"Distance learning works surprisingly well"
Since March 2020, we have been delivering Lean Six Sigma training in face-to-face, distance and hybrid formats (a combination of online and face-to-face training). We have now collected a representative sample of customer feedback that gives us a comprehensive picture of how successful our online training format has been and what kind of training participants would like to see in the future. Below is a summary of the results.
Our online distance learning: 'Active distance learning'
Before familiarizing yourself with the results, it's good to understand what form of remote training our training sessions entail. We have developed our own "active remote training format," which significantly differs from other commonly used online training formats, such as self-paced online courses or participating in face-to-face training via web connection.
Our active teaching method via distance learning:
- The training days are designed to be interactive using various digital facilitation techniques and learning platforms.
- A unique virtual simulation to make it more concrete. You can read more about our simulation at the link: digital simulation to support the training
- Live remote session with the trainer, with all participants participating remotely via video link.
- In between the live remote days, participants will practice the lessons in practice, supported by remote coaching from the trainer.
Our active distance learning allows participants to participate in a balanced way, working in groups and learning from each other. Our experience shows that active distance learning achieves the best learning outcomes online.
"What form of training would you choose: face-to-face, active remote learning or hybrid?"
The trainings were different types of Lean and Lean Six Sigma trainings, lasting from 5 to 14 days. The participants came from companies of different sizes and types (public sector, service sectors and industry) from all over Finland. Some of the trainings were open and some were in-house trainings.
We asked the participants which form of training they would choose as the most appropriate form of training in the future:
- 61% of respondents would opt for hybrid training in the future
- 24% would opt for distance learning only
- 5% would choose solely face-to-face training.
As the Covid epidemic at the time of the measurement meant that not all the planned short days could be organised, the participants can be divided into 3 groups according to the format they had chosen when they enrolled and the format in which the training took place:
- Registration: On-site. Implementation: Hybrid.
- Registration: On-site. Implementation: Remote training.
- Registration: distance learning. Delivery: distance learning
The type of training the participant had initially enrolled in had some influence on the choice, but less than expected. Most surprisingly, those who had enrolled in local training, but delivered remotely or as a hybrid, were most likely to choose hybrid training in the future. Those who had enrolled in distance learning and also had it delivered remotely would continue to opt for the distance mode most of the time.
Figure: Participants think that the type of training is most suitable for them vs. the type of training they had originally chosen
The advantages of different types of education
Below, participants' comments on the benefits of different types of training:
1. Hybrid Training (a combination of on-site and remote training)
Participants who preferred hybrid training (61%) perceived its advantages as including:
- "Distance learning saves on travel and the opportunity to participate from home. I think it's good that the group also meets and certain group work is done together."
- "The best of both worlds come in."
- "Flexibility. Reduced travel and costs and more efficient use of time."
- "If you get sick, you can participate remotely."
- "Online training worked well, but a full day remotely is also more demanding than classroom teaching."
- "In classroom sessions, it's easier to establish personal contacts, while remote sessions offer relaxed studying from home."
2. E-learning: an active form of distance learning
Participants who would opt for distance learning in the future (24%) perceived its advantages to include:
- "I think distance learning is sufficient, and a flexible format."
- "You can concentrate on your education in peace."
- "Distance learning offers a more relaxed learning environment and you can choose where you want to study."
- "Personally, I like working remotely because travelling is not my thing."
- "I thought the distance training worked well and the trainer kept the timetable on track effectively. For me, one of the selection criteria was the possibility of distance learning, and I have no complaints about the distance delivery. Everything worked out fine."
- "The distance learning worked well, the division into smaller groups for the tasks was effective and the simulation was a good way to give concrete results."
3. On-site Training
Those who would prefer face-to-face training as their preferred training format (15%) perceived its advantages as follows:
- "The distance training was well organised and did not significantly reduce the level of training. It is easier to establish a dialogue with the trainer and other trainees in a face-to-face format."
- "The online training was well organised and well paced. However, I would choose face-to-face training, as it is easier to concentrate when you are there in person."
- "It's easier to make human contacts in face-to-face training than in distance training."
How was the active distance learning model perceived?
Participants experienced our online training, with live contact with the trainer, as more positive than expected:
- "Worked well remotely and the change to remote training was a great success."
- "Effective, things also work when taught remotely."
- "In the beginning, distance training was a challenge because I had no experience of similar full-day training. The training evolved as I gained experience and in the end it went very well."
- "Good rhythm and a teaching structure where the doing (exercises) is combined with the 'theory'."
- "It works really well remotely."
- "The modern tools to support teaching are particularly positive."
The trainer's journey into the world of distance learning: experiences and insights
The koruna forced a rapid conversion of training to distance learning. It was a challenging start. Face-to-face training could not be replicated online as such, as distance training requires different pedagogical methods and facilitation techniques to be successful. The preparation for the training had to be completely different from the way it had been done in the past.
As a trainer, it's crucial to invest a lot of effort to ensure everyone stays engaged. There needs to be sufficient variety in exercises and breaks, and as little "lecture-style" teaching as possible. Personally, I found it very positive to have the opportunity to use various new digital tools and collaboration platforms online, which enable everyone to participate actively. However, the advantage of in-person training is that it's easier to get to know the participants because there are more informal break-time conversations.
Like most of the participants, I would opt for hybrid training in almost all future trainings, where we can use virtual tools for online training and on the other hand ensure sufficient interaction during the next days.
The change has been huge and happened quickly. It has been really rewarding to see how enthusiastic participants have been and how open they have been to the new opportunities that distance learning offers.
Although the change was forced, it has had a huge positive impact in terms of training provision, even in the longer term.
The way we train in the future
We will continue on this path by offering participants a variety of training options, combining the benefits of online and face-to-face training.
Finally, customer feedback, which puts into words what Jaatinen B.V.'s (distance) training is all about:
"Great trainer, nice interactive and comprehensive training, always a pleasure to attend! In addition to the content of the training, the different ways of learning and the sufficient break required for remote work were particularly well taken into account." Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lotta Takala, Insta Digital
If you want to find out more about our training offer, read more about it in the links below:
I hope this has given you new insights if you are considering different educational options.
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about the different options.
Lean Six Sigma,
Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
