Chalk-and-Talk to Digital: How to Make the Leap

Digitization has evolved every aspect of human life, be it shopping, working, learning, or recreation. Because of digital transformation, the types and structure of classrooms, training facilities, and learner-facilitator interactions have changed drastically. L&D leaders are constantly faced with the dilemma of choosing between physical (chalk-and-talk) and digital (eLearning) modes of learning. Below, we break down the two methods of learning and outline key considerations to make while choosing between them.

What is the chalk-and-talk method?

The chalk-and-talk method of learning requires both the facilitator and the learner to be physically present. This learning method has been prevalent throughout the formal educational system for years. Education has traditionally been based in a classroom learning space, from preschool to high school to college and beyond.

Advantages of physical learning

Classroom learning is advantageous for a variety of reasons, including the following:

1. Relationship building – Physical learning promotes the development of a connection between the facilitator and the learner. It is especially helpful when this connection transforms into a more fulfilling mentor–mentee relationship.
2. Multi-faceted learning – Physical learning can use auditory, visual, tactical, and various other learning methods to cater to a wide range of learners.
3. Peer learning – Physical learning encourages networking among learners on a higher level.
4. In-person interaction – In physical learning, learners, facilitators, and other participants can interact in a more direct and real-time manner.

Disadvantages of physical learning

Through the lens of the pandemic, some significant flaws in the physical learning method have been identified. These include:

1. Time consumption – The time taken to commute or travel to the learning center from the participants’ and facilitators’ homes results in far too many unproductive working hours.
2. Distractions and disruptions – Classrooms can become breeding grounds for unnecessary conversations that can easily be avoided using technology in online courses. Many other distractions can also disrupt the learning process, such as poor lighting, noise, and unpleasant classroom environments.
3. Difficulties for slower learners – Physical learning can’t be scheduled or revisited at the learner’s convenience. Slower learners sometimes face difficulties in adapting to a rigid and fast-paced learning methodology; hence, a gap is created between their actual abilities and their performance levels.

What is digital learning?

Digital learning, or eLearning, essentially refers to learning conducted online. Online courses and certifications, available on sites like ansrGem, Coursera, and Udemy, allow learners to learn and train without entering a physical classroom. The pandemic has sped up the transformation of schools, universities, and business organizations toward eLearning.

Advantages of eLearning

The popularity of online courses can be attributed to their numerous advantages over traditional courses. Some of these advantages are listed below:

1. Location-friendly learning – Online learning can be done any time and from any location. Thanks to the ever-evolving education technology, it is possible to complete a course without leaving one’s home.
2. Time savings – eLearning can cut down on travel time. There is no extra time spent getting to the training center. Shorter and more concise digital learning course modules are becoming extremely popular, with microlearning principles being followed to deliver snippets of content to learners. These short courses can be completed in small pockets of available time and using various devices—tablets, phones, laptops, etc.
3. Focused learning – There are no unnecessary distractions in online courses, and learners can work at their own pace. Bite-sized courses have enabled learners to focus on preferred topics at their preferred speed.
4. Abundance of options – Online courses, like online shopping, provide learners with a wide variety of options. For example, there could be a hundred different website creation courses available online. Learners can make their selection based on their needs.

Disadvantages of eLearning

While online learning is highly recommended for various reasons, it does have some limitations, including:

1. Lack of network building – There is typically little to no networking among participants in online learning. Because of the lack of human interaction, online learning prevents the formation of meaningful connections.
2. Technology challenges – Online learning requires a strong internet connection and other hardware peripherals, which are not yet available to a large portion of the globe. Physical training is more practical in these situations.
3. Lack of experiential learning – Experiential learning is the process of manual learning, where one can apply knowledge gained theoretically. Engaging learners in hands-on experiences and reflection solidifies the connection between theories/knowledge learned in the classroom and real-world situations. This piece is often missing in eLearning.

How to move from physical learning to digital learning

Here are the steps to follow if you want to move from physical to digital learning at your organization:

1. Set up a digital home base – It works best to provide your learners with a centralized digital platform where they can find the most up-to-date information. Though it may be tempting to switch between the various applications that are available, especially when so many of them offer free services, simplicity and familiarity are invaluable. Learners must feel comfortable visiting a central location to easily access tools.
2. Longer, learner-driven assignments should be prioritized – Prioritize longer, learner-driven tasks and assignments to manage their time effectively. This will give teams enough time to practice the practical application of the knowledge learned. Prioritizing long-term projects that provide prospective learner autonomy and a clear set of deadlines and checkpoints that must be met is a great step toward accomplishing learning goals.
3. Partner with experts – Consultations with and solutions from learning experts not only enhance the learning but can also transform the process. An expert can help an L&D team decide on the most effective, sustainable, and achievable path for learning in their organization. Some learning consultation groups even provide an extensive repertoire of learning, training, and development modules tailor-made for organizations, helping organizations reach their goals more efficiently and sustainably.