Why there’s still a place for face-to-face training in the ‘new normal’ | Blended Learning - TrainingZone

Now that virtual training has been embraced by the L&D sector, can we ever return to face-to-face learning? Here are some reflections from Lindsey Byrne's first in-person training session since lockdown.

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Is it time to think about resuming face-to-face training? It would be completely natural to be feeling a little anxious about your first day back at the front of the room. As I reflect here on my first post-lockdown face-to-face training experience, I’ll look at the planning, safety and socially distanced activities, as well as feedback from the participants about their experience. Finally, I’ll offer an insight on the surprising benefits of this approach.

Planning and safety 
I’m sure you’ll have been thinking about spacing of participants, taking socially distanced breaks, adopting flexible one-at-a-time comfort breaks and bagged lunches. Other ideas include allowing participants to pick up their own materials and (either new or sanitised) marker pens and toys from the front (to keep) rather than laying out your room beforehand, or eliminating materials altogether and going paperless. I’d strongly advise clear plastic face visors rather than paper or material face coverings, for comfort and to aid your participants’ understanding...

So what next? 
I worry that more learning will happen virtually for quite some time to come. It is, after all, shorter, more budget-friendly, and requires less travel. Although there are ways to make it interactive, achieve good learning outcomes and to feel relatively social, no one single learning media can be a panacea. The benefits of face-to-face training must not be overlooked.
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Source: TrainingZone