What is the difference between classroom and remote learning?

The main difference between learning in the classroom and remote learning is how the course is delivered. 3B Training holds classroom training face-to-face in a physical location in which the learners will sit in front of a tutor. Remote Learning is delivered via an online video-call in a virtual classroom.

The Difference in Course Delivery

The Remote Learning course allows the delegate to attend from any location as long as they have a device that they can log into the course through. Whereas classroom courses have a specific venue, as long as the learner can access a video conferencing software such as Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams they can attend. Both course formats will have the same duration in-line with accreditation rules.

All of 3B Training’s Remote Learning courses hold a lot of similarities when it comes to delivery. The tutor would teach all the same content for both formats and the delegates would need to complete the same criteria and exam. The tutor will be live for both courses to interact with the delegates. Delegates can also discuss with each other. The Remote Learning courses have a chatbox feature in which delegates can ask questions during the course without speaking out.

The Difference with Course Materials

On most IOSH, CITB and NEBOSH courses 3B Training would provide the delegates with a coursebook. On the classroom courses, delegates would receive a physical book whereas on the remote course delegates receive a downloadable PDF copy of the course books.

Remote and Classroom Exams

Course exams are also exactly the same in terms of content, but the format is slightly different. Classroom delegates will complete a paper exam in the classroom with physical invigilators. On the Remote version, delegates are sent an editable document in which they must complete the exam. Delegates must have a camera device turned on throughout the exam so they are visible to the tutor and invigilator.

Practical Course Elements

Some courses have practical elements as part of the course content. In a classroom scenario, this isn’t an issue but how can they be completed remotely?

First Aid Courses

First Aid Courses have a distinct requirement for the learner to complete practical elements to pass. The practical elements require the delegate to demonstrate first aid techniques on first aid dummies and other first items. Tutors are unable to do this over the virtual classroom. Therefore, First aid Courses aren’t currently offered as Remote Learning.

NEBOSH Certificate

NEBOSH General Certificate also requires the learner to complete a Risk Assessment Practical Submission. Although most of the NEBOSH Certificate can be completed remotely, delegates must complete a risk assessment at a physical location. This part remote, part practical course makes up the NEBOSH General Blended Learning course.

Face Fit Testing Workshop

The classroom Face Fit Testing Workshop requires the delegate to complete theory and demonstrate their competence in face fit testing. Delegates need to also do this on the Remote Face Fit Testing Workshop. The difference with the Remote version is that delegates need to have their won face fit testing kit rather than using the ones provided in training centres. Delegates will also need to have another person present on the virtual call to conduct the test on.