Training plays a crucial role in the onboarding of new staff; Especially within the field of construction, manufacturing and, industrial industries. It is a vital element of successful hiring and satisfactory employee performance.
Moving on to the subject of ‘Remote Training’, It is important to first understand what remote training exactly means?
Remote Training — Simplified:
Remote Training, also known as Remote Instructor-Led Training (RILT) is the process of conducting training sessions wherein the instructor or teacher and the trainees or students are at separate locations. It is also synonymous with ‘Distance Learning’.
RILT is carried out with the help of technology through various mediums like:
- Webinars
- Online Courses
- Voice Calls
- Video Calls or Conference Calls
- Podcasts
Remote Training in Today’s World:
Remote Training or RILT used to be a rather foreign concept within industries across the globe. However, in a pandemic stricken world it gained popularity quickly — being the need of the hour. From there on, the potential of Remote Learning was realized by both mentors and students as well as by enterprises from the world over.
Now, as Covid-19 fades away from the picture and we enter the post-pandemic phase, RLIT is still being preference as a better option to train the workforce. This is due to the several benbenefits and advantages that come with Remote Training.
Let’s take a look at the advantages of Remote Training.
1. Save Time: Train more people at once.
One major benefit of remote training is that it does not limit the number of people being trained. Technology makes it possible and relatively easier to mentor a larger amount of employees all at once. Compared to the same training sessions being held repetitively, Remote Training saves a lot of time and cuts back on teaching costs.
2. Teach Everywhere from Anywhere!
Another advantage of remote training is that it allows trainers to conduct their training sessions for people at multiple locations. This means that people can now be trained from everywhere in the world, by a mentor from anywhere in the world.
3. Decrease Absenteeism.
Remote training omits the chances of absences and ensures up to 100% attendance & timely training.
4. Flexibility.
Flexibility is one of the biggest upsides of remote learning. During the times of Covid-19, in particular, It has proven to be an ideal methodology to continue onboarding & training new workers. All the while ensuring 100% compliance with directed SOPs and Social Distancing. Another benefit worth mentioning is the space it allows students to continue learning at their own pace. This is a big plus as it attracts more employees to partake in training programs; Making participation possible even for people with strict schedules or from different time zones.
5. Save up: Costs & Resources.
RILT enables companies to cut back on numerous costs and manage Remote Instructor-Led Training Programs within reasonable budgets. It also helps them save valuable resources like time and several other company assets.
Like any other new practice Remote Learning also comes with a set of both pros and cons.
We have covered it’s advantages so here is an overview of some disadvantages of RILT and how they can be dealt with.
Disadvantages of Remote Learning:
1. Distractions.
Irrelevant simulations and disturbances from one’s surroundings may pose to be a hurdle in online training sessions.
2. Limited Feedback & Engagement.
Remote Training narrows down the types of activities that employees can participate in. Along with that, it also limits the feedback that trainers receive.
Technical errors & glitches may create communication gaps and cause possible delays or drawbacks in between training programs.
While these downsides exist in remote training — One must not forget that these are problems that can definitely be handled and worked around.
Now, let’s read about the tips & tricks that can help you ace the remote training of your employees.
1. Remote Training Vs In-person Training: Understanding the difference.
It is important for businesses & trainers to realize that major differences exist between Remote Training and In-person Training. As early as they identify these key factors that differentiate online training from physical training, they will be able to develop and deliver more effective programs.
In order for remote training to be successful, the instructional classes must be tailored specifically for remote training programs. This may require trainers to change their strategies and adopt new methodologies of teaching. Modifying their approach will definitely result in better outcomes for trainers & businesses.
2. Experiential Learning.
Instead of relying on pre-recorded videos or demos for your training sessions, it is recommended to go for Experiential Learning i.e. Learning by experience.
Trainers should design the programs around engagement-based activities and real-world problems that help the employees train firsthand.
For example:
Kristen Naeini (Director of Training at RealWear) shares that she guides customers by creating goal-oriented learning experiences. In the case of making a video call, she guides customers through the entire experience step-by-step by helping them answer questions like:
- How do you get the app on the HMT?
- How do you login to the app?
- How do you get on wifi?
- How do you load your contacts?
“We’ll then go through all the app’s menus and features and then get on a call together,” says Naeini. “We’ll transfer the training call from the computer to completing the training call on the HMT device. This makes it replicable. Customers can use the repetition of learning it and doing it to know exactly what to do when I’m no longer around to hold their hand.”
3. Slow it down.
It is crucial that you create a practical & manageable timeline for your course. New technologies & skills can be a task to get the hang of themselves and with virtual training, it may be a little too much if the remote classes are fast paced.
Instead, a rather slow & steady approach which gives students time to absorb the taught material is recommended.
Naeni tells us that “New customers would ask to do a three-day course in one day or 10 sessions back to back. I have t push back because it takes time to absorb information and practice what they’ve learned.”
The Realwear HMT-1 Devices are ideal tools for remote training. Especially in industrial settings or when social distancing is required.
They make remote training highly successful through:
- 100% hands-free operation.
- Real-time Communication.
- Accurate Communication.
In conclusion, infusing this in-depth overview of remote training & Kristen Naeni’s insights with the Realwear HMT Technology can enable you to remote train employees safely & effectively.
Learn more about the Realwear Technology here: