EMBRACING ONLINE TRAINING

Online Training has become an invaluable skill currently. This skill has become crucial addition to the modern workspace, accelerated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conducting physical training has become difficult and the reduced travel brought about by the pandemic has forced companies to invest in online training conferencing skills and equipment.

Online training is regarded as distance learning, whereby training instructions happen purely on the internet, e-learning. Elements such as videos, audio, website-links, graphics and many more are forms of multimedia elements used for online training. Online training create live interactions opportunities which enables instant feedback between the instructor and students. With Online training, learning can take place almost any place and time, given there is good internet connection. Online training can allow a person to remotely study abroad with its flexible timetable that suits different lifestyles, it becomes easier to balance around school, work, family and any other commitment with online learning. It requires one to have basic knowledge on how to use computers.

In online learning programs, resources are accessed the same way as one would on a physical setting by using resources such as e-books, journals, online discussion forums, videos, recorded lectures, quizzes and live Q&A sessions. Here, we will look at Video Conferencing which is a common online training technology used in different organizations.

What is Video Conferencing?

Video conferencing is a technology that allows users in different geographical locations to hold face-to-face meetings without having to move to a single location together. It can be described as a live visual connection between two parties over a communication medium, mostly the internet that simulates a face-to-face meeting.

How does Video Conferencing work?

Video conferencing simply works by sending both audio and video over a digital connection to the other person on the call. This exchange is done between all the participants.

What is needed for Video Conferencing?

We have so far determined that video conferencing is simply exchange of audio and video over a network. You need to get devices that will allow you to capture audio and video.

Video conferencing can be conducted using a mobile phone, tablet, laptop and even a desktop computer.

• Data transfer – There needs to be a means to transfer audio and video between the participants. A wired internet connection is preferred because of its reliability. However, any strong internet connection will be suffice.
• Audio – a microphone to pick up the participant’s voice is required. A way to play the sound received is also needed. For this, speakers would work. In the case of a mobile phone, one can use the internal microphones and speakers or use headphones for both the microphone and to listen.
• Video Conferencing software – A system to facilitate the video conference is required. Common examples of such software is Zoom and Google Meet.

Video Conferencing software

There are various software or platforms that offer Video conferencing services. The most common at the time of writing this article are Zoom and Google Meet.

• Zoom

Zoom is video conferencing software for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices that run iOS or Android. It is a premium model where it is free to use but users can pay to get extra features. It supports one-on-one calls, as well as group meetings that can hold up to 100 users for free or 500 users with an additional purchase. Zoom has been well adapted for situations with many users with features such as disabling microphones for participants and ‘raising your hand’ virtually. Zoom has seen growth in schools and offices alike.

• Google Meet

Google Meet is a video conferencing platform offered by Google. It is free to any user with a google account. With Google Meet, you can host video calls with up to 150 people, depending on the service plan selected. The service includes valuable features like screen sharing, recording options and the ability to dial in to a video conference by phone.

Video conferencing and remote working

Video Conferencing has become key for companies that are adopting remote working. It is no longer a requirement for all employees to be in the same room for a meeting. During the pandemic, many companies became cash-strapped and had to reduce their resources. By cutting down on rental fee and maintenance costs, remote working is becoming a reality for many corporate.

Teamwork and collaboration have become easier. Team projects can be completed by teammates from anywhere on earth with an internet connection