Online Learning Vs Offline Learning
Online Learning Vs Offline Learning
Online Learning Vs Offline Learning
As technology has developed, so too has the way we learn new skills. Thanks to
the internet, those interested in boosting their knowledge and skills now have a
wide range of options open to them.
Learners and employers can now choose to take advantage of online, as well as
offline, training. When it comes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD),
there are pros and cons to both online and offline learning. To help you decide
which is better for your learners, below you’ll discover the key differences
between them.
Online learning Vs offline learning
The main difference between online and offline learning is location. With offline
learning, participants are required to travel to the training location, typically a
lecture hall, college or classroom. With online learning, on the other hand, the
training can be conducted from practically anywhere in the world. Participants
simply need to log on to the internet from their home, work or even their local
coffee shop.
Another difference is the flexibility offered. Online learning usually has a more
flexible timescale. As a trainer, you can offer your support via email or through an
online chat system. With offline learning, it is typically carried out between office
hours and doesn’t offer as much flexibility to the learner or the trainer.
Besides these two differences, the benefits of learning online or offline are
practically the same. Online qualifications are just as internationally recognized as
offline ones and the standards of learning are also identical.
What are the benefits of online vs offline learning?
Although online learning has become the preferred method for the majority of
learners, it’s important not to dismiss the benefits of offline training too.
With online training courses, you and the course attendees benefit from a more
casual, flexible approach. Being unrestricted in regard to location and times
means every learner can benefit from the courses.
With offline learning, it’s easier to ensure attendees are paying attention to the
training. Some learners also find it easier to retain the knowledge and skills
they’ve learnt through offline training than they do with online training.
As there are benefits to both learning options, it makes sense to offer a combined
online and offline learning approach as a trainer.
The CPD trainer
As a CPD trainer, it’s vital you stay ahead of the sector. You need to ensure you’re
providing the most relevant and up-to-date training methods. Offering online
training courses is therefore crucial to your success.
There has been a huge shift from offline to online learning is recent years. While
offline training does remain popular with the younger generation, the majority of
learners do prefer an online, or at least a blended online and offline approach. It’s
more convenient and more flexible; something which benefits both the learner
and you as a trainer.
Books
Videos
Online resources
Although the majority of the training can be conducted online, it is still a good
idea to provide offline resources such as books. That way, the learner can read
and discover additional information away from a screen in their own time.
Videos are also a useful online learning tool. You could offer DVD versions of the
videos you create for learners who would prefer them. However, most will be
happy to watch the video tutorials online.
Other online resources can also be used such as blogs, articles and podcasts.
When combined together, all of these learning sources provide comprehensive
and effective CPD training.
The above are the key differences between online learning and offline learning. If
you are interested in offering CPD online training courses, you will want to
consider becoming CPD accredited. A specialist CPD service provider can ensure
your online training materials meet the necessary standards. They can also ensure
you attract more potential learners. Contact CPDUK today to learn more.
Expenses
Getting quality education is expensive, we all know that.
And I am not only speaking about the scholar fees, but also the travel to the place
of learning, the commute, the accommodation if the training center is not nearby,
the textbooks, extra-curricular activities and so on.
Online learning is usually cheaper in scholar and booking fees, and as study
materials are all online, there is no need to buy textbooks and manuals.
Since you are learning from home you won’t have expenses in petrol for your car,
or for public transportation to the training centre.
The biggest saver of money? There is no need to find further accommodation and
spend hundreds in rent every month.
Social interactions
So yes, Online Learning is far less expensive, more convenient and flexible, but
one major thing to mention is the lack of social interactions online.
And what I mean by that, is that with Online Classes, you don’t get that morning
coffee with your classmates, those small chats in the corridor in between classes,
the precious break during a long lecture where you can ask questions to the
teacher….
In that sense, Online Learning can become quite isolating, as the level of human
interaction is kept to minimum.
There are less spontaneous debates in class and exchanges of ideas, as everyone
is com