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E-Learning vs Virtual Training: What’s the difference?
Many different methods are used when it comes to learning. Some people prefer e-Learning, while others prefer virtual training. So, what’s the difference? E-Learning is a type of online learning or electronic learning, where you use electronic devices such as a computer or tablet to learn. E-Learning is delivered using Learning Management Systems (LMS) and various supporting technologies and software platforms to provide learning or education using an interactive multimedia approach. E-Learning can include listening to audio and video while doing online courses or completing online training courses to obtain micro-credentials for professional recognition or certification.
Virtual training is a type of learning and teaching where you attend a live class online with a teacher and other students. One can ask questions and participate in discussions. It enables participants to attend training sessions or courses remotely, using video conferencing technology platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This article will discuss the pros and cons of both forms of learning and their differences. So which learning environment is right for you or your organisation? Read on to find out more.
The COVID-19 pandemic impact on Learning & Skills Development
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted training and skills development in organisations worldwide. The Third Wave has forced businesses to evaluate the risk to their traditional Learning & Development delivery models and consider new approaches to upskilling and training employees in their organisations. With so many employees Working From Home (WFH) or out sick, it is difficult for organisations to deliver traditional classroom-based training as initially planned. Going to a physical office location for the training of employees is no longer an option for most organisations. As a result, organisations struggle to provide high-quality training to their employees.
It is only natural for Learning and Development or Training managers to move training online either through Virtual Training or e-Learning.
Before we consider the differences between e-Learning and virtual training, we need to consider the benefits of both.
Benefits of e-learning
E-learning is self-paced and helps develop essential skills of employees through an online course. In addition, online courses are affordable and sometimes free when compared to traditional education and learning methods. Therefore, there are many benefits of e-Learning.
For employees
e-learning benefits employees in many ways, including cost savings, time management, convenience, among others. Here are some vital e-learning benefits for employees:
Employees can be busy with work and family commitments, so making time for extra activities around education can be difficult. Not having to commute for classroom-based training saves time.
E-learning is convenient and flexible. The ability to learn at your own pace provides opportunities for employees who want or need to study flexibly and at home without attending physical classes.
You can access learning or educational materials anywhere, anytime on any digital device
e-learning helps employees learn new skills and knowledge quickly.
Micro-credentials, essentially short e-Learning courses or certifications in a specific skill set, are valued by employees and employers alike for professional development.
For Organisations
There are many benefits of e-learning for organisations.
E-learning allows employees to learn on the go. As a result, they don’t have to take time off from work to get a certificate, diploma or degree, making their line managers happy. As a result, e-learning helps employees learn new skills and improve their knowledge and productivity on the job.
E-learning is affordable for companies because employees do not need to travel. Training managers do not need to organise the logistics and costs related to physical classroom-based training anymore, thereby increasing the productivity of your organisation’s learning and development team.
E-learning also allows organisations to monitor employees’ progress via the LMS and give them feedback on performing.
E-learning also positively affects the environment because e-courses take up minimal paper compared to traditional forms of learning (including virtual training), such as textbooks and handouts.
Micro-credentials ensure that employees have the relevant skills and capabilities required by your organisation to do their jobs. The provisioning of digital certificates and badges reduces the need and cost for printing paper certificates.
Benefits of virtual training
Virtual training is currently seen as the convenient “next step” to moving traditional classroom-based training online in response to a rapidly changing business operating environment. Virtual training offers many benefits over traditional classroom-based learning or training, including:
– Greater flexibility: students can learn at a time and place that suits them
– Reduced travel costs and environmental impact: students no longer need to travel to a training venue
– Greater convenience: learners can access materials and participate in sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
– Increased participant engagement: learners can ask questions and interact directly with the trainer and other participants
– Easier access to expert trainers and content: companies no longer need to pay for expensive or scarce expert training resources to conduct training onsite.
But is virtual training the same thing as e-Learning? Read on to find out more.
Difference between virtual training and e-learning
E-learning is not the same as virtual training online. There are some significant points of difference.
E-learning doesn’t require a trainer to be present, while there must be someone training for virtual training.
E-learning also isn’t confined by time or space resources limitations, but with virtual training, employees have less freedom about when and where to attend their learning.
E-learning is more flexible and efficient and can scale to train many employees in geographically dispersed locations.
E-learning is more individualised, but virtual training online can provide a sense of community and social interaction.
E-learning is usually asynchronous, while virtual training online is mostly synchronous. In other words, e-learning allows employees to access the learning materials conveniently anytime, while virtual training online happens in real-time with all participants.
E-learning is self-paced, but virtual training online is usually time-driven and delivered in a more structured manner led by the teacher.
E-learning uses a variety of multimedia content to provide an engaging learning experience and learning environment. At the same time, virtual training online relies mainly on the teacher speaking and manipulating text and images to support the delivery of the training.
E-learning provides unrestricted access to the training material for the learner once they have paid for it. However, virtual training online cannot be repeated as many times as the learner wants unless they record it for reuse, which has limitations due to copyright, licensing, and privacy requirements.
E-learning costs a fraction of virtual training online as providing an instructor for every course held can become expensive for an organisation. In addition, in virtual training, the teacher restricts class size to ensure student engagement and learning.
E-learning is the perfect solution when training a large group of people, while virtual training may suit smaller groups where social interaction is essential.
E-learning is perfect for shy people who don’t want to ask questions in front of a large group or teacher, while virtual training online can help those who need more personal attention from the trainer.
Common challenges for both forms of online training delivery
However, there are some challenges for both. These include:
– The need for solid internet connectivity for students to engage effectively
– The potential for lack of engagement or motivation if the course is not well designed
– The need for good online training platforms or Learning Management Systems (LMS) that are easy to use or good trainers that can deliver to the learners’ expectations.
Aside from these challenges, the benefits of virtual training and online e-learning are clear. They provide opportunities for staff to learn new skills flexibly and conveniently, without leaving their current job or travelling long distances.
If you’re thinking about switching to virtual training or e-learning, be sure to consider these benefits and challenges first. By doing so, you can ensure your employees have a positive experience and that your business benefits from the move.
In conclusion, e-learning and virtual training online are not the same thing, and their use will depend on the particular use case and business need of your organisation. However, employees are entitled to the best learning experience possible, so if you’re looking for an easy solution that will work well with your business goals, then our e-learning LMS or blended learning programs (through virtual training) may be worth considering.
Contact us today to learn how to help your organisation deliver high-quality accredited e-learning training courses leading to micro-credentials and globally recognised certification for your employees.
Our customisable Learning Management System is used to deploy our e-learning courses to suit your business needs and objectives. Our e-learning courses can be delivered on any device, anytime, anywhere, with no need for any software installation or platform integration! So save time and money by getting started today!
