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As IT professionals scramble to keep up with the increasing need for new skills, training flexibility and convenience are now requirements.
Those who have never trained in a virtual classroom, or haven’t trained in one for years, may have some pre-conceived notions about online training—many of which are either wrong or out-of-date. For instance, there are big differences between e-learning and virtual training. Do you know what they are?
To dispel any misconceptions, let’s explore eight common myths of virtual training and the truth behind each.
Myth #1: Virtual training isn’t interactive.
Truth: Global Knowledge’s Virtual Classroom Live training is live and instructor-led. Our virtual platform allows students to easily engage with the instructor and fellow students. Just like any classroom training with a live instructor, virtual training provides avenues for both verbal and non-verbal communication. Non-verbal gestures can be communicated (e.g., raising your hand, yes/no) and students are always encouraged to speak up verbally or through the chat function.
Myth #2: This course requires too much hands-on activity to be effective as a virtual session.
Truth: Global Knowledge’s virtual platform delivers the same technical labs and hands-on activities as our in-person classroom courses. In fact, some of our most technical Microsoft, AWS and Cisco courses are delivered more often virtually than in-person.
Myth #3: I can’t travel right now, so I’d rather wait to book training.
Truth: You can’t afford to put your skills and certifications on hold. Virtual Classroom Live features all of the benefits of traditional classroom training, while allowing the flexibility to train from any location. If you’re unfamiliar with our virtual training, watch this video preview of our platform and see for yourself the ease of collaboration between instructors and students.
[Seen enough? View our Virtual Classroom Live schedule]
Myth #4: I get distracted easily when I train online from my home or office.
Truth: Our subject matter experts are trained to keep you engaged and focused, even when you’re not in the room. Another feature of our Virtual Classroom Live training is that all classes are recorded and indexed for up to 12 months. If you want to revisit a topic, or if you missed something because you had to step away, you can watch the class recording as often as you want.
Myth #5: Our company already has an e-learning subscription. We don’t need instructor-led training.
Truth: On-demand courses are effective at building emerging skills, but the lack of expert interaction and inability to tailor content to your needs gives virtual training a significant advantage when you need to build critical skills.
Myth #6: Virtual training isn’t tailored to my team’s needs like classroom training.
Truth: Our Private Group Training (PGT) sessions are designed to upskill an entire team in the same training. PGT provides an environment geared toward specific skills needs—it’s ideal for a group working on a project, certification prep or campaign. Virtual PGT sessions are also available, so teams can train virtually from the location(s) of their choice.
Myth #7: Virtual training is easier academically than classroom training.
Truth: Virtual courses deliver the same quality content and subject matter expertise as an in-person classroom setting. There is no drop-off in quality. In fact, many of our subject matter experts teach more virtual classes than classroom.
Myth #8: I’m not tech savvy and therefore do not want to take a virtual class.
Truth: Our virtual classroom interface is clean and user friendly. It’s also quick and easy to join.
View our Virtual Classroom Live schedule
And if you still have doubts, let us know on Twitter.
Related resources
- How to Maximize Your Virtual Training Class Experience
- The Skills Development Index™: What Type of Training Do You Need?