If you go back pre-Internet then the only options for training were face to face, perhaps with a Workbook to complete (AKA ‘homework’ for the under 18s, ‘dissertations’ for the 18+) and return / hand in.

In more recent times, the ability to undertake training online has steadily increased, with COVID providing an additional impetus when face to face just wasn’t possible.

You can, however, argue that an online course is just not the same and also has its disadvantages. Once you consider it, though, in-person has its own advantages, but also disadvantages too.

In person courses

Advantages. Trainer can see learners, make sure they are all engaged and can observe understanding as well as assess competence in person. Questions can be answered in real time and good use can be made of equipment and props. Tests / assessments / exams can be invigilated to ensure no cheating.

Disadvantages. Fixed time and place. If you can’t make the time or location, you cannot participate. The venue costs need to be considered, as well as the travel and other incidental costs (such as accommodation). Some courses will be just too uneconomic to attend for the benefits.

Types of online course

Face to face – e.g. the dreaded Zoom Meeting

It’s Live, it’s happening right now and we can also record it for those that couldn’t make it.

Advantages. No travel costs, so more environmentally friendly, and also people can attend from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. As it is a Live interaction, questions may be asked and answered in real time, as may discussions be held.

Disadvantages. Sight and sound are the only options available. Anything involving touch (VR, notwithstanding), taste or smell are not suitable. New recipes, the feel of an item, the feel of CPR on a physical manikin for First Aid for instance. You need to be tech savvy. Physical assessments cannot easily take place, if at all. Can be tricky across different timezones.

Pre-recorded training – e.g. watch some training videos and answer questions afterwards

Advantages. Cheap model. Once the training video is produced it can be delivered an unlimited number of times. It only needs to be changed if the subject matter changes, or an error is found. Great for mass training as the video can be recorded once and played multiple times. Can be watched at a time to suit the learner.

Disadvantages. Pretty easy to ‘game’ the system as it is hard to guarantee that the learner is present at all times. Tests are not invigilated, since there is no-one present and it relies, to some extent on trust. This model won’t work all the time. e.g. CSCS card tests and Driving theory test have to be taken at a specific centre where ID can be verified. No interaction. Whilst videos can be paused and rewound for replay, questions cannot be asked ‘in the moment’.

There has been plenty of resistance to online training, especially in the physical activity arena such as First Aid training. It does have its place, though and the HSE now recognises that some aspects of First Aid training can be undertaken online. It will never be 100% online for a competency based certificate – someone still needs to assess a learner carrying out activities, but a certain amount of pre-learning is very much suitable to online training. Learning about different medical conditions and their signs & symptoms can be done as much online as with photographs on a classroom Powerpoint slide. A First Aid Certificate lasts three years. The HSE recommends an annual update to keep knowledge current. This can absolutely be taken online, with the learner seeking out a face to face provider should they want to actually practice their skills.

The 1-day and 3-day Workplace, as well as the 2-day Paediatric Workplaces can all be taken partially online and recognised. It keeps costs down as room bookings, trainer time and out of office time are reduced and these courses can be offered at a greatly reduced price.

Whilst Providers have been wary, and even negative, about online or Blended (mixture of online and classroom) courses, there is a demand for them, supply has been created and I’ve seen Providers come round to this way of thinking without compromising standards, or losing Business to those Providers offering it.

Andy is a First Aid trainer and offers 100% classroom as well as blended First Aid courses. Well over 90% of his Paediatric courses are blended and it is reasonable to suppose that if he didn’t offer it, he would not have been contracted.

Andy Crowhurst.