The democratization of information and knowledge is one of the wonders of modern times. Knowledge isn’t held captive behind university and school walls anymore, it is spreading throughout the world via online & digital learning. Students don’t have to search for learning, online learning can come to them.

Although e-learning and online learning are used interchangeably in most cases, the two modes are different in many aspects. Let’s learn the difference to make the right choice.

Making Sense of the Jargons: The Definitions

• Online Learning

Online learning is a broad term that means that the majority of the coursework will be instructed via the internet – through forums, shared documents, email, chat, etc. However, online learning doesn’t imply that there is no face-to-face interaction between students and the teacher. It can include taking exams, and assignments at a distance, so long as communication is online.

• E-Learning

E-Learning, also known as virtual learning refers to professional certificate programs entirely over the internet. The teacher and students do not get to interact or meet. All the coursework and communication is handled via email, forums, chat, or video conferencing. Some universities and institutions refer to this type of course as a fully online course.

The Overarching Difference: The Purpose

How to make the right choice?

Online learning gets the nod when you have to teach specific skills or impart in-depth knowledge on a subject. You choose e-learning to support an ongoing learning process where the learner needs quick access to bits of information or study material.

How They Work: Modes of Interaction and Delivery

E-learning allows the students to interact with their teacher only via the internet. They cannot learn or communicate with the tutor in any form even if they are on the same platform. Online learning, on the hand, allows live and interactive learning through video chat and messages.

Lookalikes: The Design

E-learning and online learning are almost similar types of learning facilities as both allow the learners not to attend the classroom physically. They can use the internet for learning and studying their coursework without moving out of their place.

Keeping an Eye on Time: The Duration

The duration of e-learning and online courses certification programs depend on the coursework and the platform it is available on. The duration of courses can vary from days to months and even years. If you are a working professional who doesn’t have a lot of time, consider taking online professional certificate programs since these allow learning on the go. You can access your study material at any time, from any place, be it work, home, or while traveling. E-learning, on the other hand, doesn’t allow this convenience.

Online Learning: The Present and Future of Education

It only took one generation for online learning to be born, evolve, and become the future of higher education. Students today expect professional certificate programs to have at least an online component, if not to be completely online. Of course, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to both online as well as e-learning. It is up to the teachers to help learners maximize the former and minimize the latter of both online learning as well as e-learning. With a firm grasp on concepts and terminology associated with online learning, teachers can be better equipped to help students succeed.

By 2021, the number of users enrolled for various online learning certifications is estimated to reach 9.6 Million.

That being said, online education in India has come a long way through its journey full of obstacles and rejection. India is now one of the nations that is developing at an exponential rate in terms of technological advancements. And this transformation to the digital space is what gave birth to online learning. With the ever-increasing demand from professionals and learners, a countless number of online courses are being enrolled in by the Indian audience.

Ushering in a New Era of E-Learning

Even though India is yet to experience the growth curve in e-learning, the current crisis has made online learning more prevalent than ever. It has put things in motion for the adoption of online learning programs by almost 5 years within a matter of months. With students discovering this new mode of learning, teachers are leading the change effectively. By standing at the forefront of this transformation, the teachers and instructors of India are embracing the change in their role and ushering into the new era of e-learning.

Learning Outside the Boundaries of Schools and Institutions

India still follows the Factory Model of education wherein the students are treated as part of an assembly line, learning and cramming the same things without much personalization. Well, things are about to transform into the education industry. With online learning certification programs taking over regular schooling, students are gaining access to content at home, and soon, learning will be made even more accessible through Edtech platforms being introduced every day.

E-Learning – The Roadmap to Transformation

To grease the wheels of this much-needed transformation, the first step is to integrate digital technology into the complex school ecosystem of India. That means customizing e-learning strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners across the country. The process can be made easier if the various issues and intricacies are acknowledged and worked upon by those who understand them.

Scope of E-learning in India

Online learning programs go beyond the realms of secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary education. These programs include courses and comprehensive module that allow professional skills enhancement as well as competitive exam preparation.

According to the latest report, the current online learner base is expected to grow at 44% CAGR. In fact, as of today, India’s e-learning market is the second-largest in the world after the US which is estimated to grow by a whopping 15.64% and exceed $48 billion by the year 2020.

The Future is E-learning

This is the future. Not only for reaching a massive student base but also for catering to the hiccups of the traditional classroom teachings. Private schools have already started working on curating a new and all-inclusive online lesson plan for students and several Edtech platforms have been introduced, offering professionals the opportunity to upskill and reskill from the comfort of their own home. E-learning is about to bring the next significant change in this dynamic business environment, and a revolution to the education landscape.