5 Misconceptions about eLearning when compared to Classroom learning

In this article, we take a look at 5 main differences.

No Human Interaction 1#: Online Learning vs. Classroom Learning
When comparing the two, the most evident distinction is the seeming lack of human interaction in online learning, but this isn’t exactly true.

In Online Learning, there is no “no physical interaction.” However, there is human interaction over forums, instant messages, email, phone, or video chats. Classroom learning entails physical contact with an instructor and students, whereas online learning entails virtual interactions and virtual contact. So, while there is no physical interaction, human contact takes place online in the form of forums, one-to-one messages, an online video call with a fellow student or the lecturer, virtual debates, and face-to-face video workshops, among other things.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning 2#: 24/7 access to learning materials
Students can access learning materials such as text or video lessons, assignments, lecture materials, podcasts, and recorded video lessons at any time during their study with online courses. Course instructors and training assistants are always available to answer questions via emails, texts, and video or instant messages. Classroom learning, whether for school or university courses, requires students to go to a physical venue and communicate with tutors face to face during scheduled hours. This can be constricting, particularly for professionals.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #3: Practice while you study
Online Learning students can fit their studies around their personal schedules, and work or job schedules when undertaking online courses. Learning while working gives learners the added advantage of practicing new skills in the working environment and also revising a lesson, until they understand it. This is not always the case in university classroom learning, because students must abandon their jobs and personal or social obligations to complete an in-person live training program or degree, they will only be able to put their new skills into practice once they have returned to work. As the learner doesn’t control the pace of the learning, they, therefore, proceed on to new learnings without having fully understood previous concepts. Many Online Learning tools and applications for schools and younger learners help pupils comprehend subjects on a deeper level by offering issues they can interact with and solve in various ways. For example, logic puzzles or math puzzles that aren’t the cut and dry ‘solve for X’ prevalent in classroom learning.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #4: Assessments
Quizzes and exams, most typically in a physical environment invigilated by an examiner, are used in the Classroom Learning technique of assessing a student’s abilities. Covid-19 has rendered this method of evaluation (temporarily) obsolete. Assessments in Online Learning are done through short quizzes, and assignments, which can be individual or group-based, allowing students to join study groups that support one other and benefit from their diverse experiences. Online, closed or open-book exams are utilized as an evaluation medium in rare situations, but the latter is more popular.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #4: Agility
Course materials are accessible from everywhere in the world, independent of time zone variations, student location, or current status. From a working professional studying online late at night to a stay-at-home mom brushing up on her skills before re-entering the workforce, online learning offers the much-needed flexibility to study and complete a training program or degree at one’s own speed.

Forward-thinking organizations recognize the value of online programs. Students can attend regardless of time, place and enrolment is higher as the cost of online learning is more affordable. These forward-thinking organizations realize that online learning also is a cultural norm for Millennials and Gen Zs. And also see the greatest interpersonal gain being that those who learn online develop a sense of discipline because they must be self-motivated to complete their coursework and degree requirements in order to graduate on time.  This type of character is always welcomed by employers. Online students complete their degree courses successfully with little work and attention because student support is always available.

So if you are not taking advantage of the benefits of eLearning in your business and/or your career. Where does that leave you in your career, and /or your business as the world moves toward online education and learning as the norm?