There’s arguably a vast variety of free training available to travel agents, and, in this digital age, that means online courses. Before you get started, it’s important to remember that online learning differs from brick-and-mortar classroom experiences.

“Distance education has evolved to a point that it is now a staple in even the most prestigious universities,” said Vernon Hale, of Dallas, Texas-based Cruises Inc. Yet, Hale noted that both online and brick-and-mortar classroom educational experiences feature their own distinct advantages. “The primary advantage of the classroom is the ability to ask focused questions when one doesn’t quite understand the concept, as well as the networking opportunities with classmates,” he added.

Online training, on the other hand, enables you to work around life’s obligations and at your own pace. “There’s also the advantage of rewinding or even repeating a course if you miss a learning point,” Hale said.

Trish Gastineau of Naples, Fla.-based Simply Customized Travel, a Travel Experts affiliate, agreed that there are pros and cons to online versus classroom training. “While online courses are convenient, we don’t always prepare ourselves and our environment for the best possible experience,” Gastineau said, adding that rather than turning off her phone and email, she has, on occasion, “jumped off the training to take a client’s 'phone call or answer an important email.”

In the view of Chris Caulfield a Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y-based Cruise-One franchisee, being completing engaged in the learning experience is essential to success. “Keeping one’s focus may be more challenging as there will likely be more distractions when doing online training,” he said. “Agents should approach online training much the same as classroom learning, giving it their full attention.”

To make the most of online training, setting aside the time to focus on a given educational session is key, according to Travel Experts IC Ambassador Valarie Johnson. “Phone calls, emails, even family can be major disruptors, especially with pre-recorded training sessions that require no interaction,” she said.

Meanwhile, one of the key benefits of an online training is its versatility. The “beauty” of online training is that it can be done at any time and can be tailored to the individual’s learning experience, said Diane Petras, president of The Travel Institute. “We offer live online webinars weekly for those who want the benefit of a live instructor so they can ask questions and receive immediate answers.”

So how can you promote the expertise you’ve gleaned from training programs to your clients? “It’s all about branding yourself as an expert,” Petras said. “Through ongoing communication with your clients—whether it’s email, newsletter, website or social media—you should always promote your recent training achievements with a focus on ‘what’s in it for them.’ ”

Social media is “the best first step” to promoting educational achievement, according to Caulfield. “Let people know you are trained and can help them plan that dream vacation,” he said. “Sending out a press release to local media is another way to promote the training you completed. Make sure to add your certifications to your website and LinkedIn profile.”

Peggy Rosenthal of Bella Vista, Ark.-based Dream Vacations, advised, “Display certifications, whether online in an email signature, on letterhead or on the wall in a storefront agency. Featuring a supplier, for which your certification has been attained, in a newsletter or in a tradeshow is another good opportunity.”

According to Pam Walker of Walker Adventures, Palm Coast, Fla., a Travel Experts affiliate, “Just because you took a webinar or attended a class on a destinations doesn’t [always] make you an expert. Be truthful in how you present your expertise.”