e-Learning revolves around learning from a video, text or a soft copy of a study material. This can be either online or offline. Watching an online streaming video, or a offline pre-recorded video is what is e-learning is all about.
On the other hand, as the name suggests, Instructor Led Training (ILT) is a session where an instructor teaches an individual or a group. ILT session can be conducted either in a classroom or online. A session where an instructor and the learners are physically situated in different places but virtually connected through internet and a common platform is termed as Online Instructor Led Training session. Thus, it can be said that online Instructor Led Training (ILT) is very much a type of e-learning.
Similarity – Both are “ways” of learning. Difference – A real time instructor in ILT whereas e-Learning lacks a live instructor.
What is ILT?
ILT or instructor-led training is a training that occurs in a classroom, which you are most familiar with. In an online session, a common screen is shared, where the instructor guides or teaches. All the participants and instructor are connected through voice, video and text chat, which makes this session more interactive.
This type of training can be the most effective method of training. However, it all depends on the specific needs. Some topics are greatly benefit from instructor-led training, while other will do better in e-learning.
One of the utmost advantages of ILT is that learners will have the opportunity to ask questions during that particular process of learning. Well, highly skilled corporate instructors or trainers adapt their presentations to the skill level the class they are teaching. Instructor-led or the traditional classes can also break off into role-playing groups or brainstorming and helping the employees to get a chance to learn from each other. This learning technique is being widely used for corporate trainings as it saves a lot of time and money.
There are many challenges exist with instructor-led training. However, the e-learning system offers solutions to many of these challenges. Below are few challenges faced by ILT:
What is e-learning?
E-learning refers to any training that takes place over the internet and the learner can use those study content anytime and anywhere. On the other hand, e-learning has both opportunities and challenges, but different from the instructor-led training.
The e-learning includes various forms of content including texts, videos, images and activities in the training. Further, the e-learning applications can immerse learners by using interactive videos, gamification, virtual or augmented reality environment, mobile learning and personalized learning.
E-learning can provide many advantages for companies different from the traditional form of training. The advantages of eLearning include:
E-learning contents are totally rely on flashy graphics and animation that can distract the learners. E-learning can also be outdated, especially in the rapidly growing fields. Similar to the instructor-led training, e-learning courses should focus on the core principles of instructional design to concisely and accurately provide information to your employees.
E-Learning vs Instructor-Led Training
The Instructor-Led Training makes a valuable contribution to corporate training. It is affordable, flexible option for companies without spending money much on training. It is also adaptable to the learner’s schedule as well as easy and fast to update. However, e-learning, on the other hand, plays a significant role in professional training. Many advantages as employees tend to feel valued and more significant learning and retention occur during the training sessions.
It really can’t be said which method of training is best for your company when it comes down to what your need is and what budget you have to work with. Once your training needs are outlined then it will be easier for you to decide which training method is truly best for your employees.
Author Bio
Natasha is a Content Manager at Springpeople. She has been in the edu-tech industry for 7+ years. With a aim to provide the best bona fide information on tech trends, corporate training, emerging training methodologies and more, she is associated with SpringPeople. SpringPeople is a global premier training provider for high-end and emerging technologies, methodologies and products. Partnered with parent organizations behind these technologies, SpringPeople delivers authentic and most comprehensive training on related t