3 Benefits of Incorporating Instructor-Led Training in eLearning

There are many types of learning and delivering material, including eLearning and instructor-led training. While these are different, they are often misunderstood and sometimes can overlap. 

So today, let’s talk about the differences and the benefits of incorporating instructor-led training into your eLearning. We will also share our thoughts on the future of instructor-led training. 

To start, let’s ensure we cover the definitions. 

eLearning vs. Instructor-Led Training: Definitions

What Is eLearning?

eLearning is learning that is done electronically through a computer, tablet, smartphone, or another electronic device. It is always online, although it can also be downloaded to access offline. 

What Is Instructor-Led Training?

Instructor-led training doesn’t refer to whether a course is online. It refers to the fact that there is a person teaching you something. It can be done in person in a classroom or online in a virtual space like Zoom.

How Do They Overlap?

The two will overlap when eLearning includes interactions with an instructor, or instructor-led training is being taught electronically. So, the overlap will be in a virtual environment where an instructor is leading the course.

The Benefits of Incorporating Instructor-Led Training in eLearning

#1. Personalized Feedback

One of the benefits of incorporating instructor-led training in eLearning is personalized, timely feedback. Whether you are creating e learning for employees or selling a course to external customers, offering feedback and answering questions is an important aspect of an eLearning program. How much feedback is enough? The frequency and duration of instructor-led sessions will vary based on who your learners are and what you are teaching. 

#2. Community & Networking 

Offering instructor-led sessions also help with learner community building and facilitates peer-to-peer training. While an eLearning program is great to be taken at learners' own time and location, the benefit of having instructor-led sessions is that learners have an opportunity to connect with one another. 

#3. Hands-On Experience 

Some subjects can’t be learned by watching or reaching training materials. Combining instructor-led training with eLearning gives an opportunity for learners to train either in person or in a simulated environment where they can get hands-on experience. 

The Future of Instructor-Led Training

Although instructor-led training is traditionally held in-person or over Zoom, interesting developments in this area suggest that they may be moving to simulated environments in the future.

One example of this is Meta. Meta’s internal team meets in the metaverse for training and development. 

Digital interactions at Meta are more than just seeing a face on Zoom or a video call. Instead, there are digital representations of each person, and you use VR headsets. You have an entire person representing you and can see the instructor’s person as well.

In addition, you can move around in the space in this metaverse. You can walk around and talk to people or hear speakers. You can hold conferences in this space, and learners can “walk” to the sessions they want to attend. There is even spatial audio, where you only hear the speaker on the side of your body that they are on.

Conclusion

eLearning refers to learning online or via an electronic device, and instructor-led learning is when a person leads the session. The two can easily overlap in a digital space, and this is a very common approach for corporate training. It also works for external eLearning programs.