July 29, 2021
With the hybrid work revolution, you now have a lot more freedom around how you train your team. You can stick to the old-school synchronous classroom approach. Or invest in asynchronous online training. Better yet, mix it up with a bit of both!
So, what’s the difference between synchronous and asynchronous? And more importantly, which training method is best for your team?
Synchronous training (AKA instructor-led training) refers to all types of learning where the instructor and the trainee are in the same space at the same time to make it happen. For example, when you were in school and sat in a traditional classroom every day, that was synchronous learning.
Typically, synchronous training is considered the more traditional route. Because until recently, it was really the only effective method. As a result, tons of tools are available to make it happen (like PowerPoint and lots of learning and development studies).
And with the recent push for remote work, there are even tools (like Zoom) that make synchronous learning possible from anywhere. Even opposite ends of the globe.
Asynchronous training (AKA self-led online learning) is the opposite of synchronous training. Meaning, it's when trainees access their training without the instructor and get up to speed on their own. And as a result, they can go through the information at any time and from anywhere.
For this training method to work, managers need to document their best practices and processes. But unlike asynchronous training, they only have to do this once, and then they're done (minus a few updates from time to time).
Then, using that documentation, they can train one person or 1,000 people without wasting tons of hours or explaining the same topic again and again.
Asynchronous learning is still relatively new. But in recent years, the self-paced training method has exploded in popularity. As a result, top-rated training tools like Trainual have received massive funding to make them more widely available.
Synchronous training and asynchronous training both have their place. And which one is best for your team really depends on your business and how much you’re willing to put in for your return.
That’s why, in most cases, it's best to rely heavily on asynchronous training (the more cost effective method). Then, leave the final, more personal touches to synchronous methods (the more expensive option). That way, you get the benefits of both - without breaking the bank.
For example, we use (to nobody's surprise) Trainual to share important need-to-knows to our team. That way, everyone gets the same information. And we can track who has done what training and test that they understood it.
Plus, we're the first to admit that we have a high output team. But training asynchronously makes sure that everyone is always up to speed. Everyone can do it on their schedule - not on ours. And automated reminders make sure they get it all done.
Then, if anyone has any unanswered questions after going through all the content, we address them in our weekly 1:1s.
Weekly 1:1s are kind of like office hours. They're standing 60-minute syncs between a manager and each direct report. And they provide opportunities for open discussion and hands-on coaching related to any training, projects, obstacles, or work-life balance. Really, whatever our team needs help with.
But if someone has a pressing question and their 1:1 isn't for a few days, there's no need to wait for an answer. That person can Slack or call their direct manager about it. Or, reach out to the subject matter expert (noted as the "Subject Owner" on the training content) directly if there's a better person to ask.
For example, if a Junior Engineer has a question about benefits, they can reach out directly to our Head of People. No need to add red tape by going through their direct manager.
As an asynchronous training tool, we're the first to say that synchronous and asynchronous training plays an important part in getting your team on the same page. But one (a-hem, asynchronous) is the star of the show. And the other has just a supporting role.
July 29, 2021
With the hybrid work revolution, you now have a lot more freedom around how you train your team. You can stick to the old-school synchronous classroom approach. Or invest in asynchronous online training. Better yet, mix it up with a bit of both!
So, what’s the difference between synchronous and asynchronous? And more importantly, which training method is best for your team?
Synchronous training (AKA instructor-led training) refers to all types of learning where the instructor and the trainee are in the same space at the same time to make it happen. For example, when you were in school and sat in a traditional classroom every day, that was synchronous learning.
Typically, synchronous training is considered the more traditional route. Because until recently, it was really the only effective method. As a result, tons of tools are available to make it happen (like PowerPoint and lots of learning and development studies).
And with the recent push for remote work, there are even tools (like Zoom) that make synchronous learning possible from anywhere. Even opposite ends of the globe.
Asynchronous training (AKA self-led online learning) is the opposite of synchronous training. Meaning, it's when trainees access their training without the instructor and get up to speed on their own. And as a result, they can go through the information at any time and from anywhere.
For this training method to work, managers need to document their best practices and processes. But unlike asynchronous training, they only have to do this once, and then they're done (minus a few updates from time to time).
Then, using that documentation, they can train one person or 1,000 people without wasting tons of hours or explaining the same topic again and again.
Asynchronous learning is still relatively new. But in recent years, the self-paced training method has exploded in popularity. As a result, top-rated training tools like Trainual have received massive funding to make them more widely available.
Synchronous training and asynchronous training both have their place. And which one is best for your team really depends on your business and how much you’re willing to put in for your return.
That’s why, in most cases, it's best to rely heavily on asynchronous training (the more cost effective method). Then, leave the final, more personal touches to synchronous methods (the more expensive option). That way, you get the benefits of both - without breaking the bank.
For example, we use (to nobody's surprise) Trainual to share important need-to-knows to our team. That way, everyone gets the same information. And we can track who has done what training and test that they understood it.
Plus, we're the first to admit that we have a high output team. But training asynchronously makes sure that everyone is always up to speed. Everyone can do it on their schedule - not on ours. And automated reminders make sure they get it all done.
Then, if anyone has any unanswered questions after going through all the content, we address them in our weekly 1:1s.
Weekly 1:1s are kind of like office hours. They're standing 60-minute syncs between a manager and each direct report. And they provide opportunities for open discussion and hands-on coaching related to any training, projects, obstacles, or work-life balance. Really, whatever our team needs help with.
But if someone has a pressing question and their 1:1 isn't for a few days, there's no need to wait for an answer. That person can Slack or call their direct manager about it. Or, reach out to the subject matter expert (noted as the "Subject Owner" on the training content) directly if there's a better person to ask.
For example, if a Junior Engineer has a question about benefits, they can reach out directly to our Head of People. No need to add red tape by going through their direct manager.
As an asynchronous training tool, we're the first to say that synchronous and asynchronous training plays an important part in getting your team on the same page. But one (a-hem, asynchronous) is the star of the show. And the other has just a supporting role.
July 29, 2021
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