Online training

Online training is the reimagining of the learning process that maximises available virtual classroom software to engage geographically-ranged trainees fully. This environment brings flexibility into the process regarding scheduling, content availability, and structures.

Online Training

At Gestaldt we believe that fundamentally training is skills or knowledge acquired through study, experience or being taught. Our online training is the reimagining of the learning process that maximises available virtual classroom software to engage geographically- ranged trainees fully. This environment brings flexibility into the process regarding scheduling, content availability, and structures, which allows our trainees to access the training material when and where they choose.
 
The elements of our e-learning and traditional training still include similar factors, such as motivation, content stimulus, opportunities to apply learning, an assessment which may comprise of quizzes, tests, and demonstrations, and rewards, which are traditionally credits that support the achievement of a degree or certification. With our online training, engagement of trainees is also critical to keep them moving toward their personal and organisational goals.
 
Benefits of our Online Learning 
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Our trainers and trainees benefit from e-learning opportunities. A study we have conducted during the Covid lockdown found that: 
◦ The amount learned in an e-learning environment was higher than that acquired in a lecture-based course. 
◦ Even those less prepared for the materials, based on pretest scores, showed the same level of increase in learning as other trainees in online classes. 
◦ Not only is e-learning useful and Covid safe, but it is also lowering costs for trainees and provides greater flexibility in what, where and how they learn. 

For our trainers, online classrooms provide many unexpected benefits that include: 
◦ Associate with other instructors, Subject Matter Experts, and access excellent resources. 
◦ Connection to trainees who have a passion for learning what they practice. 
◦ Improved time management, which allows the person to train while increasing the time to spend with family, on hobbies, other career objectives and more. 

Also, we have anticipated that at least 50% of all training will be delivered online by 2022 and beyond, so our revamped training approach and methodology will always be safe and of great benefit to our clients. 

Our Online Learning Methodology 

Gestaldt employs several methods to develop online classes, and these depend on the topic, our target trainees, requirements of our affiliated organisation and the demands of the user. For example, many training companies give their instructors great independence in developing online courses while we provide strict guidelines for structure which should adhere to SETA regulations. Our online learning methods can mimic actual classrooms, with required attendance at specific times, can be self-paced, or blended, and use a variety of tools to engage trainees and support training. 
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Our four basic categories of online training methods: 

Asynchronous Online Courses 

We refer to these courses as self-paced programs and are time independent, meaning that the materials can be accessed 24 hours per day/7 days per week. We provide a component of trainer/trainee interaction in the form of virtual office hours, weekly or monthly “check-in” online conversations or emails, and other such communications. Our courses can often be accessed from multiple devices, making it easy to learn on the go. 

Our classes consist of downloadable pre-recorded learning materials or slide presentations with or without voice-over commentary. We often provide interactive discussion boards or other designated forums that foster trainee to trainee interaction. WhatsApp and Mail communication with the trainer and possible virtual office hours are part of our process. We use collaborative tools, such as Google Drive, for coordinating group projects or other interconnected activities. We also provide learning support tools, including virtual masterclasses and resource centers. 

Our corporate learning and training programs offer this online learning method to provide the safest and most flexible learning environment possible. 

Synchronous Online Courses 

These are our real time courses and can take many forms including a virtual classroom, live webinar, live webcast, and video/audio conferencing, instant messaging, and more. Our trainer and trainees all log into our learning platform at the same date and time and the trainer delivers the training, demonstration, or other planned learning activity. The process is live, and the trainees can ask questions in real time. 

Attendance is often recorded, and our trainers post training notes and other materials for trainees who are unable to attend. We sometimes encourage that training materials be purchased (if not included in the training quote), and the programme will note due dates for reading assignments, course schedule, quizzes, tests, papers, projects, and other relevant information. We also provide virtual office hours, coaching and resources centers. 

These types of courses can be used for any topic, but we regularly use them with ademonstration or visually-based subjects. 

Hybrid or Blended Online Courses 

As the name implies, in this type, of course, we combine specific aspects of the synchronous and the asynchronous learning systems. We often have the scheduled, live classes several times during the training programme, but we use pre-recorded training/ webinars or presentations to deliver additional course materials. In another type of our hybrid learning called the Flipped Classroom Training, trainees are required to self-study a particular topic (mostly online) and interact with the trainers in the classroom to clear doubts. 

Most often, we utilise this structure for soft-skills training that focuses on person-to-person interactions. In corporate settings, we use the blended learning method for training trainees to become trainers themselves (Train-the-Trainer) which we deliver through our blended learning software. In other corporate environments, we use it to train leadership skills, sales processes, or other situations where a face-to-face component is necessary to be truly impactful. 

Competency-Based Online Courses 

This is our personalised approach to training, where specific skills are mastered to support a particular employment goal. Our Subject Matter Expert (SME) oversees the process and evaluates if and when competencies are reached. 

It is a self-paced program, but unlike a traditional asynchronous learning course, we do not use pre-recorded training or other materials. Many of our clients use competency-based learning to allow employees who are already working in their field to achieve credit for skills they already have or can quickly develop. These credits are included in the requirements for SETA accreditation. 

Additional Methodology Tools: 

The nature of our online training environment allows our trainers to go beyond traditional trainers’ modes to incorporate more engaging and interactive learning processes. 

Delivering Our Online Learning Methods 
Gestaldt has many choices for delivering e-learning, with the most popular structures including: 

◦ Learning Management Systems (LMS): LMS is the process by which we create and provide access to online learning programs. Choices range from cloud-based deployment to open-source licensure, and many more. There are many choices we offer in selecting an LMS, and we advise our clients to consider price, connectivity and whether it supports the methodologies they want to use. 

◦ Virtual Classrooms: Our Virtual classrooms require both the trainer and the trainee to be connected to the learning platform at the same time. Our LMS platform accesses user devices cameras and microphones to allow the participants to interact, ask questions, and conduct themselves as they would in a traditional classroom. There are many platforms designed to support our virtual classrooms, and other tools are also available. 

◦ Gamification Learning Management Systems: Our clients have an option of adding a gamification program to our existing LMS, but there are several e-learning systems with a gamification focus. If this is a significant component of our client’s online course, we help them choose from several quality gamification MIS platforms. 

At Gestaldt we design the training delivery structure to meet the needs of most of our clients and offer a range of formats to grow a broad user base. 

Since Covid, we have seen Online learning growing in the training industry and quickly overtaking its traditional counterpart. As a result, Gestaldt Trainers have been given several choices in the methodology of their online courses, as well as various tools they can use to increase motivation, retention, and training. They select the method that allows them to best present their materials and provides the best training value to our clients. 

Their delivery structure may be dictated by the organisation that needs the training, but given a choice, they find the one that provides the most flexibility and value to meet the client’s needs. 

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