If you’ve delved into our menus or browsed our Courses page, you may have encountered a few different terms. Because we offer several different delivery methods for courses, we’ve placed each course into one of four categories: remote learning, e-learning, video e-learning and classroom training.
While we try to explain each course type on the page itself, we’ve never put all the information in one place before. Here then is a quick primer on each term: what they mean, their advantages and disadvantages, and what you can expect when taking a course here at SAMS.
What is remote learning?
Remote learning is SAMS’ primary delivery mechanism for health & safety training, having taken over from classroom courses during the pandemic. Remote learning courses take place on the Zoom app, with learners joining a call set up by our expert trainers. The trainers then present the course remotely, with opportunities for the learners to ask questions.
When you book onto a remote learning course, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This will be followed by access to online learning resources, and a link to the Zoom call closer to the date of the course. You may also be sent physical learning resources depending on the course, as well as any materials you might need for your remote examination.
Remote learning has been an ideal way to learn during the pandemic, as it brings the classroom experience into your home or workplace. It’s also a great way for us to reach people who can’t make it to our premises in Kent, as well as those who find it difficult to attend classroom courses due to childcare, social anxiety and other barriers to learning.
What is e-learning?
e-Learning is an online course that can be taken and resumed at any time. There is no live training component to e-Learning, with all training taking the form of text, audio segments and sometimes videos. Learners can progress through the course at their own pace, acknowledging that they have completed each segment and then moving on to the next.
e-Learning courses are often the quickest and most convenient way to gain a qualification, as you can choose the pace you learn at. You can also often take the examination for your course straight away, and sometimes even receive your certificate on the same day. This is the case with UKATA Asbestos Awareness, which can be completed in just a few hours.
e-Learning is great for people who require a large amount of flexibility, but still want to gain a prestigious and useful qualification. What it lacks is the interactivity of the classroom environment, and the ability to ask questions. However, we are constantly working to improve our e-Learning courses, and recently upgraded UKATA Asbestos Awareness to a brand-new video format presented by our Operations & Training Director Lee Sadd.
What is video e-learning?
Video e-learning functions in the same way as regular e-learning, but is entirely video based. With the exception of the UKATA Asbestos Awareness course, all of our video e-learning courses are provided by Videotile, an external company. They are all of a high quality and fully certified by the relevant training bodies, which should be listed on the course page.
Like regular e-learning, video e-learning can be done at your own pace and in your own time. It has an advantage over traditional e-learning as it takes the form of short video ‘lectures’, rather than just using text or sound clips. This often makes it more engaging to learn, and can improve examination outcomes.
Thanks to the use of the external provider, our video e-learning courses cover a wider array of subjects than we are able to provide via other means. The cost-effectiveness of this service also means that we can offer these courses at extremely competitive rates, often several magnitudes lower than equivalent e-learning, classroom or remote learning courses.
What is classroom training?
Classroom training is exactly what it says on the tin: training conducted in a classroom environment. Learners will be given a set of dates and times on when to turn up at our training centre in Manston, Kent. They will then enjoy a series of lectures and demonstrations by our expert trainers, with breaks, snacks and refreshments provided.
Classroom training is in many ways the ultimate training experience, and is the way most of our trainers were taught themselves. The classroom environment can be rowdy at times, but it’s also a fun and engaging way to learn. You’ll get the full benefit of learning alongside your peers, being able to ask questions, and seeing the props and learning materials in person.
The obvious limits of classroom training are the need to be in a set place at a set time. While classroom training may not be possible for learners across the country, we’ll continue to offer it as a fundamental service for the South East. We can also provide classroom training in your business’ premises if you prefer, removing the need for your employees to travel.
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All of our training options have different benefits and drawbacks, but each is a fantastic way to learn. Whichever one you choose and whichever suits you best, we hope you enjoy learning with SAMS – protecting your future today.
If you have any further questions about the types of training, booking, issues with e-learning and video e-learning or anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch.