There is no denying, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in the way we all learn. During this time, we were left with no other option but to attend conferences and training courses from the comfort of our homes and meet with colleagues and peers virtually instead of face to face.
However, even before Covid-19, thanks to the convenience of modern technology, E-learning has been a powerful tool in the education world for many years.
Learning online has never been more convenient or more at the forefront of education today, and is rightfully going nowhere. Read on to find out why E-learning can actually be better than face to face training:
1. FLEXIBILITY
Most E-learning courses can be completed in an individual’s own time, providing greater flexibility than face to face courses. The beauty of E-learning courses is that they can often be fitted around an individuals work and wider commitments, making it more convenient, which is essential in today’s busy world. It can also help to suit those who may find they work better in the evening than the day, or vice versa. Learning flexibly can help to provide greater control to individuals which can aid with productivity and retention of information.
2. ADAPTABILITY
Different people prefer different styles of learning, some may be more visual learners, some may thrive by listening or some may prefer to learn in a more interactive way. E-learning has the power to adapt to this. Many online courses combine a mixture of self-directed learning and resources comprising of interactive and engaging elements which can help to cater for individuals’ learnings needs. E-learning can also reach a wider audience; it makes learning more accessible, meaning those who may not have been able to travel or attend a course can do this from the comfort of their own home or workplace.
3. SELF-PACED LEARNING
The self-paced nature of online courses means that the learner can chose to spend as little or as long as they wish undertaking the course. Learners can go back to revisit elements or focus on the aspects that are important to them or that may require additional attention, without the time constraints that would be present in a face-to-face course. Individuals can undertake courses in small segments and at their own pace, which can help retain focus and ensure that course material is grasped and understood.
4. LEARN MORE
Many E-learning courses contain self-assessments throughout the course which help to keep learners on the right track. Frequent testing helps to solidify knowledge, provide clarification and test understanding of essential key learning points. It helps an individual become an active learner rather than a passive learner, which can help improve knowledge and understanding alongside engagement and personal satisfaction from a course.
5. SAVE TIME AND MONEY
E-learning can be more cost-effective for individuals and companies and less time intensive. There is no need to travel or stay overnight, which reduces time and costs of transport associated with travelling to face-to-face courses.
6. BE MORE GREEN
In a world where we should all be doing more to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint, E-learning can also be better for the environment. Studies have found that online courses can consume 90% less energy and relate 85% fever CO2 emissions per individual than traditional face to face courses (Source: The Open University in Britain).
A BLENDED APPROACH
Making education more accessible to individuals is vital. The easier it is for people to fit education around the rest of their lives, the more likely they are to engage!
Although online learning, will not replace face-to-face courses across the board, both methods can be effective in their own right.
At Health Academy we want individuals to have as many options as possible for their learning journey. That’s why we specialise not just in high quality, engaging E-learning courses but also in face-to-face training, workshops, and virtual classrooms. We believe by creating an adaptive and blended approach to learning it can help to keep education exciting and help individuals improve their knowledge and skills whilst having fun during the process.
To find out more about the full range of courses we offer click here.
