Digital Learning: There’s No Going Back

There’s no question about it, when it comes to training and development the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in the way we upskill our teams. 

Driven by a surge in home working and the need for new forms of learning during multiple lockdowns, there has been a faster and more widespread shift towards online training within the oil and gas sector, which has historically relied on a more traditional approach. 

But as we begin to edge ever closer towards something resembling ‘normal’ working life and opportunities for face to face training present themselves, will we see a switch back to classroom-based learning? Can digital learning provide the same or better technical skills and knowledge as in-person sessions? And can leaders manage the performance of teams remotely while maintaining the same levels of engagement and feedback?

For some businesses, the move towards digitalising their training programmes was well underway before the effects of the pandemic took hold, but there are many that remain on the fence when it comes to embracing the digital transformation.

We are living in a digital age where technology is constantly transforming the way we communicate and carry out our jobs. The reality is that much of our work already takes place virtually and we’re quickly learning how to build just as strong working relationships online. 

There are plenty of reasons to choose a digital programme of learning for your business. For starters it can provide complete flexibility to scale up training at a moment’s notice, from small teams to a global scale and without the expense of travel and accommodation - a particular benefit of operating in more turbulent times when you’re more mindful of budgets.

Research shows learners already spend around 33% of their time in meetings - they want to learn anywhere, at any time they choose, rather than being constrained to more dates and times. E-learning can be undertaken to fit around the operational activity of a business while employers can track each team member’s progress, identifying not only areas of strengths but also any competency gaps.  

But what really sets digital training apart from in-person learning is its blended, continuous approach. While classroom based teaching typically tends to be a one day a year experience - and its success largely dependent on the instructor -  e-learning offers bite-sized, easily digestible content. It ensures a level of consistency that is not achievable with face to face training. Using a wide range of mediums, including animation, quizzes, videos and interactive 3D scenarios, information is repeated, reinforced and remembered. In fact this ‘spaced learning’ has been proven to boost knowledge and retention by more than 50%.

Cutting-edge gamification technology is transforming the face of training within the oil and gas sector and is particularly effective when used for teaching highly complex subjects. Norwell EDGE recently launched a series of modules with 3D scenario training where students are taken right to a virtual wellsite to learn, and more importantly to fail, in a safe environment.    

Using these modern types of training methods transforms dull classroom learning into fun and interactive sessions which not only improve learner motivation but increase the likelihood they will stay the course. 

Digital training such as EDGE have been created with flexibility at its heart. Employers can create tailored programmes for individuals to meet learning needs by using a click and mix module approach. The fact EDGE training content is aligned with Oil and Gas UK’s wells competency guidelines offers them peace of mind that training is of the highest standard, with a priority placed on improving skills and operational safety.

There is little doubt that once the working world resumes to more ‘normal’ routines, face to face learning may be revived to some degree but the change in balance which has occurred over the last year appears to be lasting. The energy sector increasingly understands that a modern approach to learning is now what is needed. Many companies have had a taste of virtual solutions in recent months and are likely to be more confident now in making their switch over. But they also know that changes as big as these do not happen overnight and to be truly successful they need to play the long game in digital transformation. After all, digital is here to stay.