As the workplace continues to evolve, remote and hybrid learning models have become a central part of employee development and training. While digital platforms like e-learning modules and video conferencing tools are essential for delivering information remotely, there remains a powerful role for printed training materials. In fact, printed training materials can enhance learner engagement, boost retention, and complement digital tools in ways that are both effective and versatile.
Let’s explore how printed training materials are an indispensable asset to remote and hybrid learning models.
- Tangible Learning Support for Enhanced Focus
One of the main challenges of remote and hybrid learning is the potential for distractions. Whether employees are working from home or balancing office hours with remote learning, it’s easy to become side-tracked by notifications, emails, or other online distractions. Printed training materials offer a tangible, distraction-free alternative to digital screens, allowing learners to focus solely on the information in front of them.
Research has shown that when people read from printed materials, they tend to absorb and retain information better than when reading from screens. This is partly due to reduced eye strain, but also because printed materials encourage deeper, more reflective reading. When employees have physical copies of manuals, handbooks, or study guides, they can engage with the content without the constant interruption of digital stimuli.
- Improved Retention Through Multi-Modal Learning
Every individual has their preferred learning style—whether they are visual learners, auditory learners, or kinesthetic learners. Remote and hybrid learning models, which rely heavily on digital platforms, often appeal primarily to visual and auditory learners. However, printed materials cater to a different dimension of learning—kinaesthetic learning—where the act of holding, highlighting, and writing on physical pages can help learners better internalise the material.
Studies indicate that when people engage with materials in a physical format (e.g., highlighting key concepts, taking handwritten notes), they are more likely to retain and recall information. Printed training manuals or workbooks provide opportunities for learners to interact with content in a way that digital materials simply cannot replicate. By combining printed materials with digital resources, businesses can create a multi-modal learning experience that caters to a wider range of learning preferences, improving overall retention and understanding.
Whilst eBook systems allow for highlighting and note taking on screen, this does not have the same kinaesthetic properties.
- Providing a Stable Reference Point
Remote and hybrid learning environments can often feel fragmented, as learners juggle multiple devices, tabs, and software platforms. In this landscape, having printed materials offers a stable reference point that learners can return to whenever needed. These materials serve as a constant, reliable resource, even if the digital platform crashes or the internet connection is unstable.
Printed materials can be especially valuable during live virtual training sessions. Learners can follow along with a physical workbook or guide as they listen to an instructor or watch a presentation, ensuring they don’t miss any critical points. Having the information in hand can also reduce the cognitive load of flipping between various digital platforms, making the learning process more seamless and effective.
- Flexibility for Anytime, Anywhere Learning
One of the key benefits of remote and hybrid learning is flexibility, allowing employees to access training materials on their own schedule and from any location. While this is largely facilitated by digital platforms, printed materials provide an additional level of convenience. Learners can take printed manuals, study guides, or handouts with them—whether they’re commuting, traveling, or working in an area with poor internet connectivity.
Printed materials offer portability that digital materials can’t always match. Employees can easily pull out a booklet during a commute or refer to a printed quick-reference guide while working in the field, without needing to power up a device or search for the right file. In this way, printed materials offer flexibility and convenience that make remote and hybrid learning more accessible and user-friendly.
- Creating a Professional and Personal Touch
Even in a digital world, there’s something impactful about receiving a physical package of well-designed training materials. For hybrid or remote employees, this adds a professional and personal touch to their learning experience. Printed training materials, delivered directly to employees’ homes, can help learners feel more connected to their company’s learning and development efforts.
In a world where everything is becoming increasingly digitised, sending out printed materials can also stand out and make a positive impression. Employees may view the materials as more important or prestigious, simply because of the effort involved in creating and delivering them. This enhances the learner’s perception of the training and can make them more engaged in the learning process.
- Supporting Hands-On Learning and Exercises
Printed materials are especially useful for hands-on learning and practical exercises. While digital platforms can provide quizzes, videos, and interactive modules, certain training activities—such as detailed case studies, problem-solving exercises, or role-playing scenarios—are better suited to printed formats.
For example, workbooks can guide learners through exercises where they write out solutions, diagram processes, or analyse case studies. These physical interactions can be more effective than typing into a digital form, as they encourage deeper thought and application of the material. Having a printed record of their own notes and answers also allows learners to reflect on their progress more effectively over time.
- Complements Digital Tools for a Blended Learning Approach
Rather than viewing printed materials and digital tools as competing formats, perhaps training companies should consider how these resources can work together to create a blended learning experience. Printed materials can complement online platforms by serving as pre-work or post-session reviews. For example, learners might receive a printed workbook ahead of a virtual training session, which they can use to prepare or take notes during the class.
After the session, these materials can become a permanent reference guide, supporting the digital content and reinforcing key concepts. Printed materials can also include QR codes or links to online resources, bridging the gap between physical and digital formats in a seamless and interactive way. With interactive QR systems these references do not have to be static. (see blog on Interactive QR codes)
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Print in a Hybrid World
As remote and hybrid learning models become a standard part of employee training programs, it’s important not to overlook the value that printed materials can bring to the table. From enhancing focus and retention to providing a stable, portable reference, printed materials offer a unique set of benefits that digital formats alone cannot fully replicate.
At PDI, we understand the evolving needs of businesses when it comes to learning and development. That’s why we specialise in designing and printing high-quality, customised training materials that support hybrid and remote learning initiatives. And we provide a best in class eBook. By integrating the best of both printed and digital formats, we help companies create training programs that engage learners, boost retention, and ultimately, drive better results.
Explore our range of printing and distribution services for training materials and take your remote and hybrid learning programs to the next level. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your training goals.
---
This blog post provides valuable insight into how printed materials can support modern learning models while p