Why is online learning better and more effective than classroom learning?

Now more than ever, eLearning is the latest trend across the globe. 72% of companies believe that online learning puts them at a competitive edge. Further, a study by IBM reported that those enrolled in eLearning courses learn 5 times more material compared to traditional courses. eLearning has proven to be more versatile than traditional methods of teaching, this has been proven over the last 6 months due to the impact of Covid-19 on all types of education.

‘’Students are going to experience a whole new type of learning due to Covid-19. Some research shows that on average, students retain 25-60% more material when learning online compared to only 8-10% in a classroom. This is mostly due to the students being able to learn faster online; e-learning requires 40%-60% less time to learn than in a traditional classroom setting because students can learn at their own pace, going back and re-reading, skipping, or accelerating through concepts as they choose.’’
David Michigan, CEO of Michigan Academy 

Both traditional learning and online learning share the same objectives, they both want to create the best learning environment for the student. However, the question remains, does the benefits of eLearning tip the scales moving forward for shaping education. Let’s have a look below at why online learning is better than face-to-face learning.

1. Time and place
A 2017 Brandon Hall Group report found that eLearning can decrease employee training by 40-60%. eLearning enables students to learn at any time and place without restrictions. This flexibility is a great advantage over traditional methods of teaching.

2. Demand
Online education is estimated to reach $325 billion by 2025. Now more than ever companies want customised digital content that is tailored to their needs.

3. Cost effective
eLearning compared to traditional forms of learning is at a much lower price for both the student and the employer. Training time and travel is reduced with additional savings on course materials and accommodation.

4. Performance tracking
eLearning enables employees to monitor the learner’s journey and progress systematically. An LMS can provide detailed reports about every learner’s performance. You can track interest levels, engagement and tasks completed which ultimately will provide data when planning future online learning.

5. Scalability
eLearning is a perfect solution for delivering new training, policies and inductions at scale. It can be used for both formal education or entertainment purposes, regardless of the goal eLearning is a very quick method of learning.

6. High Retention rate
eLearning is visually stimulating, concise and more interactive than traditional methods of learning, therefore it has been shown that online learning can boost knowledge retention. Reasons such as students having the ability to learn at their own pace and the option to revisit course material all aid in improving retention rates.

To conclude
If properly implemented, eLearning can be the perfect solution to fit all your business needs. Traditional learning still has its advantages however with the speed of technology and global changes to society such as Covid-19, education may never be the same again. Online learning has proven to be an adaptable and efficient form of training that is accessible to learners at any time and any place regardless of the many barriers we have faced over the last few months.

Article references:

https://elearningindustry.com/reasons-why-online-learning-face-to-face-learning

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/351137