How effective is e-learning compared to face-to-face teaching?

What does the research say?

The "e-learning or face-to-face training?" debate has long played a minor role in corporate learning. Digital forms of learning are established, scalable and save time and costs. Nevertheless, the question of whether online learning can also keep pace in terms of learning success remains crucial. A major meta-study by Will Thalheimer provides clear answers to this question. The result: the question of the "better format" is often the wrong one. The decisive factor is how learning takes place - not where. And: blended learning performs best on average.

E-learning is not inferior to face-to-face learning

The meta-analyses show: If content and methods are comparable, e-learning and face-to-face training perform equally well in terms of learning success. This means that simply switching media - from the seminar room to the screen - does not lead to poorer results. This means that many training courses can easily be digitised without any loss of learning quality. This finding is a relief for companies that want to digitise for reasons of efficiency. However, it also shows that technology alone does not make for good learning. It depends on the design. And this is precisely where it is decided whether both formats fulfil their potential.

The method decides, not the format

Four factors in particular determine learning effectiveness: realistic exercises, distributed repetition, contextualised tasks and good feedback. These methods work in both online and face-to-face formats. If they are used, learning success increases significantly, regardless of the medium. Many less effective training courses fail not because of the learning format, but because of a lack of didactics. This means that good face-to-face training must be activating, just like good e-learning.

Blended learning shows the strongest effects

The comparison of blended learning and pure face-to-face teaching is particularly interesting. The research shows: On average, blended learning leads to 13% better results in declarative knowledge and 20% in procedural knowledge. This combination utilises the advantages of both worlds - digital efficiency and practical consolidation.

Learners benefit from preparation and repetition online as well as from application and feedback in direct dialogue. This means that classroom time is utilised in a more valuable and focused way. The mix is not only more flexible, but also measurably more effective.

Blended learning the "silver bullet" in practice too

Our project experience from over 20 years also fits in with this. Another plus: participants perceive blended learning and the avoidance of hours of face-to-face teaching as effective and efficient. And the perception of effectiveness correlates with commitment and motivation - which in turn contributes to better learning success.

And this applies across (almost) all industries and professions - even in the skilled trades. The digital platform, which was created at Laboratoire Biosthétique Kosmetik GmbH & Co. KG during the pandemic, is now indispensable. The "Home of Eduction" seamlessly integrates the various pillars of La Biosthètique's training programme: Hair salon employees continue their education digitally with interactive e-training courses and training videos, take part in live webinars or book face-to-face training sessions. This is because face-to-face training continues to be an important component of qualification. The e-learning modules focus on factual and product knowledge.

This allows salons to systematically develop their teams with further training tasks. Potential is optimally utilised: Employees receive meaningful impetus for further development and the salons can quickly offer new products and techniques and provide customers with expert advice.