Online Training vs. Webinars: Which is Better?

There’s a lot of buzz and debate right now about the different options available for employee training. Companies everywhere are trying to decide if it makes sense to train their employees via webinar or if online training is the way to go.

As with most things in life, there are benefits and drawbacks to both training methods. Neither solution makes perfect sense for every business or every situation. The best solution for your company will depend on your priorities and your resources.

To help you make an educated decision on whether to offer online training or webinars, please consider the following pros and cons of each.

The benefits of webinars Webinars are a popular option for those working with limited resources who are unable to invest heavily in the strategic development of their employees. Webinars offer convenience, affordability, and ease of use. They are typically considered an efficient solution for short presentations on simple topics, live question-and-answer sessions, and demonstrations.

The drawbacks of webinars In most cases, webinars are nothing more than presentations with questions at the end. As is the case with in-house training sessions, the questions asked may not be relevant to everyone, but everyone has to sit through them. Learners can’t watch at their own pace, you can’t incorporate tests, and webinars are usually only available at a scheduled time. Webinars are more generic and less interactive than other forms of training and typically don’t hold the learners’ attention long enough to properly educate them.

The benefits of online training One of the best arguments for online training is the ability to verify learning through interactive exercises, quizzes, and tests. Employees appreciate the convenience of being able to learn at their own pace, at the time and location that’s most convenient for them, and the ability to review the materials as often as necessary. It’s simple to provide downloadable resources and supplemental materials within an online training course, and the learning management system (LMS) makes enrollment, tracking, and reporting easier than ever.

The drawbacks of online training Depending on the resources available to your business, it can be costly and time-consuming to develop a comprehensive online training program from scratch. If you need training right away, online training may not work for you unless you find a company that provides courses on demand. Additionally, professional-grade online training courses may require a financial investment that may not fit your budget.

Choosing the best employee-training solution for you Ultimately, you’re going to have to consider all the factors: how quickly you need the training, your budget, how many employees you need to train, etc. If you don’t have the resources to invest heavily in the development of your team, webinars might be a more viable option. However, if you are committed to building a company culture that operates on a strong foundation of skills, knowledge, and loyalty, an online employee training program will be your best bet for the long term.