Live Chat
Contact Us
Training Methods
Individual's training preferences can vary greatly depending on if they are auditory, visual, or kinaesthetic. At Purple Griffon, we pride ourselves on creating engaging, interactive courses to provide our learners with the best possible experience.
In this blog, we will be discussing our course delivery methods and the retrospective pros and cons. Let us dive right in!
Who are We?
We're a sincere company with a straightforward mission. We aim to provide you, the customer, with the solutions to your problems. Since Purple Griffon was founded in 2002, we have consistently held the belief that prioritising the proper training of your staff should be a primary focus. Today, we have trained 40,000 professionals worldwide and helped them realise their career goals.
Why is Training Important?
Why is training so important in the workplace? Well, training leads to better processes and business growth. In today's ever-changing marketplace, the importance of professional training has never been greater. It's an indispensable way to keep your business competitive!
Your staff are human, and most will have weaknesses or gaps in their professional skills. A high-quality, comprehensive training program will provide your team with a greater understanding of your organisation's processes, procedures, and goals.
To keep your staff satisfied and contributing to their current roles, you must help them develop their professional skills and goals through relevant and ongoing training. When happy, your staff are less likely to look for different opportunities inside and outside your enterprise.
What Courses Do We Offer?
At Purple Griffon, we offer a range of courses but specialise in ITSM (IT Service Management). The topics we cover are:
In particular circumstances, we can create custom courses to suit the needs of organisations. However, these courses can not come with an examination aligned with official certifications.
How we can provide training
At Purple Griffon, we offer a range of training solutions to meet your needs, including:
- E-Learning
- Virtual Training
- Private Courses
- On-Site Training
These training methods offer their individual pros and cons. We can also provide a mixture of these in specialised cases.
The Pros and Cons of E-Learning
E-learning courses have become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of global shifts towards remote work and education. Here are some key pros and cons of e-learning courses:
Pros of E-Learning Courses
Flexibility and Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of e-learning is the ability for learners to access course material anytime and anywhere, accommodating various schedules and learning paces.
Cost-Effectiveness: E-learning reduces the need for physical materials, travel, and accommodation, making it a more affordable option for many learners and organisations.
Self-Paced Learning: E-learning allows students to progress through courses at their own pace, revisiting material as needed, which can enhance understanding and retention.
Technological Integration: Utilises the latest technology, offering interactive and multimedia content that can make learning more engaging and effective.
Accessibility: Allowing more accessibility for people with disabilities or those living in remote areas, breaking down traditional barriers to education.
Scalability: E-learning platforms can easily accommodate a large number of students, making it easier to scale educational initiatives.
Cons of E-Learning Courses
Lack of Social Interaction: E-learning often lacks the face-to-face interaction of a traditional classroom, which can impact communication skills and reduce opportunities for collaborative learning.
Motivation and Discipline Challenges: Self-paced learning requires high levels of self-motivation and discipline, which can be challenging for some learners.
Limited Hands-On Experience: For subjects that require practical or hands-on experience, e-learning might not be as effective as traditional learning environments.
Technology Dependence: E-learning relies heavily on technology, which can be a barrier for learners with limited access to reliable internet or modern devices.
Quality and Accreditation Concerns: The quality of e-learning courses can vary widely, and some may not be accredited or recognised by employers or educational institutions.
Screen Time and Health Concerns: Increased screen time associated with e-learning can lead to health issues like eye strain, headaches, and poor posture.
Overload of Information: The vast amount of available online content can sometimes overwhelm learners or lead to information overload.
Feedback and Support Limitations: Immediate feedback and support may be limited in e-learning environments, which can hinder the resolution of doubts and the overall learning process.
In summary, e-learning offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and a wide range of courses but comes with challenges like reduced social interaction, reliance on self-motivation, and potential technological barriers. As with any educational choice, the suitability of e-learning largely depends on individual learning styles, goals, and circumstances.
The Pros and Cons of Virtual Training
Virtual courses with a trainer, often referred to as live online training or webinars, blend elements of traditional classroom learning and e-learning. Here are the pros and cons of such courses:
Pros of Virtual Courses
Interactive and Engaging: Live interaction with a trainer can make the learning experience more engaging and dynamic compared to self-paced e-learning.
Real-Time Feedback and Support: Learners can ask questions and get immediate responses, which can aid understanding and retention of material.
Flexibility and Convenience: While scheduled, these courses still offer more flexibility than in-person classes, as learners can join from any location with internet access.
Reduced Costs and Time: Eliminates travel and accommodation expenses associated with traditional classroom settings, saving both time and money.
Recorded Sessions: Many virtual courses offer recorded sessions, allowing learners to revisit the material later, which is beneficial for reinforcement and clarification.
Broader Access to Expertise: Learners can access trainers from around the world, not limited by geographical constraints.
Collaboration Opportunities: Modern virtual classrooms often include tools for collaboration, such as breakout rooms and group activities.
Cons of Virtual Courses
Technical Issues: Dependence on technology means technical difficulties like poor internet connectivity or software problems can disrupt the learning experience.
Limited Personal Interaction: While more interactive than self-paced courses, they still lack the full personal touch and networking opportunities of in-person training.
Screen Fatigue: Prolonged screen time can lead to discomfort and fatigue, impacting concentration and learning effectiveness.
Distractions at Home or Work: Learning from home or the office can present numerous distractions, potentially affecting focus and engagement.
Trainer Adaptability: Not all trainers may be adept at engaging learners through a virtual platform, which can impact the quality of learning.
Limited Hands-On Learning: Certain subjects that require physical interaction or hands-on practice can be challenging to teach effectively in a virtual format.
Participant Engagement: Keeping participants engaged virtually for extended periods can be challenging, especially in larger groups.
Time Zone Challenges: Time zone differences can be a significant barrier for international courses, making scheduling difficult.
In summary, virtual courses with a trainer offer a blend of interactivity, convenience, and cost savings but face challenges such as technical dependencies, reduced personal interaction, and potential distractions. The effectiveness of these courses can depend significantly on the trainer's ability to adapt to the virtual format and the learners' self-discipline and adaptability to remote learning environments.
The Pros and Cons of on-site Training
On-site training, where an instructor leads a training session in a physical location, is a traditional method of teaching and skill development. Here are the pros and cons associated with on-site training:
Pros of On-site Training
Direct Interaction: Provides face-to-face interaction with the trainer, facilitating immediate feedback, personalised guidance, and clarifying doubts.
Hands-On Experience: This is especially beneficial for practical skills or tasks that require physical demonstration, allowing learners to practice in real time.
Structured Learning Environment: A set schedule and environment can help learners focus and dedicate specific time to learning, which is particularly beneficial for those who may be easily distracted.
Team Building and Collaboration: Facilitates direct collaboration among participants, which can be crucial for team-building and developing interpersonal skills.
Engagement and Focus: Being physically present in a learning environment can enhance engagement and focus, reducing the likelihood of distractions compared to virtual settings.
Customisation and Adaptability: Trainers can adapt their teaching methods and pace in real time based on the group's dynamics and individual needs.
Networking Opportunities: Provides a platform for networking, enabling participants to build professional relationships and share experiences with peers.
Cons of On-site Training
Higher Costs: Typically more expensive than online alternatives, considering costs like venue, travel, accommodation, and printed materials.
Logistical Challenges: Organising on-site training involves managing logistics like scheduling, travel arrangements, and accommodation, which can be complex and time-consuming.
Less Flexibility: Fixed schedules and locations mean less flexibility for participants, which can be challenging for those with tight schedules or other commitments.
Limited Scalability: On-site training is often limited by the capacity of the physical space, making it less scalable than online formats.
Geographical Limitations: Accessibility is restricted to those who can physically attend, potentially excluding interested participants from different regions or countries.
Potential for Inconsistency: The quality of training can vary depending on the trainer's expertise and the participants' engagement, leading to inconsistent learning experiences.
Health and Safety Concerns: In scenarios like a pandemic, on-site training poses health risks and may not be feasible due to safety regulations.
Environmental Impact: Travel and physical resources used in on-site training can have a more significant environmental impact compared to virtual alternatives.
In summary, on-site training offers the advantages of direct interaction, hands-on experience, and structured learning environments, but it comes with higher costs, logistical complexities, and less flexibility. It is most suitable for training that requires physical presence and practical demonstrations and when building team dynamics is a key objective.
Final Notes on Training Methods
We have discussed the pros and cons of E-Learning, virtual, and on-site courses and why staff training is important. To keep your staff satisfied and contributing to their current roles, you must help them develop their professional skills and goals through relevant and ongoing training.
People are your biggest asset in an organisation; keeping them well-trained is just as important as keeping your IT assets well-maintained.
