In-person training vs. e-learning: We're doing a cost comparison.

We don't want to compare apples and oranges. Therefore, we calculated and compared the costs of training 10 employees in a sample calculation – both as in-person training and as an e-learning version. The numbers speak for themselves!


By Andreas Rinnhofer
2 min read

Präsenzschulung vs. E-Learning: Wir machen den Kostencheck - SPEDIFORT

Here's a comparison.

We don't want to compare apples and oranges. Therefore, we calculated and compared the costs of training 10 employees in a sample calculation – both as in-person training and as an e-learning version. The numbers speak for themselves!

To illustrate the cost advantage of online training compared to in-person training with concrete figures, we examined the expenses for both training options. Our example assumes a 4-day course for 10 employees. In addition to the costs for instructors, classrooms, and catering, we also want to consider the employees' lost productivity. We are only excluding the additional effort required to coordinate scheduling for in-person training.

The online version of the training will be offered as blended learning, meaning a learning model that combines computer-based learning with traditional classroom instruction. A significant advantage of e-learning is that, when conveying the same learning content, the duration is considerably shorter compared to classroom training. Furthermore, the flexible scheduling of online courses allows participants to utilize off-peak hours and "downtime" during working hours, thus minimizing any impact on their productivity.


Option 1: In-person training

Attendance days: 4
Number of participants: 10

  • Lecturer per day: 200 EUR
  • Room rental per day: 100 EUR
  • Additional costs per day: 40 EUR

Total direct costs per training course (4 days): EUR 1360

  • Other costs (expenses, food, travel costs): 20 EUR per participant --> Total 800 EUR
  • Lost productivity per hour: 5 EUR per participant --> Total 1600 EUR

Total indirect costs: EUR 2400

TOTAL COST OF IN-PERSON TRAINING: 3760 EUR


Option 2: Blended learning training

Attendance days: 0.5
Self-study hours: 24
Number of participants: 10

  • Lecturer per day: 200 EUR
  • Room rental per day: 100 EUR
  • Additional costs per day: 40 EUR

Total direct costs per training course (0.5 days): 170 EUR

  • Spedifort Flat for 5 months (5 x 12 EUR): 60 EUR per user --> Total 600 EUR
  • Lost productivity per hour (for in-person training): 5 EUR per participant --> Total 200 EUR
  • Loss of productivity per hour (during online training): 1 EUR per participant --> Total 240 EUR

Total indirect costs: EUR 1040

Total cost of blended learning training: 1210 EUR

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Apples and pears

With this calculation, we can now compare "apples to apples": Objectively speaking, an online training course of the scope shown in the example calculation saves 2550 EUR compared to pure classroom training.

Using Spedifort also provides the customer with further cost advantages by allowing access to a wide range of other courses (e.g., occupational safety training) during the contract period, and enabling them to benefit from the advantages of online training on these topics as well…

But we don't want to elaborate on that any further here, because then we'd be comparing apples and oranges again 😉