Classroom Learning Vs Online Learning: What is Best for You?

It might seem that the choice between online learning vs classroom learning is very obvious. But to your surprise, not really. Both are excellent training and learning methods that have advantages and disadvantages.

If you are wondering why these two methods battle it out so closely, let us enlighten you with the ins and outs of different learning methods. We will also help you understand why you should choose only one method to build your future modules on.

Also, we will help you find the best solution that can suit you and your organizational goals without being too expensive for scaling purposes.

What is Online Learning?

It is a method that has come to be over the past few years. After the inception of the internet, online learning has become the number 1 method through which many users can receive, exchange, or give useful training and learning information.

You can also use this technique to learn about various topics in a fun yet interactive way. This is possible as most companies using this approach make theoretical concepts easy to understand. So, learners who might not be good at auditory or verbal-based learning can take advantage of online learning the most.

Pros

• Flexibility of studying anytime or anywhere
• Very cost-effective for small or new organizations
• Multiple perspectives from peers and global trainers
• Concept-grasping at your own pace
• Many tools and resources are available for in-depth learning

Cons

• Very learner-dependent can lead to noncompletion
• Can feel extremely isolated without any regular interactions

What is Classroom Learning?

This is the traditional route of learning before the pre internet era. It is still considered one of the most accessible forms of learning, especially for developing countries. Mostly, it follows the instructor-led mechanism for learning and training. So, if you are apt in observational and listening learning, this is it.

People who choose classroom learning are psychologically more inclined to make better decisions and stay disciplined. This type of learning is only accessible through a physical infrastructure and not online. However, Covid has shown us the benefits of classroom learning combined with online tools to create blended learning.

Pros

• Increased discussions lead to active learning
• A structured atmosphere helps in focused sessions
• Instant interactions with instructors lead to the right learning
• Collaborations help in better participation
• Can include a multi-perspective approach for better results

Cons

• Not flexible, especially for students who are learning
• Follows a one-size-fits-all approach

What Are The Differences Between The Two?

Both of these learning methods use base models but are very different from each other in terms of functionality. You can understand it better as we have selected 5 base criteria to analyze the core differences between the 2 eras of learning:

Learning Environment

Structure & Flexibility

Resources and Materials

Interaction and Assessment

Community and Networking

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

What Are Some Common Considerations for These Learning Styles?

You may imagine that people have it all figured out when it comes to any type of learning. But the truth is not all companies know what learning parameters should be considered first. We have listed some of the most common considerations that learning solution providers make before creating a learning module:

• Distinct Learning Goals: In both learning techniques, its meant to have an outline of all the major and minor learning goals. So, if you are not clear about what objectives or other things you want to achieve timely, you won’t be able to adopt any learning technique for your organization.
• Interactivity and Engagement: Every module you curate must encourage interactivity and engagement. This is to help you get immersed in learning and training as much as possible. This helps many grasp knowledge faster as you keep your engagement with the material and course takers high.
• Accessible and Inclusive: No learning is helpful if it cannot be reached or includes all capacities of learners. Every learning need is important to highlight the fact that any person can read it, practice it, and define or redefine it for all. This consideration is made yo make your learning choices valid for the future.
• Balanced Content Delivery: There should always be a balance between the kind of content and the amount that is being delivered among all trainees and learners. Whether they are video lectures, readings, practical exercises, or direct instruction coupled with visual aids, most should have the space to retain the data completely.
• Assessment and Feedback: It is an obvious fact in any learning or training used today, that if there are no measurable markers, it isn’t suitable for anyone. The assessment methods and feedback tools, like tracking a learner’s progress or taking surveys, serve to improve any learning path according to the input and output.
• Scalable and Workable: Both learning methods are quite scalable and workable for any size organization. Earlier, classroom learning had barriers and scope for growth, but now, with mixed integration of online and offline methods, people can expect to make their L&D courses work for any and everyone.
• Technical Infrastructure: For traditional learning, projectors, and smartboards have the bandwidth to increase the effect of this learning type. Online learning platforms should also be packed with the latest technological support and features to help learners get the best experience without sacrificing their potential.

Can eLearning Solutions Company Offer You Both?

Yes, and it is not surprising. It’s a job and a regular offering for an eLearning development company to help you choose between both options. While not every provider is the same, Acadecraft does offer you the option of both.

So, if you are an institution or a corporation that has to have an in-person instructor and online material at your disposal, Acadecraft can offer you this luxury and more. But, one thing to always remember is it can cost you more to maintain both learning methods in your company.

This is because it requires a lot of resources, as you might have read above. But having both is also a different kind of advantage. If you have a diverse employee or learner bracket, using both types of learning will get you better results.

These can include, but are not limited to:

• Getting a constant and consistent amount of resources for proper learning and training.
• Reaching far and wide audiences without any timely, geographical, or other similar constraints.
• Increased variety of training material for all individuals involved supports all types of perspectives.
• Supports the need for self-discipline for people who want to engage in better habits for long-term gain.
• Boosts career advancements for individuals, helping most achieve bigger goals for themselves and the company.

Which One Will Suit Your Needs Best?

It isn't an easy question to answer, especially if you have experimented with both types of learning; online learning vs classroom learning. But, speaking in general terms, online learning and training have far more advantages as compared to traditional learning techniques. However, if your needs mostly don’t meet the online learning model, they will absolutely be fulfilled by offline or classroom learning.

You can choose online learning, if:

You have a scattered yet diverse workforce that requires constant updating on industry insights and knowledge for proper workings. If you also think your organization will benefit from flexibility, cost-effectiveness, constant development, and tons of data, this is the method to go for.

You can choose classroom learning, if:

You don’t prefer a diverse force or are a very small company with most operations dependent on the physical world. You can also choose this method if you are sure that your industry supports a foolproof plan that future technological developments cannot hijack.

Also, Read: Discover the Personalized Learning Advantage in K-12 Powered Schools

Tips for People To Maximize The Effect of Both Learning

Obviously, depending on your own situation and circumstances, the tips for maximizing the learning effect will also differ. But it doesn’t mean that every tip will also work in your favor or is that easily integrated. We will give you some tips you can explore to help your workforce take the maximum advantage of your course:

Incorporate Active Learning

It is an obvious fact that you have to engage in active learning for both of the learning types to work out for you. Most people should participate in discussions, group projects, or simulations to make sure there is learning or training that is acquired through active or passive ways.

Break Up The Content

Learning and training cover diverse and in-depth analyses of every subject to make sure no stone is left unturned. So, before you make chunky and harder-to-understand sub-topics, it's always a better idea to use learning types to break up the content into understandable pieces.

Maintain Consistent Feedback

Feedback is the key to making effective learning courses that work for all types of learners. You can use physical means or online feedback tools, like surveys, ratings, etc., to understand the learner's needs better. It will automatically encourage many to participate in activities to boost learning from within.

Integrate Technology

The latest trends and tech have taught us one thing straightaway: we can’t live with them or without them. They make it evident that it provides convenient at every fingertip. So, making sure that every new tech is well integrated into your course to boost engagement and knowledge is important.

Establish A Community

Learning is a social exercise that benefits a group more than an individual. That’s why, whether it is online learning or the good old classroom, people will always choose to include more trainees. It helps in conveying consistent information without expediting many resources.

Believe in Self-Assessment

Before you jump to conclusions about the success or the failure of your course, you have to take time to do a self-assessment. It is a great way to know how high of a retention rate you might have and also how quickly you can use the information to solve practical matters pertaining to your position.

Choose A Growth Mindset

It is a fact that learning and development is a lifetime process that has no end if looked at from different perspectives. You should be able to view challenges as growth opportunities, which sustains motivation for the longer term. You can also develop healthy competition by using such techniques.

Also, Read: The 10 Best eLearning Tools for Corporate Training - Beginner to Advance Level

Celebrate Every Bit of Progress

For a learner it can be very difficult to feel accomplishments with little steps. But, if they can maintain these qualities for the future, it is a type of progress nonetheless. Make online or classroom learning a fun experience with appreciative elements to increase motivation.

To Summarize

Many people aren’t sure about most decisions they take today. This is because there will always be a better option available in a world that constantly evolves. So, before regretting your choice between online learning vs classroom learning, you can easily understand the choice based on your needs.

Keep an eye out for the needs of your company, as aligning them with your choice of learning type will unlock the maximum benefits for all the parties involved. Also, a great thing you can do is utilize both learning methods (if you have never used any) to experiment at first to see the response to both.

Capture these insights to set the future path for existing trainees and many more to come. This will help you save major costs in the time to come.