I recall when I used to sit at the back of the class thinking, “Please don’t let the teacher ask me to answer that last question!” It wasn’t because I couldn’t answer it, or at least have a go at answering it. But just like going on a TV quiz show, answering in front of an audience and on-time isn’t always as easy as it seems.

It wasn’t that I couldn’t learn the subject matter – it was just that the environment didn’t work for me.

Because of this, I greatly support and believe in a new era of training being offered, as it clearly supports alternative ways of learning.

One of my favourite examples of this is a strategy being employed within the IT industry. Not surprisingly, it’s using the latest technological tools to teach comparatively complex skills and techniques, with a great level of success.

With the option of on-line and multimedia lessons, taught by leaders in their respective fields, students have high grade access to a vast array of learning material – whenever they want, and wherever they want it. True 24×7 learning and the option to choose absolutely anywhere to study; all contributes to the learning experience and ultimately improves learning success.

A far cry away from the sterile and intimidating classroom experience of youth.

Clearly there are other benefits: The opportunity to carry on studying when the student may not feel 100 per cent well, or during a period of incapacitation. Training schemes are available to everyone, and could be particularly useful to those with disabilities who find it difficult to study at a centralised centre. The ability to carry on studying regardless of external weather conditions, and the facility to study in the security of one’s own home.

There are other additional advantages. These include less cost and ‘down-time’; in terms of the time it takes to travel to the teaching centre and back, the issue of having to be there at a specific time, and the cost of travel to and from the centre. This all supports the strategy of ’smart study’ – studying in a cost effective manner, when you want, what you want, and where it suits you best.

Training by his method is not hampered by the slow upgrades or revisions of reading material and books. Students have an edge over their counterparts, as they are more likely to be studying the latest concepts and skills available.

Students are not forced to study in isolation though. This new training methodology understands that many people need a blend of human communication built into their study program. Therefore, a truly effective offering includes on-line interactive support, plus many students also set up their own ’study-buddy’ network, where, in a relaxed environment, they can review the concepts under study and discuss their ideas.

There has been incredible development in the field of IT and educational strategies. It seems natural that these two disciplines would come together to the advantage of the student, and create a training environment where the student is more in-control, making it more pleasurable overall. Surely that is one of the basic tenets of learning?

(C) 2009. Look at LearningLolly.com for logical info on Project 2003 and Project 2003 Training.