Why Live Learning and Development is Better than Online Training

There are more than a few reasons why live training “sticks” better than recorded classes online, including increased focus from participants, better audience engagement and participation, and richer discussions around hot topics at any given workplace. For these points and more, live training, whether in person or virtual, rises above alternative learning and development programs.

Here are a few benefits of live learning and development over individual online training:

1.    In-person training encourages participation.

Face-to-face learning, even in a virtual meeting, improves content retention due to decreased likelihood of participants to multitask. When audience members are interactive, they are, by default, paying better attention to the task at hand rather than letting their minds wander away from the learning. Live conversations provide greater clarity and understanding, given the ability to ask and answer questions in real time.

2.    Better engagement leads to better retention.

 Even if audience members are reticent to speak openly in a live learning session, they can contribute thoughts, ideas, and questions via virtual chat functions. EdX executive Andy Morgan, who develops learning and development programs for businesses, recommends a classroom-like setting instead of independent learning to foster mutual accountability and encourage conversation.

3.    Live training can be personalized to a company’s specific needs.

Interaction among participants, and between participants and facilitators, invites meaningful discussion on of-the-moment topics. Communication across teams creates a culture of mutual respect and support, where employees may find it easier to debate and exchange ideas specific to their workplace which they can then implement together. Tailoring learning and applying it to current happenings within an organization fosters a sense of togetherness and common understanding.

The advantages of live training over online learning are many. The interactive nature and adaptability of live training allows for more robust sessions that accommodate various learning styles and speak to a company’s specific areas of focus. Being in-person encourages community and collaboration, contributing not only to personal and professional employee growth, but development of a workplace culture where people are happy and invested.

Schedule a demo to see how live training with SwiftLeadership Café can improve learning and development at your company.