Online Learning Formats: eLearning vs Online Classroom Courses

Whether you’re looking to upskill for your career, gain a qualification or simply learn something new, learning online is fast becoming the “go to” method for those unable to make it to face-to-face training courses.

If training online is an avenue, you’re keen to pursue, you’ll come across the two main types of online education: eLearning courses and online classroom courses. Whilst both are delivered over the internet, they offer very different learning experiences. The route you choose may be determined by availability, but you may also have a choice between the two and if you do, we’re here to help you decide which would be best suited to your needs.

eLearning Courses 

e-learning courses are self-paced and pre-recorded. They do not need to take place at specific times and can be paused to suit, as long as the total amount of course content is worked through, followed by any final exams. Learners can access e-learning courses anytime, anywhere.

Course content

The course content is delivered via pre-recorded videos, interactive modules, quizzes, and reading materials. With this format there is minimal need for contact with an instructor or any other classmates and communication is usually conducted through discussion boards or emails.
 
Quizzes and assignments are typically automated and the feedback can be fairly generic but may come quicker than an online classroom course.

Target audience

e-learning courses are ideal for independent learners who need to be able to take training at their own pace. Highly flexible, this type of course allows learners to choose their own schedule.

As e-learning courses do not require any live instructors or moderators, they can be a more affordable option.

Online Classrooms

Online classroom courses are live and instructor-led. They happen at pre-set times and if you do not attend you will be marked as absent (and typically if you do not attend you will not be eligible for any type of refund).

Set up to mimic traditional classrooms but in the online space, common platforms used to host online classroom training sessions include Zoom, Teams and Google Classroom. This type of platform has facility for users to chat to the instructor through various means and allows for high interaction with instructors and classmates in real time such as Q&A sessions, discussions and live feedback.

Course content

The course content is delivered via pre-recorded videos, interactive modules, quizzes, and reading materials. With this format there is minimal need for contact with an instructor or any other classmates and communication is usually conducted through discussion boards or emails. 

Quizzes and assignments are typically automated and the feedback can be fairly generic but may come quicker than an online classroom course.

Target audience

Online classroom courses are perhaps better for those who like to feel part of a group and may need structure and accountability in order to concentrate. Personalised feedback is key with this method of training although in-depth comments may not come as quickly as in an e-learning course. Similarly, assignments are more likely to be manually reviewed rather than through an automated checker.

The way online classroom training works may lead to increased prices for the same courses delivered via e-learning, as real time instructor involvement is required and usually live mentoring or extra support is also offered.

Whatever method you choose, accredited options in various training categories are available including NEBOSH, IOSH and IPAF. 

Our full range of e-learning courses can be found here: https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/search/elearning/  

Related reading:

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