How eLearning will change the classroom is an interesting topic for an instructor as well as an eLearning developer to consider. One might easily think that eLearning will replace classroom training. In reality, this will not happen. Instead, classroom training will co-exist with eLearning in new roles as following.

With wider eLearning implementation, the role of classroom training will be changed. There will be less classroom training but it will become more important. There are still some contexts where the classroom can provide more appropriate training such as group interaction and team-building.

We believe that a synergy effect can be achieved if both training delivery media and traditional teaching techniques can be combined in creative way. For example, eLearning can be used as either pre-course or post-course learning. In addition, an instructor can also retrieve eLearning materials during classroom training.

As classroom learning focuses in a new direction, such as applying concepts and generating new ideas, the role of the instructor will change from the all-knowing "sage on the stage" to more of a "guide on the side".

In addition to the Instructor/Facilitator, knowledge nowadays can come from different sources like:
Corporate Intranet
Knowledge Community (Learner themselves)
Outside Expert

Student Handbook

With content changing all the time, printed "student guides" may not be updated enough for use. Instead, it will be a trend that put them on the web so that they're easier to update.

Another solution may involve combining hard copy "student guides" with web-accessed material.

Regardless, there will be a greater reliance on original source materials. In the eLearning environment, a lot of recent information can be accessed via Internet.

Multiple levels of interactivity are employed, namely: Student/Learner Interaction with a Mentor/Instructor: Revolves around content and is most effective when the interaction is bi-directional.

Peer-to-Peer Interaction: A powerful force in learning if the interaction is content-based and experiential. Learning from one's peers adds a strong believability factor coupled with a sense of reality.

Interactivity with the Computer and with the Depth and Breadth of Content Material: The computer is a "lean-in" active medium. Television is a "lean back" passive medium. Effective interaction for eLearning must have the learner in a "lean-in" mode; with the learner needing to click, read, type, listen, look and compose.

Applied Interaction: The learner must be challenged to consider how the material studied can be applied within the learner's own experiences and activities.

The Ability to Teach: A learner most often understands content when encouraged to acquire a body of knowledge and then "teach/share" that knowledge with other learners and mentors.

eLearning is Personal and Experiential. It is accessible, with complete flexibility of schedule, and ideally - highly collaborative. It approaches a "self-customizing" learning environment. The user is fully in control of his/her learning experience.