Can online learning be as effective as a substitute of face to face learning?

Face-to-face learning methods usually only involve traditional learning materials such as textbooks and lecture notes. An online learning session is more interactive in comparison, with many different types of training.

With the advancement of technology, elearning modules are supported via digital textbooks, live chat support, community forums, online discussion boards, video and audio materials, interactive quizzes, virtual announcements, and much more.

For example, below you can see how enterprise organizations now embed a self-help learning module direct into their digital apps and processes – allowing employees to learn in the flow of work.

People may argue that traditional schooling is more beneficial than online learning because students can interact face to face with their peers and teachers. However, as technology improves, online lessons may well replace traditional schooling one day.

Online learning is more efficient because students save both time and money on travelling, so can focus more on extra-curricular activities. They will also have more time to rest, so they will be able to concentrate better in class. In addition, students can set a more flexible schedule at home, meaning they can work at their own pace and develop self-discipline.

This is essential because, although teachers monitor students by camera, they cannot see everything students are doing, so students need to be more proactive, listen to what they are being taught, and make sure they understand the content. This also gives students the chance to come up with their own studying methods while still getting constant support from their teachers.

As for the lack of interaction with peers and teachers, students can connect online using virtual groups, such as Zoom and Google Meet. In fact, there may even be an increase in interaction because students can use different functions – such as chat rooms and screen-sharing – to boost classroom discussion. This shows that online learning could be more productive than having in-person lessons in school.

It may be time to consider replacing traditional schooling with remote learning.

Face Off: Should maths be a compulsory subject at school?

Yuhan Huang, 14, German Swiss International School

Online learning and traditional schooling both have unique advantages. Ideally, people should learn to make the best use of both systems. But in-person classes should not be replaced by digital lessons.

It is true that some professional courses are better held online since they are targeted towards busy adults who would prefer to learn from the comfort of their homes, after they finish work. School students, on the other hand, are a different story.

Social interaction is crucial for a young person’s healthy development, and it cannot be replaced with online learning. Students need to interact with their peers through face-to-face conversations, instead of typing messages on a computer. Much of what makes school fun for students, such talking to their friends or playing during breaks, is not possible online.

Teachers in a traditional classroom are also able to cater to the strengths and weaknesses of each student, especially those who are struggling, and can hide behind cameras and microphones during online classes.

The physical distance between students and teachers online can create an impersonal atmosphere. As a result, it may be challenging for students to have the courage to speak up, and for teachers to reach out to students.

During online learning, students also miss out on valuable resources such as laboratories and studios, which are essential for hands-on classes like the sciences and film courses.

The vital requirements of a working computer with stable Wi-Fi, along with a quiet, comfortable learning environment at home, are not available to everyone. What’s more, increased screen time has been linked to anxiety and attention problems.

Written by Anna

https://www.easy-lms.com/index.php?r=content%2Fcontent%2Fabout-us%2Fwho-we-are

Posted on July 17, 2020

Updated on September 10, 2021

Reading time 5 minutes

Table of contents

What is online learning?

Online learning is a form of distance learning that takes place over the internet. It is interchangeable with the term e-learning.

Is online learning effective?

Good question. Face-to-face learning has been the standard for centuries, so it is natural to assume that online learning can’t compare to it. Some common assumptions are that people cannot retain information learned online, or take learning seriously when it is conducted online. So, let’s start by taking a look at some facts that indicate online learning’s efficacy in the workplace:

1. Online learning increases participation rates. The first step towards learning is showing up. In a survey [] of over 700 corporate learners, 87% preferred taking online courses during work hours. Why? Between all their meetings and other job commitments, one of the biggest challenges for employees to participate in ongoing education is time. Deloitte found that the average employee only has 1% of their time to devote to learning! That boils down to 24 minutes a week for full-time workers 😖. Online learning, which takes much less time than face-to-face learning, lowers this barrier for your employees.
2. E-learning increases engagement with the material. It is tough to concentrate for a full two-hour lecture. But online courses can be split up into smaller chunks with knowledge checks along the way. This style, called microlearning, means that an employee can start and complete a course in a quick five to ten-minute time frame. Not only is this convenient, but research [] also shows that microlearning increases note-taking and decreases distraction.
3. The amount of content learned with online methods exceeds that of traditional face-to-face methods. E-learning allows people to learn in their own style and at their own speed. Taken together with the increased engagement, these aspects of online learning benefit knowledge retention. According to a study conducted by WR Hambrecht + Co [], online learning increased the retention rates of the learning material by 25-60%!

Some things to consider

We are not arguing that traditional learning is obsolete! It is important to consider whether the complexity of the topic, your employees’ level of motivation, and their comfort with technology best suits online learning.
Some topics are best for a face-to-face setting. Online learning, and especially microlearning, are not ideal for learning complex topics. You wouldn’t want to get heart surgery from a surgeon who only did online simulations 😉. Other topics, like safety standards and information about products, lend themselves better to e-learning.

Creating motivating materials for your employees becomes more important than ever with online learning

Another determinate in the success of online learning is your employees’ motivation. We can agree that motivation is always important for learning. Yet, online learning strips away extrinsic motivators, like an encouraging instructor or set due dates. For this reason, creating motivating materials for your employees becomes more important than ever with online learning [].

Not everyone has integrated technology into their daily routine. It is important to consider whether your employees have frequent access to electronic devices and the internet. If your employees are not computer-savvy, accessing the content and navigating through their materials can become challenging and affect their motivation levels.

Which one to choose: online or face-to-face learning?

Online learning is a great alternative and supplement to face-to-face learning

Online learning increases employee participation, engagement, and knowledge retention while cutting down on the costs and inconvenience associated with traditional learning. When you combine online learning’s effectiveness, and the economic benefit, it stands out as a great alternative and supplement to face-to-face learning.

Are you convinced by the efficacy of online learning? Consider using Easy LMS to get started with creating a culture of online learning in your organization. With Easy LMS, you can create and manage effective training courses, check their knowledge with exams, and generate custom certificates. Our tool will help keep track of your employees’ progress, and our automation options will save you time.

Useful resources

1. Athabasca University
2. Harvard University 
3. WR Hambrecht + Co
4. eLearning Industry

Frequently Asked Questions

• Online learning increases employee participation, engagement, and knowledge retention while cutting down on the costs and inconvenience associated with traditional learning.

• Online learning is a great alternative and supplement to face-to-face learning when your employees have limited time and are computer-savvy.

Related articles

• Online learning vs. traditional learning
• Advantages and disadvantages of online learning
• Effectiveness of online learning
• Best practices for online learning
• What is blended learning?
• Blended learning advantages and disadvantages

Read more

Get started with Easy LMS

Request a free demoorStart your free trial

Dig deeper

How to set up online training courses

Giving an online training with our course builder is an easy way to motivate your employees. It’s not only an easy tool for the participants,...

How does the effectiveness of online learning compare to face to face classes?

There were no significant differences between learning preferences and styles and grades in either group. The study showed that equivalent learning activities can be equally effective for online and face-to-face learners.

Why online education is better than face to face education?

Students Learn More Online courses give students full control over what they are learning, so students are able to work at their own speed. They are able to work quickly through areas they understand, and spend more time on areas they do not.

Is online learning as good as face to face learning Philippines?

So, if you are well motivated and organized, prefer to study at a time and place that suits you and better your work skills, then online education can be just as good as face-to-face learning – if not better in some instances.