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6 Replies Last post: Oct 30, 2009 2:23 PM by probus01

Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training?

Aug 20, 2009 5:50 PM

Click to view Focus.com's profile Authority Focus.com 12 posts since
Aug 10, 2009
Vendors hawk the benefits of e-learning: cost-effectiveness, essential for training a global workforce, multimedia and so on. Are they on-target? Regardless, e-learning is becoming an essential part of corporate life. Any tips?
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Click to view DomainDiva's profile Mogul DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
1. Re: Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training? Aug 21, 2009 9:58 AM
There are many different ways that people learn: Visual, auditory, tactile and combinations of these three.

For instance, I am a mainly a visual learner. If someone is talking really fast while demonstrating I shut down because I cannot process the visual how to with the auditory blah and blah. People like me don't process screaming, shouting or fast talking at all. We shut down when people talk fast or sream on the phone to us, like tele marketers.

There is the visual tactile method, this is how I learn math and other subjects, I touch the subject by taking copious notes.

Then there is auditory those learn by listening and have total recall of the subject.

Art is tactile learning while shutting down the left side of the brain.

Different people learn in different ways, there are tests that can determine how employees learn, the employer should proceed from there.
Click to view MoveForward's profile Mogul MoveForward 148 posts since
Aug 13, 2009
2. Re: Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training? Aug 21, 2009 10:10 AM
I will always believe "hands-on learning and a experienced mentor" is the most valuable than form of learning. No paper degree, voice of an educator, text book or educational supplies bring the same value.
Click to view vernon_wharff's profile Start-up vernon_wharff 1 posts since
Aug 26, 2009
3. Re: Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training? Aug 26, 2009 6:50 PM
in response to: MoveForward
Right....Unlesss you have your mentor who will not only be the voice but also motivate you inthe entire process.....

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Click to view SeniorLiving's profile Professional SeniorLiving 9 posts since
Aug 26, 2009
4. Re: Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training? Aug 29, 2009 1:57 AM
in response to: MoveForward
While in college I read Physics from 'The lectures of Feynmann'. I can tell you that book was better than some of the Profs and a lot of us felt the same.
I don't think there can be a general rule it depends on the motivation of the student and a lot of ot other factors.
I work in an assisted living facility and have seen some seniors tear into e-learning courses.
One important factor is that if you do the course alone you will be at a disadvantage so it is important that you form a peer group. I also prefer face to face teaching but e-learning has cost advantages and it may be possible for a person to do a course which may not be feasible otherwise.
Given the way computers and the Internet are part of our lives I am sure e-learning will grow in importance. Just look at the way school students have to use the Internet for projects.
Click to view Hensiv's profile Start-up Hensiv 2 posts since
Sep 23, 2009
5. Re: Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training? Sep 24, 2009 6:36 PM
Probably visually learning-style oriented people would benefit more.

For example my wife is more kinestatically oriented, she has to "do" things with some part of the body to learn. Quite impractical in many cases, in many theoretical subject it means a lot of drawings and diagrams.

You may consider to let employees take a simple free learning style test at http://www.2h.com/blog/category/personality-test/learning-style-test/ to find out who might benefit more from various types of training.

Henrik
Click to view probus01's profile Authority probus01 4 posts since
Oct 30, 2009
6. Re: Is e-learning really as effective as face-to-face training? Oct 30, 2009 2:23 PM
I feel elearning is quite effective with 1 coordinator to managing the progress of the team. With my company you can have a student take a video based training course while reviewing daily reports on them and their progress. You deliver the tests and you can even order workbooks with questions for face to face interactions. You can create a demo account to see what I mean at www.probusservices.com just click on online computer training and go to the bottom of the page and click on the link no need to call. There is also a catalog there with all the course titles.