Two years of pandemics made teachers and students experiment with many new ways of learning. Researchers have studied the case and have found interesting data regarding the three main education modalities, namely classroom-based, e-learning or distant-education, and blended learning.

Is e-learning the most effective or is it better to go back to class as soon as possible?

It is clear that e-learning allows for a lower cost in delivering instruction, has a huge reach, and is open to innovations and improvements. On the other hand, instructors' goal is to deliver lessons that are effective, corresponding to the learning needs, and accessible for students. While many could think that e-learning would be the natural solution in terms of results, research (Thalhemier, 2017) shows that the choice is not always so obvious.

The delivery method is not the main thing

Research points out that the best results are obtained by students when the learning experience is delivered in a blended setting, i.e. when training is composed of both classroom activity and online sessions. This does not imply that blended learning is more efficient, being the modality secondary regarding effectiveness.

The learning method is the main factor to obtain good results.

What emerges from the meta-analysis of different learning modalities is that the difference in delivery does not influence the outcome. All modalities are almost equal in delivery capabilities, but what makes one succeed is the learning method used in the training.

The fact that blended learning results to be the most effective of the group is related to the fact that it uses the best combination of learning methods.

Use the proper learning method to get results from training

Either if you develop e-learning materials or classroom-based courses, the main focus should be on adopting proper pedagogical guidelines, based on evidence and data, to produce effective learning and retention. The most effective methods coulòd be restricted to four: retrieval practice, spacing, real-world context, and feedback. Use them!