Remote Learning

As we enter our third period of ‘lockdown’ we thought it might be useful to refresh your memories with regard to ‘remote learning’ after all most schools are now delivering it.

When the Coronavirus pandemic first hit the country back in March 2020 most of industry including vocational training establishments and schools came to a grinding halt. Over the months that followed, whilst some restrictions were lifted many remained in place limiting face to face contact and tuition. As a result, what was at the time a relatively little used or known concept, ‘remote learning’ became increasingly popular, particularly as a result of improvements in video conferencing services such as Zoom and MS Teams which facilitated the capability.

Goldcross Training were leaders in this field and having embraced the technology available we rapidly developed systems in order to allow us to provide our customers the opportunity to continue to undertake the necessary mandatory training and hence continue working.

So, What is Remote learning?

Remote learning (often called: virtual learning and or online training) is quite simply training or teaching provided live in an online environment. Here at Goldcross we utilise the Zoom platform which enables our trainers to deliver course content in a very similar manner to which they would do in the classroom. The Zoom platform provides for all delegates to be connected via video link with the instructor. This facilitates a good level of interaction and the undertaking of training activities such as quizzes and toolbox talks are just as they would be in the classroom.

How does it work?

Once an individual delegate signs up for a remote learning course they will receive their course joining instructions in the normal manner. The joining instructions provide all of the necessary detail required by the delegate such as course dates, timings, etc.

All required course materials, such as books, will be provided as a PDF or direct download depending on the type of course being undertaken.

The delegate will then be emailed a link directly by their tutor which will contain the ‘Meeting ID’, their ‘Pass Code’ and the time that they will be required to join the meeting (training session).

Once delegates are ‘logged in’ they will as normal be required to show the required form of identification to their tutor prior to the start of the initial training session.

Do I still have to undertake an Exam on a Remote Learning course?

Delegates will be required to complete the necessary exams and assessments as specified by the appropriate awarding body.

This is commonly provided for through the use of an online form (exam template) that delegates complete under the invigilation of their tutor using the webcam facility provided on the Zoom Platform.

Are Remote Learning Courses Accredited in the same Way?

All of our accrediting bodies: CITB, NEBOSH & IOSH have approved the course’s we offer through remote learning. As a result all delegates that successfully undertake training in this way will receive exactly the same certificate that they would if they had undertaken classroom-based training.

What Hardware do I Require?

Delegates need to ensure that they have appropriate access to the use of a functional: desktop computer, laptop/notebook or IPad/Tablet for the duration of the course. The hardware utilised must also have a built-in or supplementary webcam and a microphone. We do not recommend the use of mobile phones.

They must of course also have access to the internet.

Why should I do Remote Learning?

There is no definitive requirement for the majority of delegates to undertake remote learning most have the opportunity to choose the type of training they wish to undertake. It really does come down to personal choice and whilst there are clearly some advantages to remote learning these must also be balanced against what some delegates consider to be disadvantages:

Advantages:

No commute required – saves time and money.
Convenient & Comfort – You can undertake the training dressed as you wish in an environment of your choice, even down to the chair you sit in.
Home environment may be less stressful (not always the case however particularly if you have young children at home) – For many delegates going back to the classroom can be rather intimidating.
Teaches time management and new learning/social skills – time management skills are essential to remote learning as they are in every aspect of life. The use of new/modern technologies also enhances your existing learning skills, many of us will not have studied in any meaningful way since we left fulltime education or were mandated to undertake specific classroom based training.
Cost Savings – eliminates the costs associated with commuting, hotel accommodation and meals
Eco-friendly – remote learning provides an alternative to paper-based learning and students don’t have to travel to and from lectures, meaning the CO2 emissions are reduced substantially.

Dis-advantages:

Lack of Social Interaction – Learning in a ‘bricks-and-mortar’ training establishment presents delegates with the opportunity to meet and interact with people from different locations on a personal level. All of whom are normally focused on successfully completing the training they are undertaking. Though delegates can interact through: chat rooms, discussion boards, emails and the Zoom platform directly, the experience cannot be compared to that of a traditional training establishment.
Opportunity for Distraction – remote learning may not be a good option for delegates who procrastinate over things or those who aren’t able to stick to deadlines. If you are undertaking the training at home and have a young family you will need to be able to segregate yourself from them and their needs, whilst the training is taking place. Note: If you are undertaking the training at work you can face similar issues albeit through the needs of colleagues/management.
New (Complicated) Technology – this learning method requires access to current and functional technologies throughout the course. Whilst younger delegates may be very familiar with the hardware and software requirements some delegates could struggle through their unfamiliarity with the technologies in use.