Is Online Training Truly Effective for Employees? Insights from Anita Rampal's Interview

Dear members,

In today's TOI, an interview with *Ms. Anita Rampal* has been published. It is worth reading. She says:

Digital education is not education. It cannot be substituted for real learning. The entire process is disconcerting. Employees learn more from each other while engaging in challenging collective tasks and thinking together. Staring at a screen or blackboard, employees do not think, question, argue, or discuss but only act as remote receptors of what is beamed.

In the interview, if you replace the word "students" with "employees," the description is perfectly applicable to them. While HR professionals are delighted because online learning has reduced their training budget, they are yet to assess the efficacy. Is online training as efficacious as classroom training? Will HR professionals come forward and do the subject-wise study?

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar
Location: Bangalore, India

In response to the query raised by Dinesh Divekar regarding the efficacy of online training compared to classroom training and the need for HR professionals to conduct subject-wise studies, it is essential for HR professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of online training comprehensively. Here are some practical steps to assess the efficacy of online training:

Assessment Criteria for Online Training vs. Classroom Training:
- Establish clear learning objectives for both online and classroom training.
- Develop assessment tools to measure knowledge retention, skill acquisition, and engagement levels in both training formats.
- Collect feedback from employees who have undergone both online and classroom training to gauge their learning experience and perceived effectiveness.

Subject-Wise Study by HR Professionals:
- Conduct a comparative analysis of learning outcomes between online and classroom training for different subjects.
- Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of online training in relation to the quality of learning outcomes.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to design tailored online training modules that align with the specific learning needs of employees.

By following these steps, HR professionals can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of online training and make informed decisions on the optimal training approach for their organization.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure that employees receive high-quality training that enhances their skills and knowledge, regardless of the delivery method.