The concept of learning has been interpreted differently throughout history, leading to the development of unique learning methods around the world. It's not just a difference in how we see learning, but also in how we interpret it as it evolves with changing times and circumstances.
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Changes in learning methods are often based on observation, but in recent decades, mankind has touched a new cornerstone involving close collaboration with Virtual Learning.
Familiarising with learning and its importance
Learning is among the most important aspects of anyone’s life. Through gaining knowledge of various concepts, we’re able to grow, succeed, and take more control over our lives. Through adopting a growth mindset, we can further enhance our ability to learn.
And when it comes to younger learners, the role of the teacher and parents is of prime importance. Their opinion about learning and their student’s own growth mindset lays the foundation for a child’s development.
A glimpse into the new world and advantages of the virtual classroom
In a way, virtual learning has been in existence since 1982. The Western Behavioural Sciences Institute first adopted computer conferencing to train business executives. In the following year, Ron Gordon introduced the Electronic University Network that featured online courses for individuals.
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Since then, many companies have adopted the revolutionary method and used it for their executives’ Corporate Trainings.
The pandemic, however, has universalised the method of virtual learning. Due to social distancing regulations, educational institutions relied on this newly explored teaching mechanism.
There is a difference of opinion on the efficiency of this new method, but there are many learners around the world who made the most out of this opportunity.
This is one indication as to why virtual learning is better than face-to-face learning; there are many other advantages of virtual learning to consider.
The 7 key benefits of virtual training
There are numerous ways that learners have found virtual training advantageous. The ability to learn new concepts in the comfort of their home enabled working professionals to develop traits and gain knowledge that can help them in the long run. Here, we’ll outline the 7 key benefits of virtual training.
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Increases participation
Participation is a key factor in learning. Most working professionals, when present in a room full of others, limit their participation and curb their learning and development in the process. Virtual learning has proven to be a boon for such adult learners, as they don’t feel as anxious or too shy to ask questions.
Readily Accessible
The traditional classroom method faced a huge problem when it came to accessibility. Learners, irrespective of location, tend to miss their trainings for various reasons. Virtual Learning solves this problem with its wider reach.
One of the advantages of the virtual space is that working professionals can attend trainings or lectures from their choice of location. With a computer equipped with a stable internet connection, learners can log in to their classrooms or seminars.
The learning modules are available on the internet, with users having the advantage to use them when possible or needed.
Quick Feedback
Virtual learning provides learners an opportunity to receive feedback fast, in a way they may not be able to in a traditional, in-person learning setting. Through virtual learning, learners can get immediate feedback when they need help in certain areas. Plus, they can quickly connect with fellow learners without being disruptive.
Builds Community
Virtual learning also nurtures healthy community and relationship building among professionals who are miles away. This happens through group assignments and collaborative spirit, where each student has the equal opportunity to present his or her idea to the group.
Projects like these also foster leadership and teamwork skills, developing the necessary soft skill foundations to further advance their career paths.
Enhanced Technical Skills
The world itself is turning into a giant machine with all the automation and innovations. Learners are expected to be at the forefront of this progress, constantly reshaping the world for the better.
As virtual learning relies on electronic devices, learners have to operate them to gain access to the training modules. They also learn a lot about electronic technology in the process, which may be difficult, at first, for some older learners.
It’s generally the lecturer’s responsibility to deploy technical learning in the right direction. Teaching professionals how to use various applications can improve their knowledge and help them gain more skills.
The combination of fine technological knowledge and skills can have a major influence on one's future choices.
Get a better understanding of the world
People enrolled in virtual learning programmes get the opportunity to learn about the world from a different perspective. Most virtual learning programmes have learners from different states and countries in attendance. While communicating with their colleagues, professionals learn about different cultures and customs.
Through virtual learning, they get a better understanding of the varying business cultures around the world, work ethics, attitude, etc. It allows them to develop problem-solving skills and form a different approach towards problems and opportunities.
Develop a sense of time management
The entire learning process revolves around one thing—embedding skills and values that make one a better person. For humans, one of the most important skills is time management.
Mastering the art of seamlessly managing tasks and duties in a stipulated time is an efficient way to greater success. People must learn to manage their time to become more effective and productive. And doing so will make it an integral part of their life.
Virtual learning gives learners the chance to not just learn effective time management, but also practice it in their daily lives. Participants must complete assignments, attend lectures, and complete projects before a set deadline. Taking on multiple tasks is another way of learning time management by ensuring that they are completed by deadlines.
Conclusion
When comparing virtual learning and face-to-face learning, finding the pros and cons of both methods is not difficult. In today’s technologically advanced world, knowledge is one of the first things that should not be subjected to borders and boundaries. Virtual training is one of the best methods that use technology to bridge this gap. Considering the various benefits of online classes during the lockdown, it is fair to say that virtual learning is a more suitable method for training professionals in 2021.
