Virtual learning and eLearning are two common words that are used to describe these new types of education. Due to the similarities between the two styles of education, it can be difficult to differentiate between both of them.
However, they are both convenient forms of distance education. One that you can take from anywhere as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection.
What does eLearning mean?
eLearning can be used to describe a style of education that is delivered over an electronic medium.
It typically involves the use of electronic communication to pass on instructions from the instructor to the student. Over the years, eLearning has evolved to give both parties more control.
Many schools prefer to administer their eLearning sessions over a Learning Management System (LMS). Since the pandemic you hear a lot of news stories about teachers not wanting to go back to the old ways. They prefer to teach from wherever they are with less human interaction.
On the other side of the coin.
With the LMS, students can gain access to their classes from the comfort of their homes. They can also access their classes by using a remote classroom-based setting.
Since you can now receive a degree this way many question the prices and traditional ways of doing things.
Stories like this one come to mind:
Harvard went online and decided to keep prices the same. I always thought that the main benefit of going to a school like that is the network. Without that is it still worth it? Are they delusional?
Not only that but eLearning usually does not involve classes that are administered in real-time.
The instructions will be made available to fit the schedule of the student. So if as a student you have a problem or don’t understand something… you’re stuck until the teacher reappears.
Instructors may be approached either through official emails or special messaging platforms that come with the LMS.
This type of learning method does not involve any live videos.
What does Virtual learning mean?
Virtual learning is a method of education whereby instructions are provided through the internet rather than in a classroom. Virtual learning is different from the traditional learning method because it is usually done over the internet.
In most cases, virtual learning is executed in real-time.
It involves a class moderator or instructor leading a class over a virtual learning management system. Virtual learning may also involve a self-paced study pattern that usually includes student/teacher/class communication.
What is a virtual classroom?
A virtual classroom is a system or platform used to deliver classes online whereby teachers and students can collaborate and communicate with each other.
Virtual classrooms are usually built around a digital learning management system or environment that makes it possible for teachers and students to connect in real-time.
What is the difference between eLearning and virtual learning?
The main difference between eLearning and virtual learning is the level of interaction and communication involved.
When it comes to virtual learning, there is usually an increased level of interaction between the instructors and students.
In the case of eLearning, this method is delivered more as a self-paced study session.
Between eLearning and virtual learning, it can be difficult to choose which method is better.
This simply depends on the individual involved and their preferences.
People who desire more communication and interaction would gain more knowledge with virtual learning. Virtual learning is the closest thing to a classroom setting without actually going to the classroom.
For eLearning, this type of education work well for students who can like to learn independently. This helps them to save a lot of time and money.
It is good for people who do not want any academic commitment to a simple web-based education. Also, they are ideal for students who can learn without any form of management or oversight.
eLearning is also good for light courses that are meant for improving certain professional skills like Project Management, programming, coding, graphics design, and so on.
