Since November, when I began my journey as an intern digital skills trainer, I’ve been designing course materials and delivering online webinars on “Introduction to R”. While virtual delivery has been the norm, I recently had the exciting opportunity to host my first in-person session in the Eleanor Ormerod Training Room at the Main Library. It was a refreshing and eye-opening experience that highlighted some key differences between teaching online and face-to-face. Here are some of my reflections.

Engagement and interaction: A tale of two worlds

One of the most striking differences was the level of engagement and interaction. Online sessions often feel like I’m speaking into the void — no faces, just text in the chat box. It’s difficult to gauge whether concepts are landing or floating in cyberspace.

In contrast, being in the same room with participants changed everything. I could see puzzled looks and nods of understanding in real-time. That immediate feedback encouraged me to dig deeper into explanations, offer more practical examples, and slow down where needed.

Interestingly, students were more comfortable asking questions during the in-person session. Some of these questions made me realize that certain concepts I take for granted (thanks to familiarity with R) might need more attention. This experience reminded me to think more like a beginner and reflect on how I learned this programming language myself.

Flexibility and accessibility

Online webinars offer undeniable flexibility and accessibility. Anyone with a device and a link can join, regardless of location — a huge win for inclusivity. Participants can also revisit recorded sessions or download resources to study at their own pace, which helps those who prefer a more self-directed learning style.

However, this flexibility comes at a cost: the ability to adapt in real time. In-person sessions offer that immediacy. Subtle cues like puzzled looks, pauses, or hesitant body language signal when I need to rephrase, elaborate, or switch approaches. Being able to read the room helps me shift gears without disrupting the flow of the session.

Of course, in-person sessions require more logistical planning. Accessibility issues, such as building access, needs to be considered carefully. Safety is another factor, even down to details like ensuring clear exits and knowing what to do in case of a fire alarm. These are things I hadn’t needed to think about while teaching online.

Tech realities: Clicking vs. connecting

Delivering webinars has made me a pro at screen sharing, jumping between tabs, and troubleshooting from behind the scenes. But stepping into the physical classroom introduced a completely different set of tools — the mic, speakers, and visual display equipment. It required me to be more spatially aware and hands-on with the technology.

Confession: I forgot to use the mic at the start of my first in-person session — simply because it’s not something I’ve ever needed to worry about online! That small moment reminded me how different the mindset is between these two modes of delivery.

In terms of clarity, in-person delivery has a distinct advantage. I could see exactly what participants were seeing on the screen behind me. I didn’t have to worry about whether the correct tab was being shared or if my cursor was lagging behind — which can be a constant irritation during virtual sessions, especially when writing code live.

Navigating both worlds as a trainer

As I continue to grow in this role, I’m learning that online and in-person delivery aren’t in competition — they complement each other. Each format has its own set of strengths, challenges, and creative possibilities.

I’m gradually building a toolkit that works for both worlds: templates I can adapt, teaching strategies that scale, and a better understanding of how people engage differently depending on the medium. Whether I’m teaching over Microsoft Teams or in a library training room, I’ve learned that preparation, empathy, and adaptability are key.

This journey has taught me to think more critically about how I teach — and more importantly, how people learn. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry forward into every session, online or offline.

Course Delivery Insights: Online vs. In-Person / Digital Skills, Design and Training by is licensed under a