As Britain’s economic recovery gains momentum, classroom training is back in vogue, according to an annual survey by Video Arts which also reveals increases in the use of elearning, mobile learning and webinars for training.
294 learning and development professionals were asked about how they deliver training and their plans for the future. 93% now use classroom training (up from 82% in 2012); 82% are using elearning (79% in 2012); 20% use mobile learning (12% in 2012) and 52% are using webinars (27% in 2012).
The key focus areas for learning are the same as last year, with soft skills development holding off leadership and management training to remain L&D’s top priority. In a sign of increased recruitment, induction training has risen up the agenda to become the third highest priority, ahead of customer service training, professional skills training, health & safety training and compliance training.
“Classroom training had been in decline in previous years, with organisations facing cutbacks and austerity measures, but it’s back with a vengeance now as the economy shows signs of growth,” said Martin Addison, CEO of Video Arts. “What’s interesting is that the other methods of delivery, which are often billed as an alternative to classroom training, have also seen a rise. It must be a busy time for L&D as this suggests that more organisations are utilising more learning. That’s good news for employees and good news for further organisational performance improvements.”
The survey shows that coaching is the most popular informal learning tool, used in 73% of organisations. L&D teams are also embracing new technology options including podcasts (51%), online communities and social networks (48%), video portals/‘corporate YouTube’ channels (40%) and e-books (30%).
More L&D teams are creating their own learning content than ever before, according to the survey. The use of self-authored elearning courses is up 13 percentage points to 40%. 56% of L&D teams now make their own video content (up from 44% in 2012). Fewer L&D teams (57%) are sourcing free video content from the Internet (down from 59% in 2012).
“It’s become much easier to create your own learning content and L&D teams like the idea of creating tailored content that meets their specific needs,” said Martin Addison. “However, many are taking a ‘horses for courses’ approach, as buying off-the-shelf content and commissioning bespoke content are still popular options.”
Video remains a key component in the learning agenda. 82% of L&D teams use video in their learning, predominantly as part of classroom-based courses (66%) but also for short pieces of bite-size learning (59%), as a standalone learning resource (50%) and for informal learning (38%). The most popular applications for video are for soft skills development, customer service training, leadership and management development and induction training.
The survey also asked about the changing nature of the corporate trainer role. 56% of respondents said the most important aspect of their job is to be a facilitator; 24% cited content manager or curator; 15% said subject matter expert and only 5% see their main role as an instructor.
A free whitepaper on the survey findings is available from www.videoarts.com
