Its been a point of discussion these days as which is better for training/learning purposes, elearning or classroom learning. Lets get more details over here.

1. The War Between E-Learning And Classroom Training
The debate over rating the more important means of learning, classroom versus online has been an age-
old one. In this age of computerization, given the fact that most jobs imply the usage of computers, the
online environment is more conducive of imparting training, than the conventional, classroom-based one.
As a corollary, the online environment becomes the natural environment for learning.
Cost and time benefits:
Compared to traditional, instructor-led courses, online courses are a lot more pocket friendly. In the
setting of the economic crisis, it’s virtually impossible for companies to shell out the travel expenses
necessary for the well-being of a training program. With the use of an e-learning course, no traveling is
needed, as learners can learn from the comfort of their home or office. Additionally, with e-learning there
are no marginal costs of delivery, which in simple sense refers to the absence of necessary additional
funds, after the initial production of the course. The money goes into the design, implementation and
testing, but it costs the same to train 50 or 500 people. There won’t be any money going into renting a
classroom, serving meals, paying a trainer and so on.
Furthermore, with the advent of smart authoring tools like Lectora, Articulate etc., it is now surprisingly
easy to develop e-learning courses in quick time. As a result e-learning course development costs are
significantly less compared to classroom training.
E-learning courses are often time consuming and involves several redundant phases like greetings,
introductions, breaks, off-topic discussions and so on which often weighs heavily going by the popular
adage ‘Time is money’.
However, reducing cost of training not necessarily works for big companies. On the contrary, the cost of
training per hour will still be smaller with e-learning when compared with classroom-based learning,
irrespective of the field and size of audience. Moreover, free, open source software can be used for the
courses, which may not even require the aid of a specialized person.
Learning experience:
Apart from the cost factor, there are other significant advantages of pursuing e-learning over the
traditional means of training. In the e-learning environment, the experience of learning is private. The
learner can make mistakes without the fear of being judged. This is often a huge advantage for shy or
private learners, wherein the learner can be free to make mistakes and express himself/herself.
Learning flexibility:
Online training gives learners flexibility in learning, and help them set their own schedule. In classroom
training, learners have to abide by the general timetable and schedule assigned, but with e-learning they

2. are in control of the learning process, and can take a break when they feel a lapse in focus or interest.
With renewed interest and vigor learners can review sections that didn’t seem clear earlier.
Progress tracking:
The tracking of learners’ progress in the training program is yet another aspect where e-learning
surpasses classroom training. In the case of classroom training the learners’ progress is tracked
manually, wherein data maybe inaccurately recorded and is a time consuming affair. On the contrary,
Learning Management Systems (LMSs), a software platform is used for monitoring of learners’ progress
automatically and is an effective and error-free method.
Both e-learning and classroom training have their advantages and limitations and both methodologies are
here to accredit learners with skills and knowledge.
For more details on elearning visit: http://www.24x7learning.com/ .