2 Responses

1. Webinars
   We do web based and face to face. Over the last three years we have delivered both types to the same organisation and providing a different protocol is used both are effective.

   Web based is great for shorter sessions which are focussed on the needs of the student and themed. They are cheaper, because the tutor does not have to travel and also more flexible as they can be run in lunch times ,early mornings or evenings.

   Also we do roll out programmes where the same session is run overy hour so different students can join in
   that proves popular operationally. Less down time and away from the desk encourages a more positive management approah to training.

   A down side is that a day out of the work environment can immerse students in the subject and more ground can be covered.

   A balance between the two is good and the most successful programmes will include features of both. Shorter seminars with back up webinars seems a good compromise. Also useful were time is short and management are tried by the idea of staff being away for days.

   Training By Design Global ltd

2. Building on the Differences
   I would follow on from Susan’s observations to suggest building on the strengths of each, recognising the different approaches and what they can achieve, to blend the two together.

   Reserve the webinars for more presentational material, with frequent interactions with the students for polling, Q&A, etc. but then deliver face to face seminars that can more activitely involve the participants.

   The webinar is an ideal way to break the ice, introduce participants to each other and deliver knowledge components in a straightfoward manner. A follow-up seminar can therefore get straight down to the application of the knowledge and the practicing of skills.

   Later webinars can bring the group back together, be used to check on progress and if you’re into action learning, be a useful way of sustaining that activity.