Peter Huppertz

The debate over whether eLearning is more effective than onsite training has been ongoing for years. While some people consider onsite training inherently superior to eLearning, it’s essential to understand that both are delivery methods rather than teaching methods. Comparing eLearning with onsite training to determine which is better is not straightforward. There are excellent eLearning programs and superb onsite training sessions, so generalisations are difficult to make.

Delivery Methods vs. Teaching Methods

It’s crucial to recognise that both eLearning and onsite training serve as platforms for delivering instructional content. The effectiveness of either method depends significantly on how well the training is planned, delivered, and how much attention is paid to instructional design.

The Effectiveness of eLearning

eLearning can be highly effective, especially when tailored to the learners' needs. Self-paced eLearning courses offer several inherent benefits:

• Scalability: eLearning can reach a large audience without additional costs, making it a cost-effective solution for organisations.
• Flexibility: Learners can access the content from any location and at any time, accommodating different time zones and schedules.
• Pacing: eLearning adjusts to the learner's pace. Those with prior knowledge can skip sessions or proceed faster, while others can take the time they need to fully understand the material.

The Benefits of Onsite Training

Onsite training, on the other hand, has its inherent advantages:

• Physical Connection: Direct physical interaction between learners and between the instructor and learners can enhance engagement and motivation.

However, the physical presence in a classroom doesn’t necessarily mean that learners will absorb more or learn better:

• Attention Span: Learners might be physically present but not mentally engaged.
• Learner Types: Extroverted learners might benefit more from onsite training as they are more likely to participate actively.
• Passive Learning: Onsite training can sometimes be very passive, resembling lectures where learners are mere recipients of information.
• Pacing Issues: The fixed pace of onsite training can be too fast or too slow for some learners, leading to dropouts or disengagement.

The Importance of Instructional Design

Ultimately, the effectiveness of training, whether onsite or online, hinges on the quality of its instructional design. Effective training programs are those that are thoughtfully designed with the learners' needs in mind, incorporating interactive elements, practical tasks, and opportunities for feedback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question is not whether eLearning is more effective than onsite training, but rather how well each training method is executed. Both eLearning and onsite training can be highly effective when they are well-planned, engaging, and tailored to meet the needs of the learners. By focusing on quality instructional design, organisations can ensure that their training programs, regardless of the delivery method, achieve the desired learning outcomes.