Comparison of Classroom vs eLearning Aspects

In this post today we will compare the different aspects found in the traditional classroom vs e-learning environments. Educators and organizations who are providing learning opportunities need to be aware of these different aspects and tailor the learning experience around whichever environment will best suit the objectives and purpose of the sessions.

There are five main aspects of any training session:

1. Learning instance
2. Time and cost
3. Activities
4. Best uses
5. Ease of use

For each of the five aspects, we will compare classroom to self-paced or elearning applicability:

Learning Instance:

• Classroom Training: event-based and occurs at a specific time and place
• eLearning: process-based and occurs any time, anywhere (24/7); it also integrates with the workplace

Time and Cost:

• Classroom Training: travel to/from trainings increase costs significantly and there is the added cost of the trainer(s)
• eLearning: costs are incrementally lowered with reduction in travel and with the training spread over a wider base of participants

Activities:

• Classroom Training: are usually linear in nature, time-bound and learner support and feedback is immediate
• eLearning: activities occur over time; encourages shy or analytical participants to contribute and be involved

Best Uses:

• Classroom Training: there is a criticial need for immediate interaction, support and visual cues; it is easier for the participants, and the trainer, to see performance, practical training is important
• eLearning: content can be accessed anytime, anywhere (24/7), there is a dispersed audience, content is standardized and it must be quickly updated, there is ongoing performance support with distance collaboration and dialog, the learner can access the course(s) at their time and pace

Ease of Use:

• Classroom Training: instructional materials are generally in printed, or text, format; they are easy to use
• eLearning: instruction can be challenging to use and technical support for the student is critical

If you are planning on providing a learning opportunity, or a company seeking to determine which type or method of training best suits your needs, you may want to review the information above and do a comparison for your specific needs and objectives. By determining the best method and comparing each aspect of training each environment provides you will ensure that a successful learning experience is achieved for all participants.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

Source: http://WeTrainU.blogspot.com

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