At Chiltern, we are always looking for ways to share knowledge and make learning more accessible. Live, in-person training has always played a vital role in professional development. Being in the room with others, sharing ideas, and experiencing that spark of connection is so valuable. But we’ve also noticed that not everyone can access live training easily, and the sheer amount of information packed into one session can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That’s where self-paced online learning has an important role to play.

Learning that fits around life

Self-paced courses offer flexibility that live sessions can’t always provide. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home, a lunch break at work, or revisiting material after a busy week, online learning gives people the chance to engage at a time and pace that works for them.

Easy to come back to

Another benefit of online platforms is the ability to pause and pick up right where learners left off. With content available in different formats (video, audio, ebooks, downloads etc) people can choose the approach that suits them best, and return to the material whenever they’re ready.

Widening access

Bringing courses online also helps remove barriers. For many people, the challenges of travel, time away from work, and physical access can all make in-person training harder to attend. Online delivery means more people can join in, wherever they are. And because it’s often more affordable, fewer people are excluded by cost.

Space to absorb and apply

Perhaps the biggest benefit is the chance to learn in smaller steps. Instead of trying to hold onto everything from a single day, learners can return to the material and apply it to real situations as they go.

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We don’t see self-paced online learning as replacing live training. Instead, we see it as a way of broadening the opportunities available for learning. Live training will always have its place, but by adding self-paced courses and resources into the mix, we can create more flexible, inclusive, and lasting opportunities for growth.

That’s exactly what we are aiming for with our new online learning platform. It will make it simple for learners to pause and return without losing their place, and provide materials in different formats so people can engage in the way that works best for them. We’ll be sharing more very soon, and we can’t wait to show what’s coming.

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