Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on-demand training has become a bit of a buzzword, and for obvious reasons. Its value in light of workplace shutdowns has given professionals with a computer, phone, or tablet the opportunity to accomplish their TCEQ continuing education goals uninterrupted.
Shining a light on the trend of on-demand training has had a side effect, though—the dizzying number of terms used to identify it.
Here are some examples you've likely come across:
on-demand courses
on-demand learning
e-learning (courses/classes)
e-training (courses/classes)
e-courses
distance education
distance learning
online facilitation
online administration
online learning
online training courses
online continuing education units (CEUs)
Honestly, it's hard to wrap the mind around this material at times because many an organization use naming conventions like these to appear like subject matter experts in a unique domain. In reality, much of the vocabulary terms overlap, further muddying the water.
Because of this overlap, knowing which term is relevant to you, your employees, and your organization makes it difficult to know which kind of employee training method and learning strategy will serve to best increase engagement and ensure learner success.
This can strain management and employees alike by confusing the benefits and features of on-demand training with other methods. This can create a tendency to choose costlier options that lower productivity and reduce accessibility to a variety of learners.
Namely, instructor-led options.
So, let's put some control back in your hands as learners, managers, employees, and business owners by providing an answer once and for all.
What Is On-Demand Training?
In short, on-demand training, on-demand learning, or e-learning (take your pick) incorporate a few key attributes. On-demand training:
can be purchased at any time (i.e., isn't locked or constrained by a time period, schedule, or purchasing window).
can be accessed at any time with an internet connection (i.e., is only limited by access to technology, the ability to use it, and a reliable internet connection).
enables completion at one's own pace.
Pro-Tip
On-demand training is synonymous with on-demand learning. These are more customer-centric terms that help build value in the product—particularly by helping a learner feel in control of their progress and time. In the education space, both are considered e-learning.
What On-Demand Training Isn't
The transition from instructor-led training has been a slow one, particularly in the water and wastewater industry. TCEQ licensing and continuing education still rely heavily on instructor-led courses and physical resources such as classrooms and print manuals. Most inconveniently, they hinge on the availability of one person and the date(s) they can come to the office or training site.
This ties down entire teams for days at a time when a safety-critical job needs doing. And it's something on-demand training easily solves, saving money and time at the point of speed.
Suffice it to say, the following are not examples of on-demand learning:
distance education
distance learning
online facilitation
online administration
online learning
online training courses
All of these utilize an instructor and waste valuable time. Notice the final bullet in the list, though, because it's the sneakiest one of all. While it can be on-demand, it can also be an example of a specific type of instructor-led course which utilizes teleconference technology instead of e-learning technology. This modern reinterpretation of a classroom course will simply fill your desk chair for the foreseeable future.
Pro-Tip
If the content to be purchased requires scheduling a date in advance to lock down an instructor, class resources, or other physical items, it's not on-demand.
How Does On-Demand Training Work?
On-demand learning works rather simply. The best TCEQ-approved online training courses work on an intuitive model that offers diverse opportunities for getting TCEQ license credit with little to no dependence on another human being to register/enroll. This allows you to focus on using the learning software to fulfill the TCEQ license renewal process at your leisure.
The best e-learning companies will have the following:
An integrated learning management system (LMS) to track relevant data
A built-in feedback mechanism for enhancing learner development and engagement (e.g., pulse checks, quizzes, and learning activities)
A money-back guarantee paired with excellent customer support
Pro-Tip
Ask TCEQ-approved on-demand learning providers when they last updated their courses. Most don't do this except to satisfy state mandates. Only a provider creating content that's regularly updated will have the greatest bang for the buck.
Don't pay for information that's less than the latest and greatest.
What Are the Advantages?
That's a great question. Here's the quick list:
Autonomy
Mobile learning
Remote access
Time flexibility
Individual pacing
Learners who participate in on-demand learning develop their knowledge more fully and enjoy a greater ability to engage without being held up by trainers or sacrificing the other jobs on their busy schedule.
For a complete breakdown and answers to other questions, head on over to our article on the 5 Great Perks of Online Learning.
How Do I Get Started With an On-Demand Course Today?
It's easy to start your TCEQ continuing education journey with H2Online Training. Here are the high-level steps:
Visit the H2Online Training website.
Browse and select a product(s).
Create a profile on the LMS.
Purchase your course(s).
Access your course(s).
The Wrap
On-demand learning is often confused with other formats that include technology, making it difficult to know what we're getting as customers. The opportunities afforded by this style of continuing education model focuses on freeing the individual from a classroom, a company, or any other type of constraint that must be scheduled at the cost of employees, teams, and organizations. Learners can expect the best from online continuing education providers like H2Online Training, for example, because their resources put learners first, preferring to fill time with rich experiences rather than simply keeping them busy.
Now that you know, all that's left is to get started.