Is distance learning really the solution to all the challenges that the corporate market and individuals themselves face when seeking training?
Online/distance learning (EAD) has been around for more than two decades, but it was in the last three years, especially with the pandemic, that it ceased to be an "experimental model" and became a common element in the daily life of companies. In the corporate world, distance learning has grown rapidly as a way to provide training and professional development in a flexible and efficient manner. This type of teaching allows employees to study at their own pace, at times and places that are most convenient for them, which can increase productivity and job satisfaction. In addition, distance learning in companies can be a cost-effective solution for providing training to many employees, without the need for travel or infrastructure expenses for face-to-face courses.
However, even with the boom in distance learning, HR managers need to be aware of one point: distance learning is not suitable for all types of training. Some topics may require direct interaction between teacher and student, or even practical activities, which can be difficult to reproduce in a virtual environment. In addition, it is essential that companies invest in quality teaching platforms, with pedagogical resources that enable effective and meaningful learning. In terms of the technologies adopted, distance learning is fragmented in this market, which is currently dominated by a few large players, such as Docebo, Lynda/LinkedIn, Cornerstone, among other smaller ones. In other words, the use of distance learning in the corporate environment can be an interesting solution for companies that want to offer training in a flexible and economical way, provided that the necessary measures are taken to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the teaching-learning process.
A growing market for training students and teachers
In the US, and I believe the same is happening in innovative companies in Brazil, companies are using training and education as a way to retain talent and improve employee skills. The adoption of technology in education simplifies and increases productivity, while helping to reduce costs. One example I would highlight is our client, Kids "R" Kids, which is investing around $200K per year with 2BeLive to develop an employee training program. The goal is to promote the integration of new hires and improve the skills of those who have been with the company longer.
They are not alone, and this growth also generates a new demand: the need for schools to train teachers adapted to this new model so that they can make the most of technology to improve pedagogy. Translating this into the world we live in today means that even those who have just left university need training to learn how to use software proficiently in order to become productive workers. And this is where technology can help again, as virtual/online/distance education is the enabler of teachers and the only way to promote, in a timely and economically viable manner, large-scale training for teachers themselves.
The current scenario of distance learning in Brazil
In recent years, distance learning in the corporate environment has grown significantly in Brazil. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced companies to adopt remote learning as a way to maintain the training and development of their employees. But the exceptional situation experienced in recent years is not the only factor explaining this advance. This growth has been driven by several factors, such as greater access to technology, an increase in the availability of teaching platforms, and the need to keep employees up to date with technological innovations and changes in the market.
However, it is important to note that the quality of distance learning courses is still a concern. In this regard, the technology used is a determining factor. Therefore, it is essential that institutions invest in high-quality teaching platforms that offer pedagogical and technological resources that ensure effective learning. It is undeniable that the evolution of distance learning in the corporate environment in Brazil in recent years has been positive, offering a practical and economical solution for companies seeking to train their employees. However, the quality of teaching must be a priority so that this model can be used more and more successfully.
Furthermore, given its continental size and lack of education, Brazil needs technology to bring education to the most deprived and hard-to-reach regions. Whether it is elementary, secondary, or university education, underdeveloped countries cannot expect education to be provided solely through traditional means. While it is true that school attendance brings benefits beyond education, it is also true that in certain regions, during the rainy season, it is difficult to even get to school. Additionally, in other more disadvantaged regions, schools are miles away and students walk long distances to get there. Distance learning is not intended to replace face-to-face schooling, but to add to the integration of students with teachers and students with students, whether they are from the same country or from remote countries.
The Company 2be live, in partnership with Kids R Us, is doing exceptional work providing elementary education to underprivileged children in Gambia, West Africa, and Cambodia. Specialized distance learning platforms make learning fun. And when you combine fun with learning, the results clearly show that you learn more. The same work could be replicated in Brazil.
The immediate benefits of distance learning
There are several possibilities in distance learning that can be explored in different contexts and with different objectives. Some of the main ones are:
Flexible schedules: Distance learning allows students to study at more flexible times, adapting to their daily routine. This is especially important for people who work, have children, or have other activities that take up a large part of their time.
Student autonomy: in distance learning, students are responsible for their own learning, which means they need to manage their time, set their priorities, and seek resources to deepen their knowledge.
Personalization of learning: Distance learning can be tailored to meet the individual needs of students, allowing them to progress at their own pace and choose the resources that best suit their learning style.
Cost reduction: distance learning can be a more economical alternative for teaching, as there is no need to travel to the place of study, and there is no need to invest in physical infrastructure, such as classrooms and equipment.
Access to a variety of resources: Distance learning allows students to access a wide variety of learning resources, such as videos, texts, podcasts, discussion forums, games, and simulations.
Possibility of interaction: although distance learning can be a solitary experience, many teaching platforms offer interaction features, such as discussion forums, chats, and videoconferencing, which allow students to communicate with classmates and teachers.
Scalability: Distance learning allows an educational institution to serve a larger number of students than would be possible in a physical environment, which means that it is possible to scale course offerings and meet growing demand.
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