E-learning VS Virtual Learning: What’s best for you?

One of the essential facets of the modern era is the decentralization of knowledge and information. With e-learning and virtual learning, knowledge is no longer confined to the four walls of institutions but is spread across the globe. Students can access education via the internet anytime and anywhere. 

e-learning and Virtual Learning are standard terms often used today to represent the modernized form of education. It is necessary to clearly understand the differences between these two terminologies, even though they have many similarities. 

E-learning Introduction

 Elearning is defined as any learning that takes place electronically. This can include online courses, training programs, and educational games or simulations. 

E-Learning is a flexible and convenient way for students to learn as they can access courses from any device with an internet connection and often have more control over the pace of the course. It also allows for greater personalization of the learning experience as students can focus on the topics that are most important to them.

Utilizing the Power of E-Learning

e-learning has become an important tool for educating the masses and has gained popularity recently. It is a convenient and adaptable way to access educational content online. 

Did you know that e-learning can be tailored to fit the needs of any learner, regardless of age, ability, or learning style?

E-Learning platforms can provide instruction at a comfortable pace for the learner and support those needing extra help and customized e-learning solutions to understand the material.

It is an effective and efficient way to learn, facilitating access to various learning materials, resources, and opportunities. It allows learners to take control of their learning and progress at their own pace, which can be especially beneficial for those with busy schedules to increase their L&D Efficiency.

Source: Research[.]com 2023

Understanding the Concept

While there are several teaching strategies, be that in or out of the classroom, using computers and the internet is the essential element of e-learning.

While teaching can occur in or out of the classroom, the main component of E-learning is using computers and the internet. Additionally, it involves the network-enabled transmission of knowledge and skills in which learning is given to multiple students simultaneously or later. 

• In the e-learning educating technique, the entire course is led by instructors who do not meet with students in person. 
• Students can access their classes from home or in a distance-based classroom setting.
• Even the degree is received through online methods.

Earlier, e-learning wasn’t fully accepted as its framework needed more human and social elements for instruction. However, with the rapid advancement in technology and learning systems, e-learning is now accepted by the general masses.

Types of E-learning

• Video modules

Short, interactive videos with easy-to-understand content, animations, and voiceovers can be created as video modules more efficiently.

• Web-based material

Web-based material is the most classic type of e-learning process. With web-based learning material, students can communicate with their tutors and work on their class assignments and tests. 

Students can use any electronic device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, etc., to access the course material whenever they want.

• Mobile Learning

Mobile applications like Coursera, edX, BYJU’s Learning, Udemy, and more deliver students comprehensive yet short courses in a simple and easy-to-understand format. These apps are accessible to students as per their flexibility.

Interesting Read:- Benefit of Mobile Learning Solutions for Skill Development

Top 3 E-Learning Examples

1. Gamified Learning

Gamification makes it simple to integrate a sense of play into e-learning. It engages learners with game-like strategies, which work best in high-pressure situations. There's a huge impact of gamification on students learning. 

Gamified learning and teaching incorporate awarding points after every module’s completion. You can tap into the learner’s competitive nature by awarding points for positive picks, completing e-learning tasks, and increasing the pressure with a timer.

Examples: Duolingo, Kahoot!, Quizlet, and more.

2. Microlearning

Microlearning offers quick, minute-long, focused learning content bursts that are easy to consume. Microlearning offers quick, minute-long, focused learning content shots that are easy to consume. 

The knowledge is provided in bits, allowing you to connect it to several different platforms and gadgets, including smartphones and tablets. Microlearning makes it easy and convenient to access when needed.

Examples: 

• Short videos rich with graphics and animations on platforms like- Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok.
• Pop-ups and notifications
• Interactive quizzes

Get more insights:- Guide to microlearning

3. Scenario-based e-learning (SBL)

SBL is a model of an interactive e-learning approach where learners are given a situation or a question to analyze and find its solution. As a result, a multi-faceted approach to difficulty resolution can be expected. 

You can experience scenario-based personalized learning experiences and real-world situations like boardroom meetings, training sessions, or cafeteria conversations with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

Examples: Dialogues in scenarios, Using real-world scenarios for cover safety training, etc.

Virtual Learning Introduction

Virtual learning is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional classroom learning, allowing students to access educational material from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Unlocking the potential of Virtual Learning

Virtual learning stands out from traditional learning by delivering lessons online rather than in a four-wall room setting. It is carried out on an electronic system which is mostly web-based. 

Virtual learning is most of the time delivered in real-time, with a teacher instructing the class on a virtual classroom platform. However, it is also possible for it to be a self-paced course with elements of student/teacher communication.

Self-paced courses allow students to learn on their schedule, which benefits those unable to attend real-time classes. It also allows students to take as much time as needed to understand the material and allows one-on-one interaction with the teacher.

Understanding the Concept

Virtual learning provides a better learning experience than e-learning, allowing students to connect more directly with the teacher and the material. 

It also allows for more personalization, as the learning can be tailored to the individual student’s needs. 

For example, in a virtual learning classroom, the teacher can use an AI-based system to provide personalized student assessments, tailoring the course material to their needs. 

With virtual learning, the student can interact with the teacher and ask questions in real-time, and the teacher can provide immediate feedback and guidance. 

The student also has control over their learning pace, allowing them to work at their speed, whereas, in e-learning, the student has to stick to a pre-set curriculum.

Types of Virtual Learning

In a virtual environment, you can learn in three ways: Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Hybrid.

• Synchronous Learning

In synchronous virtual learning, students must attend online lectures (live-streamed). The teacher streams their study material, presentations, and other subject modules allowing students to ask real-time questions via live chat and webcam for a more robust learning experience.

• Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous virtual learning provides students with pre-recorded lectures or doubt solutions. The tutor records the audio or video of the required topic and publishes the file with the lecture notes.

• Hybrid Learning

A hybrid course will combine online and in-person teaching. Hybrid Learning is most common in classes that also have a lab component. If you want the freedom to learn when it is convenient for you but also want structured lessons, communication, and blended learning solutions, consider enrolling in a hybrid learning solution provider.

Top 3 Virtual Learning Platforms:

1. Coursera

Coursera is the world’s largest virtual learning platform. Millions of students enroll in its individual, certificate, and university-level courses, and it partners with over 200 top universities. In addition to taking free courses, students can purchase paid ones.

2. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is working great at skilling students around the globe with complex software courses in broken-down learning modules. These modules are easy to comprehend. You can learn and grasp Adobe applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier Pro, and more.

3. Skillshare

On Skillshare, well-known creatives frequently teach courses that rarely last longer than two hours. They are then divided into three to five-minute episodes. Students or learners with free time or a limited time frame can enroll in their choice courses.

Difference between e-learning and Virtual Learning

e-learning and Virtual Learning can be accessed online. However, e-learning has a fixed curriculum that awards points or scores for completing each module or course. 

The certificates or the degree for completing the course can be obtained digitally. In contrast, a teacher is appointed to teach students through digital modes in a virtual learning scheme. Virtual learning can benefit students to connect more with the course material and teaching models through one-on-one conversations with their educator.

Here are some significant differences between the two online learning modes:

To sum up

E-learning and Virtual Learning are similar yet very different.

E-learning is typically done online and includes courses, webinars, video lectures, and other online materials. On the other hand, virtual learning is more interactive and immersive, using virtual reality and other technologies to create an immersive learning environment. 

For instance, virtual learning could give students a virtual field trip to a museum, where they can interact with exhibits and learn from museum staff in an immersive environment. 

With virtual learning, students can interact with each other and their teachers in a virtual environment and collaborate on projects. It also allows students to learn more interactively by engaging with their surroundings instead of having a passive e-learning experience.