How eLearning provides advantages over traditional classroom training

There has always been a certain level of contention about “old” ways versus “new” ways. Traditional methods seem to always be warring against innovation.

A perfect example of this age-old debate is education. Educational theories come and go, along with various teaching trends, with some aspects of this or that method sticking around for the long haul.

Much to the benefits of elearning companies, this hasn’t been the case with game-based learning. Technology has been infiltrating the education system long enough, that it’s safe to say that digital learning is here to stay.

Of course, there are some benefits of the traditional approach; however, as technology advances, they are becoming fewer and farther between.

Let’s compare

There are clearly some pretty significant differences between the traditional educational model and the virtual alternative that elearning companies have so painstakingly created.

The issue of real-world experience. The only way to have an authentic learning experience in a classroom-type setting is to do it virtually. Serious games offer the learner the chance to interact with real-life scenarios in a simulated environment. It just isn’t possible to replicate real situations, in a non-threatening, safe environment, without the use of technology.

Emotional involvement of the learner. There are educators or corporate trainers who are highly skilled at keeping the attention of their audience. However, even the most dynamic educator finds it challenging to keep learners engaged and having fun. That’s one of the reasons game-based learning is so effective. Elearning companies have designed games that allow learners to have fun while they’re learning. Any student, from a child to an adult, learns more when they are engaged in what they’re doing. Gamification requires a high level of engagement from each learner.

Problem-solving and Out-of-the-box thinking. A more conventional learning environment is one in which the learners are seated at tables or desks and the instructor stands in front of them and talks. It’s passive for the learner, much more standardized, and doesn’t require any kind of higher-order thinking. Game-based learning requires the user to tackle tricky situations and use creativity and innovation to come up with a solution. Scenarios are created to become more challenging. This translates into real-world problem-solving skills that the trainee can put into practice as they perform the duties required by their job.
The issue of funding. When it comes to cost, the traditional method of education may not be the most cost-effective. The loss of productivity by the instructor and the employee must be taken into consideration. Elearning that is self-paced can decrease loss of productivity due to training. Yes, there is an initial investment that must be made to implement an elearning program. In the beginning, it may not be feasible to invest in the amount of technology required to implement a comprehensive elearning system. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it for an individual business to consider the ROI calculations. Elearning can be implemented in stages and designed based on the available budget dollars. The ease of upgrading and modifying elearning can be more cost-effective than traditional methods of instruction.

The bottom line for elearning companies

Businesses desire a workforce that is well-prepared for the rigors of the job. As companies step away from the more conventional ways of training, incorporating elearning is an effective and beneficial way to enhance employee skills, increase productivity, and improve the bottom line.

Contact Designing Digitally, Inc. to learn how their elearning company can meet your needs for a highly engaged and productive workforce.