5 Reasons You Should Learn In-Person, Hands-On Training versus Virtual (Hair Edition)
I love YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram…
But I hate YouTube University, Pinterest Tech, and Instagram Institute. Facebook College is not far behind either. So let me tell you why:
They are all heavily diluted with content that has been watered down…
Before you send the internet police on me, these platforms are all my favorite resources for different things. As a matter of fact, I used to have a decent following on YouTube 16 years ago, but let the channel go because I wasn’t consistent in my postings. It was also during a time when, in my opinion, natural hair and locs were really a BIG thing! I was definitely a DIYer following QOChemist, Quotidianlight, and Chescalocs. We were all learning from each other.
However, times have changed, and one thing I used to tell my students: “Be careful what you click on!” Unfortunately, we live in a world where everything is instant! So much information is watered down and just shows how to do something. That’s fine and all, but what about the why?
Virtual and online training works, but in-person or hands-on classes will often do better in an industry where you have to use your hands!
Here are 5 reasons why:
You get instant feedback. There’s that word again! I love the look on a student’s face when they have an ‘aha moment’! Unlike behind a screen, even though it may look like you’re doing a technique right, you may never know, because you can’t always ask the person offering the training for feedback.
You feel more at ease and comfortable. As a cosmetology instructor, whenever my students had to learn a technique from a video at home, and got frustrated, they would come to class the next day and be frustrated. Their mind would shut down, and not desire to learn. In class, you are around your peers, who are usually in the same boat as you, so you are more comfortable learning and messing up.
The information received can be retained easier. When your hands are in action, your brain remembers. In person, you will often do repetition. Virtually, you might just only watch or do it one time and say, ‘yeah, I get it.’ I learned how to braid 15 years ago at a seminar with 50 other people (who all had different skill levels), and I can do it with my eyes closed.
You are more than just a number. Some online educators just want to make money. You pay for the class and boom, that’s it. You may be able to connect with someone on their team, but you have to wait for a few days or sometimes never hear anything at all.
You build relationships and networks. You can’t do much of that when you’re not logged on. Yes, you can do this online, but how long does it really last? Like I said earlier, I was buddies with my fellow YouTubers, until I wasn’t. Networking goes a long way, especially when you can meet others in or near your city. You can help each other with different events and be accountable to get things done.
Now, I do have reasons virtual is a wonderful way to learn too! Later, I will cover that as well as 5 more reasons in-person, hands-on training is beneficial!
If this resonated with you, feel free to drop some other reasons why you learn better in person.