Fluxys: "It's impossible to ignore online learning."

Continuity

Well before the lockdown, Fluxys had already tested its training courses by running them 100% digitally, with maximum continuity in mind. “Our intention was to ensure that our courses could always take place, no matter what. All the lockdown did was accelerate this process.” Did the switch to online courses go smoothly? "During this process, we collaborated with our providers to search for the best approach, both in terms of methodology and technical elements. The aim was to achieve the learning goals while taking the digital aspect into account. So no copying and pasting the traditional classroom courses."

Variety

Following the courses remotely saves you a lot of commuting time. “This is a great advantage, especially for employees who work outside the office. The only downside I’ve heard of so far is that the trainees do sometimes miss the mutual contact during the courses. But then again, online training courses are much more to the point. Both trainer and trainee will exchange learning material faster and easier and will stay focussed. This makes the courses both efficient and varied.”

The 50% rule

According to Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve, a vital part of learning theory, a student forgets 50% of what they have learned within 24 hours. "ElaN Learning has responded perfectly to this by adapting the content of the online courses. For example, the training sessions on communication skills were no longer organised in a single day, but rather in two half days, with a preliminary, intermediary and aftercare course. The trainer provided some theory beforehand, which meant that there was more time for practical exercises during the training course. At the end, each student received a concrete, individual action plan that they could immediately apply during their work."

So, may we conclude that online courses are a worthy alternative to classroom courses? “They will never be able to fully replace the live sessions, but they are a good alternative, provided that it has been properly prepared and that a number of preconditions have been met. It’s not a matter of one or the other. In any case, online training courses will become an even more important part of our training programme. Even when the corona times are fully over”, concludes Jamila.