ABST Course: In-Person or Online?
August 31, 2024 Alberta Security Hub Staff
We'll breakdown the pros and cons of taking the ABST course in-person compared to taking it online to help you decide which is the best option to kickstart your journey towards becoming a security guard in Alberta!
In-Person
- Pros
- Environment: An in-person setting may provide more focus, compared to an online course which can be completed anywhere, including at home, which while convenient, may be more prone to distractions
- Course Delivery: Perhaps it's the use of paper materials or the alleviation of eye strain with the lesser need for a screen to complete an in-person course, which can be appealing if you prefer an old-fashioned approach to course delivery
- Hands On: Some in-person courses may provide a more hands on approach to supplement the course content, such as practicing certain scenarios etc
- Cons
- Physical Setting: Being in a physical building for an in-person course means you'll need to commute to and from the training location, which may be more time consuming and less convenient if the location of training is far from your place of residence
- Structure: In-person courses are traditionally structured which means you'll need to attend classes and an exam on set dates and times, which may be inconvenient if you work, go to school, or have other commitments
- Cost: Generally, in-person courses will cost more to you, the student, since it costs more to operate an in-person class over an online class
Online
- Pros
- Time Frame: Online courses offer great flexibility, structured as modules that can be completed at one's own pace, from anywhere with an internet connection. It is also easier to jump right into the course when taking it online since they are typically instantly ready to go following payment of the course fee, compared to an in-person course which only offers classes on specific days
- Support: Because of the virtual nature of online courses, it can be easier and quicker to receive support during the day or ask questions from anywhere, compared to being limited to class/office hours to speak with the course administrator
- Seamless: The ABST course, final exam, and in some cases the Background Check can all conveniently be completed online, streamlining the process of getting your license.
- Cons
- Self-Regulation: Taking an online course in a distracting environment such as at home can impede your efficiency and your success in the course. Finding an environment that promotes focus such as a library or cafe can help, as well as having a determined mindset to complete the course
- Technology: Because an online course will be dependent on reliable technology, it can bump into roadblocks. Most issues can be resolved by using a different device, and ensuring you meet the requirements such as a reliable internet connection, as well as a working webcam and microphone
- Connection: An online course offers a direct way to access course materials, however, it can strip some of the traditional face-to-face instruction we have come to know. This can mean less social interaction between potential peers you would have had in an in-person environment, as well as your instructor
