instructors in real-time, learners feel more comfortable and confident that someone is there to look after their learning needs. Even though the trainer is not physically present in the room, students can interact with their mentors in real-time. The real-time student-trainer interaction allows for better coordination, which helps learners in grasping the course content much faster.
Students can help each other
With synchronous training, you don’t just have the luxury of interacting with your instructors, but you also have the opportunity of building a community within your peer group. You can communicate and interact with your peers and help each other overcome doubts and problems more effectively. It makes learning easier when you have the support of coworkers.
Synchronous training increases productivity
Synchronous training also helps increase employee productivity. Your employees don’t have to travel or leave their home for training. It means less inconvenience and stress for your employees. When employees attend a training program onsite or at home, they can learn better, which helps them increase their overall productivity.
There are many advantages of synchronous learning. With synchronous learning in place, all you have to focus on is developing your e-learning courses. However, course development is a big task. You need e-learning authoring tools to create useful content for your training programs. This is where eServe comes into the picture. eServe learning tools empower your training leaders to share, merge and upgrade your existing courses. With our authoring tool, you can author, unite, deliver and analyze your content easily. Contact us to learn more about our industry-leading solution.
