Traditional vs. Virtual: The Battles Wages On

Traditional or Virtual: Which classroom to choose? It’s a decision that’s simultaneously becoming easier and more difficult to make. 

Since virtual classrooms and other e-learning burst on to the professional development scene, shrinking budgets and time have made this less expensive, less time consuming option much more appealing. But, as with anything new or different, questions arose. Was studying on a computer as effective as face-to-face time in a classroom?

As would be expected, as soon as a question is raised, the people behind the technology will make an effort to answer it. One such fix is the software Second Life®, currently used in colleges and universities across the United States.  Second Life® began in the gaming world as a 3-D virtual reality world created and controlled by "residents."

Second Life® soon developed an educational offering called Second Life Grid™. The advantage of this gird is that instructors and trainers can create the world students and trainees interact in.  Creators and proponents of the technology state that this virtual world is a perfect place to simulate the real- world situations students and workers face.  Simulations are very difficult, if not impossible, to conduct in a traditional classroom, making this technology very advantageous for this teaching method.

However, a US News and World Report story on virtual classrooms in higher education reported that evidence infers that students’ activity on Second Life® "may be more playful than pedagogical."  It is also quite easy to see advantages to this type of virtual training. Supplemented with the book, study can be simulations and role- playing of actual quality projects, for instance—something that would be difficult to conduct over the phone or through computer tutorials and webinars.

With e-learning gaining momentum in professional development, it is also expected to grow in prominence in the coming years.  When choosing training it is very important to consider the course delivery method.  Saving money shouldn’t be the only reason for taking one course over another. That might seem obvious, but in the current economic climate, people tend to look at the short- term benefits run rather than the long-term benefits.  But there are a couple of ideas to consider that will help you choose the right training and get the most out of your time, energy, and money.

Refreshing your knowledge base—Sometimes you just need a refresher to make sure you’re up-to-date with all the knowledge.  In that case, think about an e-learning where drill and practice is stressed.  There’s no need to invest time and money in a traditional course.  Do it on your own time.    

Advancing a skill set—Developing new skills are a must.  In this case, depending on the skill, a traditional classroom could be a true advantage.  Having the class time to ask questions and receive immediate feedback is hard to replace.  However, here again, your current knowledge comes into play.  If you prefer to learn on your own time—whether that means skim through what you already know or take extra time to ensure you get it—perhaps an e-course with plenty of tutorials is for you.  Or select a blended course where you’ll receive classroom instruction along with tutorials or a webinar.

New skill set—This is where it is difficult to argue with good, old- fashioned fashion classroom learning. But, there probably are plenty of arguments out there.

So, the answer to the question, "Traditional or Virtual: Which classroom to choose?" is: It depends what you want to learn and how you want to learn. Look into various options, discuss the costs, and choose what’s right for you. It is your professional development.