There are a variety of methods for delivering user training.
Self Help (Self Instruction):
Self help involves training by oneself, often at a personal pace. The user can move through each segment of the training at their own pace, such that they can develop a mastery of the material before moving on to the next segment. Furthermore, this method of instruction allows the user to consume the information at their leisure. For example, they may review material in the train or in the bus.
However, the major problem with this method of training is the lack of personal help. Therefore, if you run into a concept with you cannot execute or understand, there is no one there to help you.
Formal Classes:
Formal classes provide training via an instructor and a formal class or syllabus. The user learns from the instructor and his peers and participates in learning alongside his classmates. The user is given feedback on his performance via regular assessments; wherein these assessments show the instructor whether the student has mastered the material or not. This allows the user to get informative feedback on his training process, and get help if necessary.
However, this may be difficult to execute for the trainers/instructors to setup or provide. Teachers require payment and the schedule for the class may not match each student's schedule.
Remote/Online Training:
Similar to self help, online training involves training by oneself. The user can move through each segment of the training at their own pace.
Remote and online training suffers from the same problems which plague self help, in that students cannot access human help when needed. Furthermore, online classes require an internet connection and therefore, they may not be accessible everywhere or for everyone.
Self Help (Self Instruction):
Self help involves training by oneself, often at a personal pace. The user can move through each segment of the training at their own pace, such that they can develop a mastery of the material before moving on to the next segment. Furthermore, this method of instruction allows the user to consume the information at their leisure. For example, they may review material in the train or in the bus.
However, the major problem with this method of training is the lack of personal help. Therefore, if you run into a concept with you cannot execute or understand, there is no one there to help you.
Formal Classes:
Formal classes provide training via an instructor and a formal class or syllabus. The user learns from the instructor and his peers and participates in learning alongside his classmates. The user is given feedback on his performance via regular assessments; wherein these assessments show the instructor whether the student has mastered the material or not. This allows the user to get informative feedback on his training process, and get help if necessary.
However, this may be difficult to execute for the trainers/instructors to setup or provide. Teachers require payment and the schedule for the class may not match each student's schedule.
Remote/Online Training:
Similar to self help, online training involves training by oneself. The user can move through each segment of the training at their own pace.
Remote and online training suffers from the same problems which plague self help, in that students cannot access human help when needed. Furthermore, online classes require an internet connection and therefore, they may not be accessible everywhere or for everyone.