Could online learning see the end of snow days?

As the weather turns colder, snow could be on the horizon, which is always a disruptive force in the world of business.

Snow days are seen as a blessing by children who would rather spend the day playing outside, rather than being in school. However, the same cannot be said for businesses that have paid hefty costs for office-based training programmes that staff cannot attend.

How does a firm provide the necessary training to its workforce, regardless of the weather? E-learning could be the solution.

Last year, schools in the state of Indiana in the US implemented a 'virtual option' for when snow was so bad that it prevented children from travelling to class. The pilot allowed 40 education establishments to continue learning as the polar vortex bore down. In fact, the scheme worked so well, that the state's Department of Education intends to do it again this year.

There is no reason why the same programme could not be implemented by a business, allowing staff to brush up on existing skills or learn new ones at any time of the year, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Typically speaking, online courses are cheaper to provide compared to classroom-based learning taught by a trainer, which means even if the programme needs to be cancelled due to employees struggling to get online, the costs will be easier to swallow.

E-learning allows people to digest the information conveyed at their own pace in their spare time, rather than try and take everything in during the time allocated to taught programmes that happen during working hours.

Employees that may find it difficult to commit to particular times and days due to existing work commitments, such as client meetings, can access the course any time through several different mediums, including through a mobile and tablet, meaning they can complete it at their convenience.

Virtual College has a host of courses available that could meet the training needs of businesses from a variety of sectors. Take a look at their catalogue and take steps that could prepare your business for the winter months.