When looking to upskill or enhance our knowledge, the more traditional type of training has been face-to-face delivery with benefits including live discussions, networking opportunities, and interacting with the trainer. With a move into the information age, and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic (which has made face-to-face training less practical), online learning and e-learning has been brought to the forefront. Although these training types may not fully replace the face-to-face experience, they can be used as an alternative to get those new to a topic, up to speed on the basics; or as a refresher course for those more experienced. So how do these methods compare, and in which situations are they most useful?
Online training is commonly held using a similar style to face-to-face training; however where the trainer and attendees gather using online platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Running training in an online environment requires attention to:
These challenges are real but not insurmountable and we must recognise that there is a place for face-to-face training within the mix. By holding training online, however, additional costs are reduced as travel, catering, and venue hire.
Tips for Successful Online Training
1. Microphones: Often with online training, only the trainers will have their microphones on to limit the background noise coming through, and attendees may have their cameras off. This makes it harder for the trainer to gauge the vibe in the room and keep track of who is being left behind.
2. Breaks: Additional breaks help trainees to keep focus. Consider a 5-minute break every hour.
3. Questions: There is a risk that course attendees are less talkative than in a face-to-face session. The following approaches are options to address and promote questions:
4. Workshops: It is harder for the trainer to give 1 on 1 attention during class workshops. To mitigate this challenge the following approaches can be taken:
E-learning courses are developed to give trainees an interactive course, without the requirement for an active in-person trainer. They operate as a slide show with interactive buttons, components and questions that walk the trainee through the content in a way that aims to teach the trainee in an engaging manor.
E-learning may not replace face-to-face training in all aspects, but it is effective in building up foundation knowledge and refreshers. This way the E-learning option could ensure users an understanding of the basics, and/or establish a baseline of knowledge required for the attendees of face-to-face training or induction.
Benefits of E-Learning
Process Safety LMS is currently home to three e-learning courses: Introduction into Process Safety, Introduction to Bowties and our HAZOP Participants course. Designed to be completed at the pace of the learner, or one module at a time. Learners also have the option of an international version that covers general global legislative requirements, or the version which covers legislation more specific to New Zealand/Australia for the IPS and HAZOP courses.
The Introduction to Process Safety course covers a basic overview of Process Safety principles and their applications, as well as a generalized introduction of a Process Safety Management System. This course is commonly used as an induction tool for all members of a workforce including operations, engineering, and site management, a look into what process safety is, and how its principles should be applied.
The HAZOP Participants course is a useful tool for those that attend their first few HAZOPs or want to be a more informed participant. This course provides participants with insight into what a HAZOP is, when it should be performed, and what kind of input is required. To help aid the understanding of the HAZOP process, the course also includes a mock HAZOP that the user can participate in to gain confidence in the HAZOP process.
Introduction to Bowties course cover the variations of bowtie, the elements that make up the bowtie and the basic principles to ensure the bowtie is high quality. The course includes an interactive bowtie development tool for users to develop scenarios and solidify learnings.
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