Comparative Report

on Online Training
vs. Face-to-Face
Training

Written By-
Arshpreet Kaur Bindra
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Table of Contents

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................2

Introduction..............................................................................................................................3

Online Training........................................................................................................................3

Face-to-Face Training..............................................................................................................4

Cost Effectiveness.....................................................................................................................4

Benefits of Online Training over Face-to-Face Training.....................................................4

Benefits of Face-to-Face Training...........................................................................................4

Difference Between Online Training & Face-to-Face Training..........................................4

Conclusion and Recommendations.........................................................................................5

References.................................................................................................................................6
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Executive Summary

This comparative report is written for Microsoft Company. The report distinguishes between

face to face and online training. The comparison points include the following aspects such as

the cost effectiveness between the two-training process, benefits and differences between the

two training process, number of signees, the completion rate of the training program, and

affordability.

It is recommended that this research report be used as a guide to help decide the company

which learning process it should focus on in order to make a successful increase of stake in

the field of EdTech.

Higher education systems have been encouraged to adopt the virtual model as an alternative

due to recent breakthroughs in information technology and electronic gadgets, as well as due

to the constraints in traditional education. As a result of which, more and more learners are

switching to online training process. So, in order to ensure that the company has a successful

start in the field of EdTech this comparative report is thereby written to access the various

aspects of online versus face to face training. To make this report several online sources such

as websites, webpages, magazine, blogs and newspaper articles are referred. In this report, it

is suggested that Microsoft Company should focus on online training as it is going to stay in

the long run, is more user friendly and cost effective.

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Introduction

Learning has always been an important element of human history. People have always been

on the lookout for new ways to expand their knowledge, gain a better understanding of the

world, and make their lives easier. The ways of learning have always been evolving and since

the advent of internet and the availability of easy access to internet worldwide has further

galvanized the learning process. There has always been a debate between the merits,

demerits, effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages of online and face to face learning.

Online learning differs from face-to-face learning in quite a lot of ways. Online learning is

delivered through the internet and is often referred to as e-learning whereas face to face

training involves physical presence and

interaction among the instructor and the

learners. Since the pandemic, the training

process has changed forever and it’s

going to remain the same in the near

future as well (Li & Lalani, 2020).

Figure 1. Face-to-face vs Online learning (Cooke, 2021)

Although, e-learning platforms were there even before the pandemic but after the pandemic

more platforms for e-learning have come up and are becoming popular and it’s becoming

highly competitive as well. The people attitude has also changed, they are finding online

learning process more comfortable than face to face training but both these have their own

merits and demerits. Many digital platforms for teaching various subjects and skills have

emerged, but online learning is nothing new. What counts is how many people are willing to

sign up with a particular platform, whether or not they trust the course providers, and whether

or not the certifications have any worth. The debate over online vs. face-to-face training is
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raging (Zalat, et al., 2021).What remains to be seen is how various online platform providers

deliver their programmes. This report is for Microsoft Company which is looking forward to

increase its stake in launching more online courses, test series and software development

skills, certificate courses for its learners, students and employees to keep pace with the

changing demands of the modern employers.

Online Training

All learning that takes place digitally, in an online setting, is referred to as "online training."

It's basically any form of training that can be done on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone by

employees (Cooke, 2021).

Face-to-Face Training

Face to face learning refers to training that takes place in person, whether in a one-on-one or

group environment. This sort of learning is less flexible than online training because it takes

place at a specific time and location and cannot be accessed on-demand (Cooke, 2021).

Cost Effectiveness

When it comes to the cost effectiveness of online and face to face learning currently face to

face learning is less costly in comparison to online learning as online learning requires a set

of equipment, a trained staff to handle all the technological difficulties. Moreover, all the tech

equipment is costly and requires constant repair and care. Fast internet is also required for

hassle-free delivery of the program. On the other hand, online learning can be beneficial

when it comes to cutting all the traveling costs. When it comes to face to face learning a
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proper infrastructure is required and people have to travel to the designated place in order to

learn. But given the current situation and the boom in the technology online learning is

becoming the hot favorite and more feasible (Bartley, 2004). In conclusion, online training is

cost effective and more in demand and is going to stay here in the long run.

Benefits of Online Training over Face-to-Face Training

Online training allows the subscriber to fit training around busy lifestyle and work schedules.

It is web-based therefore it can be logged in from anywhere or anytime be it home, office or

when working remotely. Training course costs are reduced as there are no down time, travel

or accommodation costs. Online training is the most sustainable learning solution and has

lesser carbon footprint. On the other hand, e-learning is much more scalable – unlike face-to-

face learning where there are restrictions on the number of learners one can reach, e-learning

allows producing once and sharing with as many employees as possible. E-learning ensures a

level of consistency that is not achievable with face-to-face learning (Cooke, 2021).

Benefits of Face-to-Face Training

Face to face training provides hands on learning experience and is more interactive. It has

fewer distractions in comparison to online learning.it provides an opportunity for Better

communication and understanding. It allows learners to raise queries in the moment. It also

enables learners to spend time with peers. Moreover, learners can actively practice,

collaborate or even compete with guidance from an experienced tutor (“Research shows”,

2021).
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Difference between Online Training & Face-to-Face Training

Over time, technology advancements, the desire to access a worldwide knowledge base, and

the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing regulations have all contributed to the rise in

popularity of online learning. Whether the driving force behind the online learning trend is

beneficial or negative, e-learning is gaining traction and awareness with each passing year.

Down below is the table which lays down the difference between online and face to face

learning (Adams, 2020).

ONLINE TRAINING FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING

Online training offers greater In-Person training provides more

flexibility hands-on experience

Online training features greater In-Person training allows several

program variety employees to learn at same pace

Online training is often less In-Person training provides greater

expensive face to face interaction

Conclusion and Recommendations

The comparative report demonstrates the importance of selecting a mode of delivering the

learning programs that meets the needs of the learners keeping in mind the current situation

of the world where it has become quite risky and difficult to deliver learning programs face to

face. Both in-person and online learning have advantages and disadvantages. Before making

a decision that will affect a person's training and, eventually, career, it's critical to carefully

weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

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Over the last decade, online learning has grown significantly as the internet and education

have merged to provide people with the possibility to learn new skills. Online learning has

grown more important in people's lives after the COVID-19 epidemic. The pandemic has

caused schools, universities, and businesses to operate remotely, which has resulted in an

increase in the use of online learning. The advantages of online training outweigh to that of

face-to-face training as the former saves time and cost. Therefore, it is recommended that

Microsoft Company should focus on increasing its stake in online training as it is cost

effective, hassle free and is going to stay here in the long run.
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References

“Research show”, (2019, August 13). In-person vs. online training: What does the research

say? Continu Blog. https://www.continu.com/blog/in-person-vs-online-training

Bartley, S. J. et al. (2004). Evaluating the cost effectiveness of online and face-to-face

instruction. Educational Technology & Society, 7 (4), 167-175.

http://elibrary.lt/resursai/Uzsienio%20leidiniai/IEEE/English/2006/Volume%207/

Issue%204/Jets_v7i4_16.pdf

Cooke, G. (2021, July 13). Online training vs face-to-face learning. Elucidat.

https://www.elucidat.com/blog/online-learning-vs-face-to-face-learning/

Kolkar, I. (2020, May 2). The rise of online learning. Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilkerkoksal/2020/05/02/the-rise-of-online-learning/?

sh=3caf81c872f3

Li, C. (&) Lalani, F. (2020, April 29). The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education

forever. This is how. Webforum.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus- education-global-covid19-

online-digital-learning/

Zalat, M.M et al. (2021). The experiences, challenges, and acceptance of e-learning as a tool

for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among university medical staff. PLoS

One, 16(3): e0248758. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248758

Zimmerman, E. (2019, February 13). Microsoft teams vs. Google classrooms: Tools for

blended learning. EdTech Magazine.

https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2019/02/google-classroom-and-microsoft-

teams-education-find-blended-learning-tool-works-best-perfcon