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Whether you’re dealing with customer education or employee training, acronyms and jargon can be major roadblocks for instructors and designers.
This article aims to clear the way for you by deconstructing two of the most common abbreviations associated with virtual learning: Web-Based Training (WBT) and Computer-Based Training (CBT).
You’ll learn the key differences and how each approach compares to eLearning, enabling you to make the right choice for your training needs.
3 Categories of Online Learning
You’re ready to deliver online training to your employees or customers, but first, you must decide on a learning approach.
WBT, CBT, and eLearning can all be delivered in one of three modalities.
Synchronous Training
Synchronous training sees students and instructors connect to the learning environment simultaneously.
The idea is to create a classroom-like environment in a virtual setting. Examples of synchronous training include webinars, videoconferencing sessions, guided walkthroughs, and live cyber range exercises.
Asynchronous Training
Asynchronous training — sometimes called self-paced learning — allows a participant to complete training at their own pace and on their own schedule.
This provides more flexibility than synchronous training but at the cost of inevitably being a less collaborative learning environment. Examples include discussion boards, pre-recorded lectures, and virtual sandboxes.
Hybrid & Blended Training
Hybrid training combines elements of synchronous and asynchronous learning, and may include in-person instruction.
Blended training is similar to hybrid training, except that it requires a set amount of in-person instruction, augmented by online content. Both approaches combine the benefits of a physical classroom with those of a virtual learning environment.
What is WBT?
Web-based training (WBT) is an umbrella term for any training delivered via the internet.
It covers static formats like webcasts and slide decks and dynamic ones like discussion boards or virtual sandboxes. Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) is another common form of web-based training, replicating a traditional classroom online.
What is CBT?
Computer-based training (CBT) is an older form of virtual learning that delivers instructional content through a PC or laptop.
The main difference from WBT is that CBT can be delivered via the internet or as a self-contained offline course.
What is eLearning?
Electronic learning (eLearning) refers to any form of training that leverages digital technology.
The most commonly used of the three terms, it encompasses both WBT and CBT. eLearning also covers other digital learning formats, such as augmented reality and virtual reality.
Choosing the Right Training Method for Your Organization
Which of the three training methods you employ depends largely on your training needs.
- If you need dynamic training that participants can access at home, choose WBT.
- If you want to deliver a more self-contained or confidential learning experience that doesn’t require an internet connection, select CBT.
- If versatility and the capacity to leverage emerging technology are most important, opt for eLearning.
The table below takes a more comprehensive look at the differences between these training methods.
Understanding the Key Differences Between WBT, CBT, and eLearning
| WBT | CBT | eLearning | |
| Delivery | Content is hosted online and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. | Does not require an internet connection. Content is typically installed on one machine. | Can be online, offline, or a combination of both. |
| Content Management | Materials centrally hosted online, making editing and updating content easy | Typically requires manual software updates distributed to individual PCs | May feature a combination of online and offline material |
| Interactivity | Can be delivered either synchronously or asynchronously | Tends to be more self-contained with a greater focus on asynchronous learning | Can be delivered synchronously or asynchronously – often paired with offline learning |
| User Experience | Dynamic, collaborative real-time learning | Controlled, consistent, and self-contained | Highly versatile user experience that can be tailored to your specific needs |
| Systems | PCs, smartphones, or tablets with an internet connection | Individual PCs or laptops | PCs, smartphones, tablets and emerging technology such as VR/AR devices |
Next Steps
Whether you choose WBT, CBT, or eLearning for education, you need to support your initiative with the proper tools.
Check out the Top eLearning Tools of 2024 for top \ web-based learning software recommendations.
You may also be interested in exploring the difference between VILT and eLearning and how corporate eLearning differs from eLearning in the education sector.
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