Traditional Learning VS Online Learning
When the pandemic began, online learning became a major part of our lives. Some of us weren’t sure about it to begin with! However, it seems like online learning is becoming more of a preferred option. Adults especially want to continue with e-learning. So why have adult learners decided they prefer e-learning over traditional learning?
We’ve all been familiar with traditional classroom learning for years. Teaching a group of learners in a physical learning environment. Not just in schools, though – it could be either night courses in a college, or even university lectures.
E-learning provides you with a digital platform you can access wherever, and whenever you want too. It tends to be more one on one interaction based, so we get a better understanding of what students are getting. In our blog we’re going to go over what they both are, and why some adults prefer e-learning.
Traditional Learning
So what is traditional learning? Within traditional learning, students learn in a classroom setting, with an educator moderating the flow of knowledge. For a student to get an education they have to attend the classroom, be present for all lessons. There may be online material for them to access if they missed a lesson. But if they don’t understand the concept, they’ll have to get the teacher to repeat the concept to them.
In this method of learning there are also multiple students in the same room. Sometimes this can be distracting for learners. But it could also work in favour for others. Some students just find it hard to learn that way, even in adult learning. Especially as adults don’t learn the same way that children or teens do.
Online Learning
Online learning involves the use of a digital platform to learn, without needing to go to an education centre. There will not be a fixed number of students being taught. So there’s a flexibility there. Distractions won’t be as common. With e-learning, students and teachers both get flexibility. An advantage of e-learning is that students get to learn from the comfort of their own home, as well as learning from experts.
Both e-learning and traditional learning have their advantages. However the demand for online education has risen, especially due to the pandemic. Similarly, the digital transformation taking place can influence e-learning. Apart from this, there are also many other benefits to online learning, we’re going to go into detail about some.
Cost-effective
When you undergo an online learning course, you save money and time. Students can learn at their own pace and have more time to focus on other things. E-learning becomes economical, as online training content is less expensive compared to printed resources that is given in traditional learning. Online learning also reduces the cost of equipment and premises, as you won’t have to worry about hiring a room or training centre.
Personalisation
In most traditional classroom settings, the learners are provided with a lot of information in a short space of time. This may make things difficult for some students. Because they may not be able to understand or grasp what is being taught. However, with the use of e-learning this issue is resolved. When using a digital platform, it is possible for educators and trainers to personalise the learning approach.
This then means that learners can learn at their own pace and they can revisit concepts as many times as they need too. E-learning is one of the best options there is for working professionals. As they can complete their courses in their desired time.
Less Pressure and More Flexibility
Some learners may feel pressured in the traditional learning environment, because it can be competitive. Though some students can handle it, there will be others who don’t, the e-learning environment removes this. Students can interact with their teachers and trainers with ease. There is also a pressure to conform to deadlines, especially when there is a time limit for a lesson. Being able to revisit the lesson whenever you want eases the pressure that learners may feel.
The less pressure for a learner is better, as it adds to the flexibility. They don’t have to feel like they need to rush to get to this deadline, they can take it at their own pace. Reviewing the content whenever they want also improves the quality of their learning. They know that the content is there and they can come back to it. This adds less pressure but makes their learning more flexible. As they wouldn’t be able to do that in a traditional setting.
Flexibility adds to the value of e-learning. As the learner can do their course from wherever they want, at whatever time they want. If they want to do it at home or in a cafe they can. It doesn’t limit them, in fact it opens up their time more. There has been a widespread transformation across the education sector itself. The sector is reinventing itself for a post-COVID future. Learners are seeking more choice, flexibility and affordability in their education and courses.
What This Means For You
Here at Brooks and Kirk we offer the best of both. We offer distance based learning. Which is a combination of online learning and one session that will be face to face. So most of the learning will be online. Also, we offer full tutor support so you’re not left in the dark. Becoming an assessor also opens doors to online or remote working, becoming freelance or hybrid working. So our hybrid learning style sets you up for that already!
Studies have shown that online learning is preferred by learners. For example a study by a company called Future Learn. In their report they found that 33% of people they asked would choose online learning platforms to learn new skills. Additionally an 81% of people who changed career said an online course helped. So it may be the start of a new career, and with the rise of online learning this is becoming more and more doable.
We hope this has helped, if you have any questions or queries about any of this or about our assessor course, then give our team a call on 01205 805 155 and we will be happy to help.