Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends in public safety.
You know, when I was a young trooper, all our training was done in a traditional classroom. Boy how things have changed. Now, it’s very common to take required training in a remote setting. Many of you are even working on or have completed college degrees online. Heck, COVID changed the rules for everyone and made remote learning the new normal. Social distancing, anyone?
Now, some of you old-timers might be questioning the validity of remote learning. I was even a skeptic. But there are several advantages to doing some required training online.
First, it’s efficient. One study found that remote training takes 40-60% less employee time than in the classroom. There’s also greater flexibility with employee schedules. This is especially important given the 24/7 nature of public safety.
Second, it’s cheaper. Online training avoids travel and overtime costs. Personnel can train anytime and anywhere.
Your agency also avoids costly administrative time, because online learning is usually supported by a learning management system. These systems help agencies easily track employee progress and completion.
Third, doing some of your training online gives your agency’s in-person training budget more bang for the buck. You can maximize classroom time with more advanced and complex training content.
Finally, today’s employees generally retain information better when completing training online. In fact, one study suggests as much as a 60% increase in retention when employees complete training on their own time and at their own pace. We live in a world of immediate gratification. Online training typically offers immediate results and feedback.
Let’s face it, folks. Remote training is a good fit for today’s modern workforce. Our personnel are more educated and computer-savvy than ever. Online training makes it easier to stay relevant and up to date. It also offers convenience and flexibility. Considering our shifts and other public safety commitments, remote training simply makes sense.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
