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Differences between Online and In-Classroom Training
- Learners have the chance to take online training whenever they want, while in-classroom training has certain dates to attend.
- During online training, learners can study anywhere, but during classroom training, a specific place is required.
- Online training enables learners to access course materials 24/7. However, during in-classroom training, learners might have difficulty reaching them if they aren’t provided earlier.
- Online training lets trainers observe every student easily via sophisticated features of online learning platforms while monitoring learners during in-classroom training is a bit harder.
- In the classroom, trainers can prefer to teach via presentations or just verbally, while online trainers need to be tech-savvy or find a good platform to provide an efficient course.
Which is more efficient? In-Classroom Training vs. Online Training
Every training method has its pros and cons, but which one do you think is better to improve the learning process? Let’s check some of the benefits and highlights of in-classroom training and online training.
Interaction among learners
As humans, we tend to learn from each other, and we may need socialization during the learning process.
In-classroom training might be more efficient in cases where trainees need to work together to learn. It is much quicker to have a chat with people during in-classroom training. But this also can cause trainees to get distracted since there will be noise around them all the time.
On the other hand, online training provides you with breakout rooms where people gather only with their teammates. This is a huge ease since trainees can talk and listen without getting distracted by other teams’ noise.
Technology has also advanced a lot on the online education side. That’s why the interaction level can also be quite high during online training. Either way, interaction plays an important role in the learning process.
Engaging course flows
Participation will decrease when there are no fun activities in the classroom or online. For this reason, there are points you should pay attention to when planning your course flow.
For example, if you choose the right platform, you can add fun activities to your online course flow. Interactive content, such as multimedia tools and breakout rooms, would be helpful to attract learners. The diversity of learning activities in classes can make them more interested in engaging.
Plus, gamification is a highly effective way of learning both online and in-classroom training. Therefore, trainers can incorporate little games to help learners learn the topics or just to have fun to engage them in the learning process.
Icebreakers and introduction games such as 2 Truths and 1 Lie could be helpful motivators for learners. They get to know each other via these games and tend to participate in the class and class activities. It creates a motivating and social environment for learners during online training.
Flexible learning processes
Flexibility is a key feature of the training process as it gives learners freedom. It has different aspects. Let’s see what flexibility can offer to learners and trainers.
Time management
In classroom training, many factors take up your time outside the classroom. You may need to devote your time to many things, such as transportation and preparation. Online training, on the other hand, makes it possible to take your time and complete other tasks or chores before the online training starts.
Mobility
While classroom training requires travel, online training gives you the freedom to join your classes anywhere. Learners can attend online training classes at home, in a coffee shop, or in a library. This mobility provides both comfort and easiness for learners.
Stress management
Learners sometimes have difficulty arriving at the course on time because of traffic or other personal affairs. This puts pressure on learners and makes them stressed. However, online training creates a peaceful and stress-free environment for learners. Due to its flexibility, people can choose when and how to attend the course.
When we take a look at all three aspects of flexibility, we can see that online training enables learners to manage their time in their own way.
Easy access to courses
Online training is more accessible than classroom training as it only requires a stable internet connection and a capable device. Even if you don’t have a laptop or a desktop, you can easily access online training via your mobile phone. Also, it is easy to access any kind of online training from anywhere.
Teachers addressing learners from different locations can provide easily accessible courses even for people living on another continent with online learning. This is a great advantage for people living in small towns who wants to learn without dealing with travels to big cities as high-quality in-classroom training options are much more in big cities.
Classroom training, on the other hand, wants learners to access the place where the training is conducted. Some of the learners may have difficulty reaching out to the place due to financial or locational issues.
Cost of Online Training vs. Classroom Training
Both training methods have different costs. If you are an online instructor, you will need a strong internet connection, a high-quality camera, a helpful virtual classroom platform, and of course a computer to meet your needs. Well, some courses can even be completed just using a smartphone. Evaluate your needs before investing in the highest technology.
If you are an in-classroom training instructor, you may need to rent a classroom. You will also have expenses such as travel and meals. Usually, a physical classroom is much more costly than a virtual classroom.
As you can see, you will have expenses for both methods. However, do not forget that you can reach many more people with online training. By considering all the details, you can calculate the income/expenditure balance and make a decision based on the results.
To sum up
Both of these training methods have pros and cons. However, online training has more advantages in this competition, and here are the reasons in a nutshell that we mentioned:
- It provides a quick and easy learning experience.
- Learners have flexibility and mobility.
- Learners don’t have to travel to take a course.
- Learners don’t have to be stressed about getting late to class or catching up with other learners.
- Learners can save time by joining online training rather than classroom training.
- Trainers are easier to reach out to.
- Course materials are available online 24/7.
- Learners can create their own learning pathways through online training.
- Online training is budget-friendly.
Online training is becoming more popular every day. Trainers and learners should adapt to developing technologies in the education industry. If you want to provide a smooth learning experience, check out our website!
