Online Learning and E-learning Delivery Modes: Which is best?
In last week’s post, we discussed developing a common language around online learning. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s consider the pros and cons of the various delivery modes.
In-person Learning
In-person learning offers many advantages for learners and instructors, including social connections and the practice of social interaction, a controlled environment for testing, fewer distractions for learners, and less preparation for instructors. However, learner interest in in-person learning is decreasing. For example, in higher education, the percentage of students taking online classes increased steadily over the past 20 years, while at the same time, the number of college students nationwide decreased. According to the AACSB (a certifying body for business programs), in the 2020-2021 academic year, 45,038 students were enrolled in Online MBA options in the U.S., compared to 43,740 in full-time programs. In-person learning is expensive in terms of bricks-and-mortar space, the time and cost of commuting, and lost enrollment due to a limited geographical area.
Asynchronous Online Learning
Learners take asynchronous online courses because of the convenience of participating anytime from anywhere. However, once enrolled, online learners can become dissatisfied with the experience (Moskal, Dziuban, & Hartman, 2010) and sometimes feel disconnected from others (Slagter, van Tyron & Bishop, 2009).
Synchronous Online Learning
With increasing bandwidth and the development of more powerful and readily available applications, like Zoom, synchronous delivery became a mainstay during the pandemic. However, a three-hour Zoom lecture is different from a three-hour face-to-face class. In the article “Video Killed the Teaching Star,” Jonathan Zimmerman writes about the challenges of pandemic teaching and video-based environments. Zimmerman notes that the typical college professor lacks the media personality required to hold learner interest to the same extent that they might in the traditional classroom. According to Jeremy Bailenson, founding director of the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab, long hours and zoom sessions result in tiredness due to excessive close-up eye gaze, increased cognitive load, self-consciousness from staring at oneself in the video, and decreased physical mobility.
Hybrid Learning
Hybrid learning, or the combination of various delivery modes, would offer a viable solution to the challenges of FTF, asynchronous, and synchronous delivery. For example, Northwestern’s Kellogg school has adopted a “roomies and zoomies” model that combines FTF classrooms with faculty and students present and remote learners attending lectures via Zoom. However, hybrid learning that incorporates required FTF and virtual attendance at a specific date and time may negate the flexibility of online learning. Another hybrid model gaining traction is Bisynchronous delivery, or the combination of asynchronous and synchronous delivery is heralded to increase the quality of learner interaction and engagement and reduce dropout (Martin et al., 2020). However, Olson and McCracken (2015) note that adding synchronous sessions to an asynchronous course is unlikely to improve learning outcomes. Instructors need support on how to blend synchronous and asynchronous learning strategically.
Hyflex Delivery
In hyflex delivery, learners choose how they want to complete their coursework: FTF, remote, or both. This is a post-pandemic response to the need to address learners who wish to return to the classroom at least partially. Challenges with the hyflex model include increased resources required for designing and maintaining classes in various delivery modes and the need to monitor learner attendance and performance across platforms.
References
Martin, F., Polly, D., & Ritzhaupt, A. (2020). Bichronous online learning: Blending asynchronous and synchronous online learning. EDUCAUSE Review, September, 1-11.
Olson, J. S., & McCracken, F. E. (2015). Is it worth the effort? The impact of incorporating synchronous lectures into an online course. Online Learning, 19(2), n2.
Slagter van Tryon, P. J., & Bishop, M. J. (2009). Theoretical foundations for enhancing social connectedness in online learning environments. Distance Education, 30(3), 291-315.
Questions for Discussion
- Given your personal learning needs, which delivery mode works best for you? Why?
- Although most of the research in online delivery modes takes place in higher education, how does this translate for workplace learning? Which modes are you using in your organization, and which might you be interested in trying?
This was a great article and I didn’t know of the HYFLEX delivery and thought it was interesting . I especially enjoy the Synchronous Online Learning as well. Once the pandemic hit , different elements of learning became a necessary fixture into your 8 hour day. This article really gave me a great overview and really enjoyed the examples.
As a student, I enjoy the mix of working on my own and attending synchronous sessions to ask questions and hear what my peers are thinking. Hyflex is an exciting concept that might be difficult to manage in a corporate environment without dedicated technical support like a producer and investment in equipment that can make the experience beneficial for everyone. I think this model even has application in secondary education for students that need alternative classroom environments for various reasons without the need for alternative schools. It will be interesting to see where technology takes us in education in the next 10-15 years.
https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2022/03/hyflex-hybrid-teaching-models-whats-the-difference-eperfcon
This is interesting because it is hard to picture how all of them can be used in industry. I have seen each used in industry except HYFLEX delivery and I think each one can have significant benefits. However, I believe HYFLEX delivery is not a viable option for industry because of the resources, time, and additional budget it would take to make it an option.
The delivery mode of learning that works best for me is both FTF and virtual. This combination works best for me
because whether I have a family and an FT job or not, I think for the teacher and the student, it’s necessary to still have that in-person connection as well as virtual learning for work-life balance.
I think that workplace learning works better virtually because it is able to accommodate those in the office as well as those that may work from home, at the same time. Our organization relies heavily on virtual connections for learning pods and meetings. This has been a great tool for us pre and post-Covid and I wouldn’t change a thing because if it isn’t broken, why fix it?!
I thought this was a great summary of learning mode options. I personally tend to prefer an asynchronous learning depending on the content, but I love an option to interact with classmates and a facilitator to stimulate deeper conversation and thought. I have actually seen these all offered either in my organization or at client’s organizations. I don’t believe I had heard it called hyflex, but we have offered sort of “choose your own” options to learning that can be really helpful when you’re delivering training across a variety of functions and experience levels.
I used to be a big fan of In-person Learning. Currently, I have grown more towards Asynchronous Learning due to COVID-19 and the flexibility that comes along with it. Adding to that, more jobs have become hybrid and this greatly assists those who choose to work from while furthering their education at a more convenient pace.
We’ve gotten a lot better at asynchronous learning.
Thank you for sharing the various ways of learning I’ve never heard of hyflex learning. I think that this method is good for those who prefer to work at their own pace and not on a specific time scale. However, there is the con of not knowing if they are retaining the information. However, I am interested in trying it. Asychronous and Hyflex would be most appropriate for my personal needs.
I agree, there are some complications with hyflex learning. This means you can meet in the classroom, in Zoom or asynchrnously, which makes teaching complicated for the instructor.
The best delivery mode for me is Hybrid learning. I am having to juggle too many responsibilities during this phase of my life and this format seamlessly blends the benefits of traditional face-to-face instruction with the flexibility of online education. It offers me the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with professors and peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment while still accommodating modern lifestyles and commitments. The digital component encourages tech-savviness, a crucial skill in today’s business world, and provides access to a wealth of resources at one’s fingertips. Hybrid learning acknowledges diverse learning styles, promoting greater inclusivity. I am grateful for this accommodation, which works for many others, who often juggle work, family, and studies, and strikes the perfect balance between structure and convenience.
Given your learning needs, which delivery mode works best for you? Asynchronous learning works best for me because I have a hectic schedule and need flexibility. Additionally, I enjoy working on computers and learning about different types of technology. I tend to be more of an introvert, so e-learning helps reduce some anxiety I have when walking into a group of new people.
Although most research in online delivery modes occurs in higher education, how does this translate for workplace learning? I firmly believe that all online learning should have a way to connect with your peers to share ideas and get feedback. Adding discussion boards and virtual lectures is a great way to promote that connection. I do believe that there are specific courses that are better in person. For instance, if I were learning a technical skill, I would want to be in a class and follow the Tell, Show, Do method.
Which modes are you using in your organization, and which might you want to try? In my organization, we use e-learning, FTF, and blended learning. We have an LMS that tracks and assigns training based on an employee’s position. I am interested in incorporating the Hyflex delivery model. We have such a wide range of learning styles that it makes more sense for employees to choose what works best for them. If they prefer asynchronous learning to synchronous learning, we should have a learning path that meets their needs. That should be an option if a person prefers to be in an FTF or virtual class. 2025 is the year of revision and renewal at my organization!
In my experience, a mixed learning approach works best for me. I appreciate the chance to interact in person as much as I value the flexibility it offers, especially with my busy schedule. The in-person interaction keeps me motivated and makes it easier to grasp more challenging topics. Additionally, I find that combining online and in-person learning helps me retain information more effectively.
Thanks for this article! Now, post-pandemic (2024), I’ve been watching how learning and working have changed and the trends to return or stay remote. I think the trend toward offering classes remotely or hybrid parallels the desire of working people to have/keep their jobs WFH. Unfortunately, some companies have forced employees back to the office, perhaps in a misguided attempt to get back to a “normal” that will never again be.
The online MATD program is a shining example of how elegantly online learning can be implemented!
As an adult learner with a demanding job that requires frequent travel, I very much appreciate the flexibility of asynchronous learning. I get the most out of and enjoy online classes where the professor provides a variety of ways (zoom lectures, textbook reading, articles, YouTube videos from 3rd parties, frequent Zoom meet ups with the class, etc) to deliver the course material.
This was such a great overview of the delivery modes, and I really appreciated how you broke down the strengths and challenges of each. What stood out most to me was the discussion around hybrid and hyflex learning. These models seem to best reflect how learners actually want to engage today—balancing flexibility with connection.
I also found it interesting that even with all our technological advances, issues like learner fatigue and disengagement still persist. It really reinforces the idea that effective design matters more than the mode itself. When we intentionally combine asynchronous elements for flexibility with synchronous or in-person opportunities for collaboration and feedback, we create a more balanced experience that supports different learning needs.
Overall, this post highlighted that the “best” delivery mode isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about aligning methods with the learners, the goals, and the context.