While digital learning has become increasingly common in recent years, social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures prompted by the pandemic have greatly accelerated the move from face-to-face towards online learning delivery. And this trend is expected to continue.

But what do we know about the effectiveness of virtual classrooms? What approaches work or don’t work? This evidence review looks at the challenges and success factors in virtual classes or webinars where people can interact directly to provide evidence-based insight on the skills sets, methods and techniques that support digital learning.

  • See the practice summary for the main insights and practical recommendations for action. 
  • See the scientific summary for our methodology and technical information on the research and study references.
Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Experiment with AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

The
Profession Map

The international standard for all HR, L&D, OD and all other people professionals

Explore the Profession Map

Topics A-Z

Browse our A–Z catalogue of information, guidance and resources covering all aspects of people practice.

Browse all topics

More on this topic

Thought leadership
How L&D can create value: Focusing on skills development

How can L&D teams create value and impact and improve performance through focusing on skills development?

Policy engagement
Call for evidence on skills and training - The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee

Read our response to the call by the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee for evidence on skills policy

Podcast

Evidence-based L&D - Learning at the point of need

Outside the workplace we’re blessed with an abundance of tools to learn at the point of need. But what can we achieve in the workplace?

Listen now

Latest evidence reviews

Evidence review
Trust and psychological safety: An evidence review

Find out what the evidence says about building trust and psychological safety

For Members
Evidence review
Effective people managers: Evidence review

Research exploring how to develop people managers who drive organisational success

For Members
Evidence review
High-performing teams: An evidence review

Explore the latest research on how to create a positive environment to build and nurture effective teams

Evidence review
Productive meetings: An evidence review

This evidence review summarises the latest research on the effective management of meetings and offers recommendations to get the most out of them

For Members
All evidence reviews