The Difference between Virtual Learning and Online Learning
How to decide which one is right for your workplace.
By Jennifer Blanchard |HRTools.com Business Writer
When it comes to employee training these days, there are two phrases that are often used interchangeably: virtual learning and online learning. But they’re actually two different concepts.
Virtual Learning
Virtual learning means an employee is learning in a location aside from the classroom. This could be in another office location or even at home.
Virtual learning can take place via telephone and/or over the Web.
“Virtual learning today doesn’t mean that someone is learning alone in a room and simply interacting with a computer screen,” says Mary Lou Parrott, a human resource specialist. “In fact, virtual learning gives people almost endless choices and options for learning and sharing knowledge.”
According to Parrott:
- “Virtual learning, typically, consists of voice options such as the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or voice over Internet phone systems and teleconferencing.
- “Visual options include the Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint, Word and Excel. Participants can also enjoy viewing options such as shared whiteboards, Webinars or Webcam.
- “Visual options can range from slideshows to multimedia types of presentations.
- “Virtual learning can provide for the sharing of applications, creating polls and conducting short surveys.
- “There can be opportunities for online ‘chats’ with others, or even for breakout sessions in which there can be side discussions or activities to be completed by a small group.
- “The medium of virtual learning can be used to meet the needs of training employees on both hard and soft skills.
- “Leaders and managers can conduct more effective meetings and provide educational opportunities for employees such as:
- rolling out new employee benefits information;
- streamlining the on-boarding process so that employees get their information quicker and more consistently and
- coaching and mentoring employees.
- “Vendors can introduce new products or marketing materials more quickly.”
For more information on virtual learning, read Parrott’s Insight.
Online Learning
Online learning is education in a whole new way.
Online learning is conducted through the Internet and can include real-time courses, as well as courses employees can take on their own time.
There are various options available, including subscribing to an online school, attending an online college (or the online version of a brick-and-mortar college) and taking e-courses.
An e-course is a class that is taught entirely though e-mail. This is self-learning at its freest. An e-course allows the end-user to learn on their schedule.
How it typically works is once a week the professor/instructor will send out a lesson. It will have an assignment attached to it, which the student must complete and return by a set deadline.
This is a good option for employees who don’t have huge blocks of free time. It allows them to learn at their own pace.
Some other advantages of online learning, according to Ellie McIntyre, a performance specialist, include:
- “Companies can save money because they’re reducing travel time and expenses to/from class.
- “It’s more convenient for employees.
- “Employees aren’t away from their workstations as long as they are when they attend classroom training.
- “Allows employers the ability to offer training on-the-spot when a subject pops up.
- “Creates a more consistent approach to training.
- “It’s usually faster than traditional classroom training.
- “There are some online learning programs that allow employees to call in and have conversations regarding what is being learned.”
For more information on online learning, read McIntyre’s Insight.
Downsides
As with everything in business, there are downsides to both virtual learning and online learning.
One main downside of both is loss of face-to-face contact (unless the virtual/online learning includes a video conferencing option). This isn’t always a problem, but some employees may have a more difficult time learning when they are not in a classroom setting.
A main downside of online learning is that some employees might not have the self-discipline needed to complete the class and do well.
This is why it’s also a good idea to complement online job training with face-to-face training when you can.
Overall, both virtual learning and online learning give your company a variety of options to offer employees. Virtual and online classes come in a range of different subjects and could be a simple, affordable way for your company to offer ongoing education opportunities to your employees.
<p>When it comes to employee training these days, there are two phrases that are often used interchangeably: virtual learning and online learning. But they’re actually two different concepts.</p>