Posted By Joe Hardiment I am a bit unsure about whether fire training can be done online. The hazards can be highlighted, but no evacuation or practical advice can be given. If you are interested in other options please get in touch at jh.safety@yahoo.co.uk. Regards Joe

Posted By Mike Hann Joe / Christian, Many thanks for your input, it is very welcome, I may be in touch with you in due course. Do any other forum users have a view on online training? Thanks. Mike

Posted By lewes I do appreciate that not everyone can afford the time out of the workplace or the extra costs associated with classroom based learning. Personally I would go for the classroom based learning as you often get to meet other safety professionals who may look at something in a different light or have a different outlook on a matter. Plus if there is an area that you are struggling with I dont feel that on-line training would be able to help you resolve it unless you had the option of a helpline or to liase with other on-line users. However, I suppose there is always the argument that on some classroom based training courses there is always the possibility that some people are just there because "the boss has sent them". When I did my NEBOSH Nat Cert it was european funded at a local college and everyman and his dog were on the course because of the funding aspect. A percentage of the people may never of passed, had any knowledge prior or were ever going to put any of it into practise. I suppose there must be a need and purpose for it otherwise there wouldnt be so many training providers. Like with any training provider I think you will have to carefully select who you got your on-line training from.

Posted By GJB As with anything, too much of anything is not good! i.e. too much 'practical' training, too much 'theory', etc. when one looks at the way we learn according to Kolb's experiental learning cycle (look it up on t'internet!) then we do need a balanced view of practice and theory. Online learning dramatically cuts down interaction which for me is a vital ingredient, as others have said above. It depends on who you are training, their and your objective, where, why, etc. etc. In my opinion, a blended approach, i.e some practical/theory and some online can reap rewards, but I wouldn't want to solely go with 'online'. Cost, as we know is a major factor and it can be perceived that 'online' is far more cost effective than getting delegates together and spending a day/two days/ a week or a month together...BUT... and it's a big BUT!.. If only online training is provided and it 'doesn't work' for certain delegates... then it's a total waste of time, money and effort! Happy to have a conversation! Take care!