In today’s workplace, the planning and delivery of professional development is constantly changing. When my career started roughly 20 years ago, the world was a far different place. While there were some opportunities to access online training, most of the time, the training I received was delivered in person.


But, over the years, like all of us, I’ve had to become more adaptable to learning in a variety of different ways, whether it be through live webinars, how-to videos, communities of practice, or e-learning modules. And then the pandemic hit, and access to in-person training came to a sudden halt. However, as in-person opportunities have started to become more common again, many employees are struggling to see the value and are sticking with online training almost exclusively. But is that always the best approach? As you think about your next professional development opportunity, here are some ways to decide whether your learning will benefit from an in-person or online experience.

Making the case for online learning

There are many reasons that online learning is a preferred method for many people, but let’s explore the benefits in a bit more detail.

It's easy to schedule and can be accessed right away

To better understand the value of online learning, I connected with Jennifer Traer, a not-for-profit professional with BB&C Management Services who has a background in member education and events. For starters, Traer sees online learning as a practical choice for many: “When it comes to scheduling and access, online learning just makes sense for many people. It allows you to select a time that works best for you, and you immediately eliminate the travel time to and from an in-person training session. You also don’t have to wait to access the information, as finding in-person training that matches your needs and schedule can be a bit tough at times.”

It's flexible and can be delivered in many different formats

The flexibility of online training can make a difference, as it includes a wide range of delivery methods. If you benefit from live speakers, you can register for a webinar. If you absorb information better in smaller chunks, you can opt for an e-learning module. If you simply don’t have time, you may head over to YouTube for a short how-to video with a bit more production value. The ability to choose a learning method that’s proven to work for you undoubtedly makes online a great choice.

It's low cost and low risk

Lastly, most online learning is cost effective and low risk. Professional development budgets can vary widely across organizations, and online learning can typically work with whatever you have available to spend. The risk is also fairly low if the training doesn’t meet your needs. If you’re halfway through a webinar that isn’t meeting your needs, it’s much easier to close a browser as an anonymous participant than it is to walk out of a room while making uncomfortable eye contact with an actual person delivering the information.

Making the case for in-person learning

So with all of the benefits of online learning, you may be wondering what in-person training has to offer? Let’s discuss.

It's more interactive

With many reluctant to attend in-person conferences and events, Traer has definitely seen an evolution in the planning and delivery of these opportunities. She explains, “It’s become harder to attract attendees to conferences and events, so many organizations are revisiting their agendas to make these learning opportunities much more dynamic and interactive. Agendas are moving away from long plenary addresses and integrating shorter, more interactive sessions. When reviewing the agenda for an in-person event, I would encourage anyone to make sure the format fits their learning style. If you struggle with attention span, like many people do, look for events that include shorter sessions, offer opportunities for questions and provide social components to meet new people.”

It's easier to network

If you’re looking to grow your professional network, it’s often much easier to make those connections face-to-face. If you’re able to find a conference or event with others in your industry, you are likely to find formal and informal opportunities to establish new relationships. Whether you thank a speaker after their session and strike up a conversation or are simply chatting with someone over breakfast, an in-person interaction is always going to provide the opportunity to make a more meaningful and memorable connection. Ask yourself the simple question – when was the last time you made a new contact after a webinar?

It's harder to get distracted

If I think back to my time at university, I’m often amazed at how I was able to regularly sit through two- to three-hour lectures with no breaks while actively taking notes the entire time. I have to admit, that version of me no longer exists. Whether it’s answering urgent emails, responding to texts or prepping for my next meeting, I find online learning holds me less accountable to providing my full attention. When learning in person, I simply find myself being more present and engaged. My phone typically goes in my pocket until there’s a break, and actively multi-tasking doesn’t feel like an option out of respect for the individuals standing in front of me presenting the information.

We all have different preferences when it comes to learning, but reflecting on our experience after each training session is an easy first step to better understand what works best for you. As Traer points out, “Each time you book a training, make a point to schedule a follow-up meeting with your manager to debrief the experience. It not only shows them that you’re actively pursuing your own development, but it forces you to reflect on whether it was valuable for you. Over time, you’ll find yourself not only considering ‘what’ you need to learn, but ‘how’ you need to learn it as well.” There’s only so much time to prioritize your own learning and development; you might as well make the most of it. 





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