Web based learning has opened up a lot of doors to anyone who wants to learn. With the available tech today, it can be argued that if ever you want to learn anything, you just need a device, an internet connection, and a must-do attitude. Moreover, web based training has broken down both geographical and physical limitations and has made learning possible across different time zones. This, in turn, has allowed more people to take advantage of the accessibility and convenience of online learning.<\/p>\n
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Web based learning tools have also proliferated within the past few years; and have done nothing but wonders for those who want to learn on their own. There are free online courses, MOOCs (Massively Open Online Courses), instructional videos, and even apps<\/strong><\/a> that let the learner take lessons anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n Tools<\/strong><\/a> like these have been quite helpful \u2013 and also through them some of the globally-renowned institutions have been able to offer free courses to anyone in the world. Who would\u2019ve thought that one day, everyone would get a chance to virtually attend classes from different universities around the globe?<\/p>\n While web based learning, with all its\u00a0advantages and benefits<\/strong><\/a>, seems to be shaping up as the future of learning, it also has its drawbacks that tell us otherwise. Online learning approaches are also highly dependent on context.<\/p>\n Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n We need to be familiar with both online learning\u2019s pros and cons and the differences in context.<\/strong> Doing so allows us to choose if online learning really is the best choice for us and if we\u2019re employing the right approaches, given the learning background we\u2019re in.<\/p>\n In this instance, we\u2019ll be discussing three of its biggest advantages and disadvantages.<\/strong> We\u2019ll also take a look at how online learning approaches are different in the corporate training and academic learning contexts.<\/p>\n While online learning seems to be the best (and easiest) option to learn today, there are, however, pros and cons of web based learning that we need to be well aware of. Let\u2019s take a look at three of its biggest advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n The biggest draw for these online web-based training courses<\/strong> is that most of them are free. This is made possible by the different MOOC providers and numerous web-based training software vendors across the globe.<\/p>\n Another benefit is that online courses – particularly asynchronous ones – can be taken at any time<\/strong>, thus giving the learner the benefit of convenience. Online courses let the learner decide when to take the class.<\/p>\n Lower cost in both devices and services paired up with an increase in mobile internet speeds have made this possible. Imagine, learners can now take courses through their mobile phones!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Most online learning courses are asynchronous \u2013 meaning that a learner takes the class independently. This somehow takes away the\u00a0social aspect of learning<\/strong><\/a>. And since learning is a collaborative endeavor, a lack of social interaction reduces the effectiveness of the lesson.<\/p>\n Aside from the social aspect, web-based learning also takes away the cultural facet of learning. Learning is cultural<\/strong> <\/a>and each culture has its own preference on how to learn. Taking online courses limits learners to the methodology dictated by the course and its creator.<\/strong><\/p>\n The use of web-based learning depends a lot on the learning context too. For example, the approach for corporate online training is different from online education \u2013 and this has a lot to do with context.<\/p>\n While, of course, online courses in both the corporate and the academic spheres\u2019 aim is to help students learn, we might want to take a look at what separates one from the other. This will assist us in finding out what type of courses are the best for our learning needs.<\/p>\n While web based training has revolutionized the entire learning industry, it is not the silver bullet to learning.<\/strong> Web based learning is not applicable to all situations. A pronounced difference is the way it can be used as corporate online training and the academic world.<\/p>\n What may be applicable to the business environment may not apply to the academic field, and vice versa. To find out why, we need to take a closer look at the difference between learning and education and break down the context and the approach of each towards learning.<\/p>\n The corporate environment pays much importance to competencies. This emphasis then translates to the way the business world handles learning. Instead of paying attention to facts, details, and knowledge, corporate eLearning<\/strong><\/a> plays up skills and how they\u2019re applied in the workplace.<\/p>\n Online business courses have been tailored to the context of the corporate environment.<\/strong> For example, courses are adapted to match the fast-paced, career-related, and results-oriented backdrop of the workplace. Moreover, the key metrics to determining impact and success of training programs<\/strong><\/a> are highly (or most of the time, solely) dependent on organizational results and return of investment.<\/p>\n Now let\u2019s look at education\u2019s side of the fence.<\/p>\nWeb Based Training Advantages and Disadvantages<\/h2>\n
Advantages<\/h2>\n
Most online courses are free!<\/h3>\n
Learners go to class at their own convenience<\/h3>\n
The internet and a device are the only things you need<\/h3>\n
Disadvantages<\/h2>\n
There is a lack of social interaction<\/h3>\n
The cultural aspect of learning is taken away<\/h3>\n
Context has to be greatly considered<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s the difference between learning and education in terms of online courses?<\/h2>\n
The Corporate Learning Context<\/h2>\n
The Academic Learning Context<\/h2>\n