Online learning is here to stay

With new research showing that the majority of UK workers expect to work remotely more often post-lockdown, we look at why virtual learning and e-learning are set to become the ‘new normal’.

Recent research from Ciena indicates that remote working is unlikely to be a temporary measure for many, with two thirds (68%) of UK workers expecting to work remotely more often post-lockdown. This figure contrasts sharply with the 9% who were working remotely at least some of the time prior to the lockdown.

Similar trends are recorded also in a new report commissioned by the business division of mobile operator O2, which found that 45% of respondents predicted a permanent change in their employers’ approach to flexible working post Covid-19.

According to this report, nearly half the workforce think flexible working will increase, with a third (33%) of this group expecting to increase the amount of time they work from home by at least three days a week after lockdown – rising to 81% for those expecting to work at least one day a week from home.

Of course, working remotely isn’t for everyone. Many jobs simply aren’t suitable and even those employees who are able to, can sometimes struggle due to motivational problems, loneliness or an inability to switch off from work.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that, remote working will be increasingly common for many. For employees, the attractions can include greater flexibility with working hours, having more available time in the day due to the reclaimed commuting time and being around family more.

As working from home becomes more popular, so does online learning, with e-learning and virtual training options:

• e-learning allows employees to log onto online courses at any time of the day, meaning that they can train in a way and at a time that works best for them
• Virtual training allows for flexibility, meaning that employees can access recorded sessions and replaying segments as needed
• Employees can use e-learning and virtual learning to help achieve their professional goals, allowing them to choose from courses that they need to excel at their particular job

From a business perspective, the experience of remote working during the pandemic has demonstrated to many organisations that the benefits can include lower costs, improved employee satisfaction and retention, and increased productivity.

With remote working proving ever-more popular, it’s therefore easy to see why more businesses as well as individuals will look to virtual learning solutions as a way of addressing their training needs. With training departments increasingly asked to do more with less and new generations of workers clamouring for just-in-time training on their devices, the benefits of virtual learning are evident.

• Online learning allows businesses to educate a geographically diverse staff using learning modules, which is important today with so many companies employing a remote workforce
• On-demand virtual learning is typically offered through cloud-based software, meaning that a business can deliver the training when it’s convenient for them and their employees
• Virtual learning is less costly than arranging for standard in-person training, as it saves on the time and expense of employees travelling to the training location whilst also eliminating the cost of hotel stays and meals

Going forward, the emphasis is likely to be on blended learning, with other types of training playing important roles alongside e-learning and virtual learning. For example, in a recent interview Jayne Groll, CEO of the DevOps Institute confirmed her belief that technology training requirements will be increasingly met by a mixture of formal courses, peer-to-peer training and more online learning opportunities.

The key of course is in the balance. Whilst in the past virtual learning has tended to be used as support for physical and classroom training, many expect to see this situation reversed as the adoption of remote working increases.