6 Popular Myths About Instructor-Guided Training

General myths and truths about instructor-led training

Many organizations make the switch to online training to avoid all the disadvantages. However, some of these are nothing more than myths that prevent you from achieving your desired outcomes. ILT continues to be a cost effective solution to your L&D needs. You can even pair it with an LMS strategy to improve accessibility and personalization. Not to mention, stretch your budget even further by facilitating peer-to-peer remote support. Here are the surprising truths behind 6 popular misconceptions about instructor-led training.

6 Top Myths About Instructor-Late Training

1. ILT training is synonymous with one-size-fits-all learning

This long-standing instructor-led training myth has been circulating since online training came on the scene. e-learning is more flexible as employees can access personalized resources whenever it is most convenient. However, you can also mix ILT training with LMS to extend these benefits into your traditional training program. Or even use LMS reports to measure employee performance, engagement, and skill to create a custom ILT curriculum. For example, 75% of employees struggle with the new task-based simulation. So it is wise to include a walkthrough or step-by-step demo in your next ILT session.

2. Onboard is the only ILT training your employees need

Employees only really need training when they join your team and the policies are still a bit vague, right? After all, the ILT tide them over until peer support and manager coaching takes over. This approach may just cost you your top talent. ILT training and LMS cover the entire employment cycle, not just the first phase. Sure, new employees need more help to acclimatize. However, even experienced staff members have overlooked gaps that stand in the way of workplace performance. You are doing your employees a huge disservice if you offer one-time training and then throw them into the deep end. It’s a quick way to drown out their careers and reduce productivity at work.

3. Making the move from ILT to e-learning is an all-or-nothing approach

It does not have to be a one-or-the-other approach when it comes to compliance training or employee development. Many organizations assume that you should leave ILT cold turkey and just take an eLearning leap of faith. However, you can always develop a hybrid strategy that offers the best of both worlds, such as gradually incorporating online training resources into your ILT sessions or starting a bite-sized JIT library for ongoing support. Both methodologies play off each other to enrich your program and meet everyone’s needs. While some organizations may switch to an eLearning-exclusive program, others will follow the mixed path. This is the beauty of ILT and LMS. It’s malleable enough to form into an L & D approach that works best for your remote workforce.

4. Learning technology means the end of ILT as we know it

Some eLearning naysayers claim that learning technology will destroy ILT; that it is another forerunner of machines taking over and AI overpowering mankind. All drama aside, learning technology will change ILT training, but not eradicate it. Instructors and facilitators can use the PAYE to analyze employee performance, update content quickly, and monitor progress. They can even offer live opportunities instead of traveling around the world to provide training. It is true, their roles need to change into something new with the rise of learning technology. That said, those who can adapt will use online training to their advantage to achieve the goals.

5. Monetary returns are the only way to measure ILT success

It all comes down to ROI. But monetary returns are not the only way to determine if your ILT sessions are successful. They often require a substantial investment, as you have to pay instructor fees, travel expenses and payment statements. This means that they have to significantly increase your profit margin to be worth the investment as the base cost is so high. However, you should also consider employee retention rates, customer satisfaction scores and other key criteria. These non-monetary benefits can also be multiplied if you invest in an LMS for ILT. In this way, you fulfill the face-to-face component so that employees do not feel isolated and receive real-time support. Then use the PAYE to provide quick and convenient follow-up resources and address personal areas for improvement.

6. ILT training does not fit well with self-fit learning

The last common myth is that ILT training and self-paced learning are like oil and water. They just do not mix. You can not personalize ILT so that employees can follow their own path. And the nature of self-paced learning is autonomous, not instructor-led. Surprisingly, you can give employees the freedom to roam and set their own course without giving up ILT training. The secret is to define instructor roles and learner expectations. What tasks and topics will you cover in your ILT training? What support tools and training activities are available to your employees, and how do they fit into your ILT curriculum? You need to determine the role that each methodology will play based on your desired outcomes, as well as employee preferences, budget and level of instructor involvement.

Closure

Instructor-led training may not be the best stand-alone solution for all your L&D requirements. But investing in an LMS can help you achieve the desired outcomes and stretch available resources to the maximum. You do not have to omit face-to-face courses completely from your training plan to modernize. Just add online training resources to personalize the process and fill in the JIT gap left by scheduled sessions. And do not forget to define the role that ILT training and LMS must play in improving ROI and employee retention.

Choose the right PAYE for your ILT compliance training strategy with minimal effort. Our online guide has the leading LMS solutions, complete with company profiles, reviews and ratings. You can even evaluate your top three options side by side with the free comparison tool.

Download the e-book Merge Face-to-Face With Learning Tech: How ILT and LMS can bring employees the best of both worlds to blend modern technology with instructor-led training to achieve your goals.