If you work in the field of corporate training, you’ve definitely heard of terms like VILT (Virtual Instructor-Led Training) and eLearning. Both are incredibly popular and useful tools for boosting business development at a modest price.

However, it’s important not to use the terms interchangeably. There are a few subtle but critical differences in each strategy’s implementation, and the ideal business learning initiative should take components of both.

What is VILT?

VILT is exactly what it sounds like: training that is both instructor-led and available digitally.

• Virtual training typically occurs through an Internet-enabled device. This way, users can experience the classroom, interact with others, and go over materials from any location.

• Instructor-led training means that a virtual class emulates a physical classroom experience. Instructors can guide the participants toward success and answer questions if necessary.

VILT is immensely useful for companies with remote workers. The need to work from home is much easier when employee or partner training can occur over the internet.

What Is eLearning?

eLearning encompasses only the sharing of information online rather than an instructor-led online class. Watching YouTube videos on a topic or reading online PDFs and slideshows may be enough to constitute eLearning, but the lack of guidance disqualifies these options as VILT.
However, eLearning may be suitable for certain businesses using Learning Management Systems (LMS) to train employees, partners, and clients. Sometimes, the extra cost and scheduling associated with hiring instructors may not be necessary. In these cases, participants can go through the material at their own pace at any time online.

Which Should I Choose?

Most businesses use a blended learning model of both VILT and eLearning. Both options take advantage of online virtual environments for better accessibility and cost-effectiveness over traditional classroom-based approaches to corporate learning.

VILT focuses on discussing problems and getting feedback from live instructors. eLearning’s strength lies in its consistency and scalability. If you have a lot of straightforward training to go through for a large number of participants, eLearning may be the best solution. It does not involve the extra scheduling required for instructors and users to be online at the same time.

For most companies, eLearning and VILT are the best ways to maximize the knowledge base of your employees, customers, and business partners. If you’re interested in adopting virtual labs online for these purposes, get in touch with CloudShare.