The combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning models is the most prominent instructional trend to emerge in the past two decades. However, presenting synchronous virtual instructor led training (VILT) has different benefits than providing asynchronous video on-demand (VOD) access. One of the most crucial decisions that instructional designers and L&D leaders make is choosing whether to deliver online training through VILT or VOD.

Videos are the most consumable and popular form of web content, and their popularity grows continuously. Cisco predictions state that video-on-demand (VOD) and live videos account for 82% of internet traffic. Thus, the power of videos is undeniable. But many L&D leaders are uncertain about the difference between the VOD and VILT. This confusion is not surprising as both are virtual, and both use a presenter or presenters.

Harnessing the power of VOD and VILT together for learning can have numerous benefits. But first, it is important to understand the advantages and challenges for each of these two prominent e-learning methods.

VIDEO ON-DEMAND (VOD) LEARNING

Video-on-demand (VOD) learning is a learning system that creates and shares chapters, modules, and courses as pre-recorded videos. Videos can be embedded in online learning platforms and tied together with other learning tools like assessments and interactives.

Benefits of Video On-demand Learning:

• Round-the-clock availability – Learners can access the self-paced content anytime, anywhere. Round-the-clock availability reduces access challenges and suits learners who are preoccupied with jobs or other engagements.
• Ease of updating content while maintaining consistent high quality – Since these videos are pre-recorded and then uploaded, it is easy to update the content as and when required, all while maintaining quality standards. Additionally, learners get consistent and high-quality learning experiences from renowned instructors – something that may not always be possible through live streaming due to availability of instructors and global distribution of learners.
• Trackability – As a cloud-based delivery model, the learner activity can be tracked for views, engagement, and interaction levels. Additionally, the content can be combined with other activities, such as quizzes and interactives, to yield better engagement and efficacy.
• Cost-effective scaling – As the number of learners increases, scaling learning delivery can be managed easily and effectively through a learning management system (LMS), such as MyAthina. The upfront cost incurred for on-demand learning content development stays invariable and may increase in the event of content updates, but once the content is built, it is easy to scale up.

Disadvantages of Video On-demand Learning:

• Lack of learner accountability – The inherent flexibility of the self-paced VOD method can sometimes result in little to no learning if learner procrastination sets in and learners delay accessing resources for days, weeks, or even indefinitely.
• No interpersonal skill development – Lack of face-to-face interaction may lead to a lack of social and interpersonal skill development among learners. Additionally, there is no way of answering questions to provide any needed clarifications in real time.
• Peripheral benefits missing – Training in live groups helps foster team building and creates a learning environment and mentor-mentee relationships. VOD training cannot deliver these personal interactions, social connections, discussions, or the instructor experience.
• Gap between course development and delivery – Businesses operate in a dynamic environment, and market conditions are disrupted frequently. On-demand content that feels timely and important as it is being developed may become irrelevant or outdated by the time it is actually published and used by learners. Hence the time and money invested in creating and running learning modules can sometimes be wasted.

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR LED TRAINING (VILT)

Virtual instructor led learning includes learning sessions organized virtually on platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, Adobe Connect, GoToMeeting, etc. The trainer and the trainees communicate with voice, whiteboard, video, and chat. As a fluid medium, live streaming—including conferences, webinars, virtual workshops, and coaching—has gained new popularity, particularly throughout the pandemic.

Benefits of Virtual Instructor Led Learning:

• Real-time interaction and question resolution – Trainers and learners are interacting online through a live streaming session, making it more interactive and viable for skills learning and training. The facilitator can help learners with quick training lessons delivered at specified times and can answer questions on the spot. VILT is particularly effective for regulation-focused training to roll out new software, systems, or processes in an organization.
• Bridging knowledge gaps to support the learning process – The facilitator and the learners interact face-to-face in real time. Because of this, the pain points of the learning and development program can be resolved on the spot. If the training is complex and covers ideas that are difficult to grasp, the virtual presence of the instructor/expert can ease the pressure and promote better learning.

Disadvantages of Virtual Instructor Led Learning:

• Additional setup needed – VILT requires additional equipment like a camera, lighting, switches for multi-cam setups, continuous power supply, stable internet connection, good upload speeds, and capture cards for high-end streaming for the presenter.
• Time differences – It is challenging to deliver VILT programs on a global level because time differences may lead to lower attendance. Even if a portion of learners manage to make it to a session during odd hours, attendance rates may not be optimum.

HOW TO CHOOSE

L&D managers have to be discerning while choosing between conducting VILT or VOD learning in their organization. Learning and development professionals often utilize both techniques for onboarding and training employees, reaping the benefits of low cost, scheduling flexibility, and consistently high-quality deliverables. At ansrsource, our learning experts have always advocated harnessing the power of both VILT and VOD to grow team engagement, learning, and development.

To maximize the value of using both VOD and VILT, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Choose the Right Platform

If your online training is for smaller teams, interactive multi-panel live video platforms are good enough. For large group presentations and product demonstrations, however, broadcast platforms are ideal because the video and the audio quality can be sustained to keep the viewers engaged. For VOD, you’ll want to deliver asynchronous training materials in a way that is easy for learners to access and use.

STEP 2: Utilize a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for Group Training

CDNs enable better video performance and quality, eliminating buffering and pixelation. Select a CDN based on the number of learners.

STEP 3: Utilize the Power of Professional Production Equipment and Techniques

Investing in professional production equipment and techniques—like audio equipment and lighting—becomes crucial as video quality is vital. Whether you produce on-demand content or choose live streaming, having professional production capabilities enhances the learner experience and also improves the effectiveness of your training sessions.

STEP 4: Don’t Overlook Security

While conducting live streaming or video on demand sessions, make sure to use an embedded player so that the content cannot be copied or redirected (primarily if learning revolves around sales and product training). Use passwords and encryption to ensure there is no unauthorized access to the content.

STEP 5: Professionally Edit the Virtual Instructor Led Training for Post-session Consumption

Repurposing live sessions for on-demand viewing is a great way to ensure that those who could not attend the live session can still reap the benefits of the training. Moreover, the on-demand version of the content can be used if the training needs to be repeated on a regular basis. Live streaming and on-demand need not be mutually exclusive, as organizations can use both learning strategies to maximize the returns on their L&D investment.

Making use of a learning strategy that combines synchronous and asynchronous learning is a practice that can yield the highest return on investment as well as deliver the best results for your team.