- Employees can take advantage of the flexible learning options that many eLearning programs offer. Many online programs offer self-paced programs that allow employees to go as slow or as fast as they can without penalty. On the other hand, classroom learning requires all students to remain at the same pace, especially when it comes to test-taking times and final exams. With eLearning, employees can schedule the learning times that best fit their needs, so there is less hassle to fit learning into a work and family schedule. Additionally, eLearning offers the advantage of multiple learning modules, including multimedia formats, text formats and live or virtual formats to facilitate interaction between students and teachers.
- Employees have the option to easily interact within the web classroom wherever there is a computer available. Many employers offer computer classrooms to allow their employees to obtain education before and after work, and even during their lunch break. Moreover, employees can interact with their teachers by submitting assignments through email, Internet classroom forums and discussion boards. Students can easily obtain weekly lectures via text or multimedia formats. Employees develop lifelong knowledge of computer-based technology they can use on other jobs, including the ability to utilize and create multimedia formats and the ability to utilize virtual interaction.
- One disadvantage of web learning is that it may be harder for some employees to utilize. Traditional classroom technology requires students to interact at a set time. However, eLearning requires employees to have more self-discipline to interact with web-based learning modules. This requires that they set their own schedule for classroom interaction, study time and time to respond with assignments. Students may need more time to understand assignments and activities, because they are not verbally explained face-to-face. However, some instructors provide multimedia instruction which may avoid some confusion.
- The nature of eLearning is highly dependent on technology for its success. Therefore, employees must insure that they have adequate bandwidth and Internet access to complete their online education. Employees may need to upgrade their existing computers to accommodate any multimedia technology used within the virtual classroom. Because face-to-face interaction is at a minimum with eLearning, employees will need to ensure that they have adequate time to understand assignment instruction and meet homework deadlines. This is often difficult if Internet access is suddenly lost, there is a computer malfunction or if students do not allow themselves adequate time to complete assignments.
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