Four Reasons why Online Learning can be more effective than Classroom Training

Online Learning has been growing at an accelerated pace recently due to the rapid advancement of technology. The significant growth of online learning is even more evident since the Covid-19 outbreak. Many public and private institutes are forced to change the way education is being delivered as social distancing and restriction movement orders are being implemented worldwide.

Following the Movement Control Order, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) of Malaysia has also introduced new schemes that support online learning. With the new HRDF schemes, employers can encourage their employees to attend online training courses to enhance their knowledge and skills. The schemes allow employers to claim online training fees and even for the support facilities for the online training. In other words, free training for your employees!  Click here to find out more about the schemes.

With the support given by HRDF, employers can focus on their learning and development strategies which will eventually benefit their organizations in terms of employees’ performance improvement, increase in innovation in strategies and products. However, many people remain skeptical and uncertain about the effectiveness of the online learning delivery method as it is still relatively new compared to traditional classroom training.

That is why today we would also like to share 4 reasons why online learning can be more effective than classroom training:

1. Retention rates are higher with online learning

Many candidates will have difficulties to retain what they have learnt in classroom training courses. According to the Research Institute of America, online courses have increased student retention rates from anything from 25% to 60%. It has been suggested that it is due to more engaging multimedia content and also more control over how they take in the material. Furthermore, latest online learning technology also enables ‘retention through repetition’ learning which trains knowledge in a personalized way so learners can remember more of what they have learnt.

2. Online learning requires less time investment

For many working adults, attending face-to-face classroom training may be difficult due to their busy schedule. A Brandon Hall report on eLearning within corporations found that online learning generally requires 40-60% less time than actual classroom training. Online learning allows candidates to learn according to their own planned schedule.

3. Candidates can learn more

Contrary to what many believe, candidates can actually learn more than they do compared to actual classroom training. IBM have found that candidates can learn 5 times more material in online learning courses using multimedia content. One of the reasons is because online learning allows candidates to have full control over their own learning pace. They are able to move faster through topics that they are familiar with and slower on those that will require more time to digest and understand.

4. It is cheaper than other delivery methods

Almost all online courses are relatively cheaper compared to actual face-to-face classroom courses. This is because learning and training providers do not need to spend on venue, facilities and training equipment costs.

With the information provided above we hope that we have managed to shed some light on the effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom training.

If you would like to know more on how you can apply for the HRDF training schemes or if you would like to explore any online certified professional training courses, you can visit our training page here or please contact us at info@cybiant.com.