For those constrained by budgetary considerations, the cost of training is often a core concern. This leads to the common question, “Is eLearning more cost-effective than traditional learning?” Indeed, a cost comparison between e-learning and other methods is worth exploring.
While training costs can vary depending on factors such as provider quality, services rendered, and features offered, e-learning generally proves to be significantly more cost-effective than traditional approaches. This is because traditional methods often entail additional expenses such as hiring effective trainers, accommodating committed delegates, covering travel and accommodation expenses, renting physical spaces, and consuming more time.
However, online training also incurs upkeep costs, including subscriptions to learning management systems, course updates, and administrative tasks. Nevertheless, reputable online training providers typically alleviate these concerns by handling course updates, simplifying administrative processes, and bundling their learning management system with every purchase.
Statistics from 2019 reveal that 59% of Learning and Development professionals allocated more of their budgets to online training than they did three years prior, with over a third reducing expenditure on instructor-led training.
As for the effectiveness and appeal of e-learning, advancements in technology and increased resources have transformed it into an engaging, adaptive, and thought-provoking learning medium. Learner satisfaction now hinges on quality content, accessibility, and engagement, with providers like Cademi striving to deliver courses that meet these criteria.
Moreover, there exists a middle ground known as ‘blended learning,’ which combines face-to-face or instructor-led training with e-learning. This approach is identified as a significant trend in education change and offers benefits such as interlinking online and in-person activities, providing variety in learning resources, and maximising the utility of recorded materials across different classes.
While acknowledging the value of face-to-face training, even as an eLearning provider, we recognise the benefits of blended learning. Gathering individuals for in-person sessions fosters debate and peer learning, albeit at a higher cost, and requires effective trainers and committed participants, factors not always readily available.