Summary
 |
This white paper describes the results of a survey of 533 trainers conducted in December 2006-January 2007 concerning the usage levels, benefits, and justifications for web conferencing as a training application. It explores trainer attitudes concerning the relationship between a variety of synchronous and asynchronous tools, as well as the impact of web conferencing on live, in‑person training. Among the key findings:
- While asynchronous tools (e.g., email, online workspaces and labs, and LMS/CMS products), videoconferencing, and audio conferencing were all relatively flat in 2006, there is an almost direct relationship between the use of web conferencing as a substitute for in‑person training. Use of web conferencing increased 14% in 2006, which directly corresponds to the reduction of 13% stated for in-person training.
- The ability to include learners who could not attend previously is the single greatest impact of web conferencing on training offerings – 63% use web conferencing to reach more learners.
- More than half (51%) believe web conferencing is more or just as effective as in-person training, and another 36% believe it is almost as effective. An even greater number (70%) believe web conferencing is more than or just as effective as asynchronous, self‑paced training, with another 18% believing it is almost as effective.
- About ¾ of trainers (76%) use the same web conferencing system for both training and general meetings.
|
The trainers who indicated that web conferencing for training increased 14% while in-person training decreased 13% in 2006 – and the 70% of trainers who believe web conferencing is more than or just as effective as asynchronous tools – are a powerful testament to a fundamental paradigm shift underway in corporate training.