Traditional Classroom Learning VS. E-learning

 

Although online training shares many features with classroom training, it also has some unique attributes. The role of the instructor also differs. All these mean that learning and development professionals need to alter their teaching styles, learn new skills, use different methods, master design, and development tools, and move away from an instructor-centered methodology to a learner-centered environment.

 

Following is the list of main differences;

 

The Learning Context: The context in which electronic learning takes place is very different. In contrast to conventional classroom learning, online training is an individual activity even if learners are in a room with others carrying out the same tasks. Instructors must design courses with this online environment in mind; for instance, isolation makes it more likely that students will drop a course, but proper motivation tactics and feedback can reduce this risk. Therefore, personalizing learning, which must include making the eLearning more human, is one important way to connect with learners online and avoid feelings of isolation.  Also, the online medium creates a unique environment for teaching and learning: most importantly, the shifting time.  

Types of Media: Traditional teaching is limited to words and pictures, whereas with online training instructors have the opportunity to use a variety of media to tell stories, engage learners, and establish a relationship with students. For instance, audio and video are particularly useful for adding a human touch to a course. However, it is important to use media appropriately — content should always add value to the course and offer learners an experience they cannot get elsewhere.

Illustrations and animations can both improve learning, although neither is inherently more productive than the other. Audio in the form of narration can enhance learning. Words and graphics for purely aesthetic reasons detract from learning.

Social Dynamics: One of the main focuses on online learning is communication. Unlike in a traditional environment, interactions with other students and the instructor are only possible through discussion boards, chat, bulletin boards, and emails in online learning. Communication through these means is essential for effective eLearning because courses lack the face-to-face characteristics that allow students to form social bonds in-classroom training.

To be successful, therefore, the instructor needs to be socially present, provide clear instructions as to how students should participate in discussions, and be ready to intervene if discussions are inappropriate or not occurring. This will help an online class form a community and avoid turning learning into an individual process.

 

Time: One minute of classroom time does not equal one minute of online training. The same subject covered by an eLearning course typically takes between 25 and 60 percent of the hours needed for traditional learning due to a lack of logistics and more condensed modules.

However, courses almost always span over a longer period; for instance, whereas a traditional course with 16 hours of the content may cover two days of classes, an eLearning course may run for two hours a day over one week. eLearning developers should remember that it is always best to chunk content into smaller parts.

Bite-sized eLearning courses, unlike the traditional classroom training sessions, focus on meeting the needs of modern learners. It enables them to access small chunks of information at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere. No more lengthy lectures and no more rigid schedules. People can now learn in their spare time and learn only what they’re interested in.

Mediums: Instructors cannot simply transfer material from classroom settings to the Internet. Although objectives may be the same, delivery and interactions are very different. Content needs adapting to an online environment through a new agenda, flow, visuals, and activities. Adapting content for the online environment also gives eLearning developers the chance to reexamine the design of their courses and reconsider curriculum strategies. 

Written Content: Writing for the web is a different skill from creating material for classroom instruction. Developers should bear in mind that users typically scan pages, and they can accommodate for this by using punchy headlines, bold or highlighted text, subheadings, lists, and chunking content into short paragraphs. The following tips can help to create effective written content:

• Tone: As learners rely on the written word in online training, it is important for instructors to ensure they get their meaning across.
• Clarity: Content must be as clear and concise as possible; it is impractical to expect the instructor to clarify instructions. One of the best ways to test for clarity is to read aloud and listen to the flow. Even better, instructors can read content to another person.
• Brevity: Content should be as concise as possible to avoid important points becoming lost in the text.

New Language: Trainers need to become familiar with a range of online tools and infrastructures including Learning Management Systems and Content Management Systems. Also, they need to become familiar with these eLearning design terminology.