When it comes to online training, I often find that many participants have reservations about online courses. Many think it will be hard to focus and they won’t learn as much as an in-person class. I can relate – when given the option to take an online class versus an in-person class, I used to always pick the latter. That was before I realized the benefits of convenience that online training offers.
After taking and also teaching many online training sessions, I’ve gathered a few tips to help you get the most out of your online training experience.
1. Tell coworkers you are in a training session.
The idea here is to minimize the amount of distractions that can occur during class. Set expectations in advance by letting coworkers know you may take longer than usual to respond to requests during the training session. Try setting up automatic email replies that alert others you are in a training session and will reply as soon as possible. It may also be a good idea to block off your online calendar so coworkers will know you are attending a class.
However, if you need to leave the training session to attend to an urgent work matter, let the instructor know.
2. Log in to your online training course from a different location.
If your regular work environment is particularly distracting, minimize distractions by attending training from a different location. Whether this is from a conference room or your home (assuming it’s quieter there), relocating can be extremely beneficial to ensure you absorb the information presented during class.
3. Check your internet connection before class
A strong and reliable internet connection is key to your success in an online training class. This will help you hear and see the presentation as designed, as it is presented. A wired connection is almost always preferred over Wi-Fi. If that is not possible, ensure the Wi-Fi signal is strong prior to class so you don’t experience technical difficulties.
4. Don’t be shy! Participate in online class dialogue.
Participating more than you would in an in-person class can help you stay engaged with the online class material. Try regularly asking questions or try answering questions posed by the instructor, even if this isn’t your typical approach (don’t worry, no one can see you online 😉 ). The more engaged you are during online training, the more likely you are to retain the material and remain focused throughout the duration of the class.
5. Speak up when you need help.
During in-person classes, the first indication that a student may need help is a furrowed brow or a confused look on a his or her face. With online classes, however, the instructor usually doesn’t have visual cues alerting them when to intervene. Speak up if you don’t understand a concept or have a question! Otherwise the instructor will assume you are comprehending the information as intended.
Ready to try these tips? You can register for our online product and industry training classes as well as our regularly monthly user group sessions for customers.
