Is online learning the junk food of learning?

Post COVID-19, some organisations are continuing with the trend of providing most or all of their professional development via online platforms as a way to save costs (travel, speakers, venue hire etc), while pushing the agenda of “convenience” for their end users, however, is there an even bigger cost and unseen detrimental impact this is having on people’s health?

Humans are pack animals. We are better together compared to being isolated and alone. This applies to learning and development options, especially off the back of COVID-19, where the only option at the time was online professional development. This served as a great temporary solution and while learning platforms offer many benefits, they should not be seen as the “new normal”, for there are also some disadvantages to consider.

Better together

Before we drill down and get specific around the advantages and disadvantages of “in-person” versus “only online” learning, it’s important to get some context and understand why humans are “better together” by outlining the mental and physical health benefits people can receive when they get together with others in positive and constructive environments.

First, from a mental health perspective, it can reduce stress: When we interact and socialise with others, our brains release hormones such as oxytocin, which can promote feelings of well-being and help to reduce stress levels. On the flip side, social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. When we get together with others and socialise regularly, it can help boost our mood and improve mental health, promote better cognitive performance, and has been linked to lowering the risk of depression and some forms of dementia.

Second, getting together with others can improv our physical Health: Studies have shown that people who are more socially connected tend to have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Socialising with others can also help to increase motivation levels, particularly when it comes to physical activity. Joining a social group or team sport can provide the motivation and support needed to stay physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Advantages

Therefore, when we apply the health benefits of social gatherings to learning and development, there are many positive human advantages to “in-person” learning in environments like conferences, workshops, and in-house training session, which offer many benefits that cannot be fully replicated by “online” learning. These include:

Nonverbal communication: In-person learning allows us to pick up on nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, which can provide important context and information. This information can be difficult to fully interpret over “online” learning platforms.

Improved social connections: In-person learning allows us to build and maintain stronger social connections. This can be especially important for networking and building professional relationships.

Reduced distractions: When meeting in person, there are fewer potential distractions, such as other open tabs on a computer, email notifications, or pets or family members in the background.

Better engagement: In-person learning and interactions often lead to better engagement and more active participation in discussions. Participants may feel more invested in the conversation and more accountable to stay engaged.

More authentic experiences: In-person interactions can provide a more authentic experience as participants are more likely to be themselves and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Recently, I experienced the great learning opportunities at the Harcourts conference HX2023. Although there was a mighty effort involved in bringing everyone together, there was no doubting the quality of the in-person experience and the impact of the “live on stage and in the room” speakers. Everyone who attended was excited and delighted by the networking opportunities and social engagement.

Disadvantages

With “only online” learning, the physical and mental health benefits of socialisation are removed, which can increase the risks that come with prolonged isolation, while limiting networking opportunities for students and the chance to build connections with peers.

It’s worth considering that the learning experience from “online” learning can also be negatively impacted by other tangible factors like:

Limited interaction: One of the most significant disadvantages of online learning is the limited interaction between students and instructors. Online learning can feel isolating for some students, as they may not have the same level of access to their instructors and peers as they would in a traditional classroom.

Technical issues: Technical issues, such as poor internet connection or hardware problems, can impact the learning experience. These issues can cause frustration for students and instructors and disrupt the flow of the course.

Self-discipline: Online learning requires self-discipline and self-motivation to keep up with the coursework and complete assignments. For some students, the lack of structure and accountability of traditional classroom settings can make it challenging to stay on track.

Limited hands-on learning: Without access to the same equipment and materials as in-person classes, students may miss out on important learning experiences.

Distractions: Online learning can also be distracting for some students, particularly if they are studying from home or other non-traditional settings. Students may be easily distracted by social media, household chores, or other non-course related activities.

Junk food

In conclusion, yes, online learning is cheaper and can be convenient, but is it worth the human cost if it’s your main source of learning? I would say no. The metaphor we could use is junk food. In small doses it can be ok, however, if it becomes your only source of sustenance, then it is just not that healthy for you.