Our facility is looking to switch to an e-learning environment for our software training. Some in the hospital would rather keep the in-person classroom because they like the personal touch. Which do you prefer?

The online learning environment is okay as long as the learning is tested. At our organization, we have the online learning in place, but not all of the checks and balances are adequate. We read an SOP, take a 4 - 6 question quiz on it and we are able to retake the quiz as many times as possible. To me this is not acceptable or adequate training. Hands on training or training sessions are much more significant if you understand your target audience and the preference for learning.

I have always thought that a trainer should poll the audience for the learning preference and then group the students by their preference.

Depending upon the complexity of the information to be presented and learned; I generally think it far superior to have an in-person representative.  You can never beat the personalized touch and remember, there will be many times that the information can get side-tracked, confused with other relationships or positively reinforced with another approach from another direction. There are many learning styles and just as many directions that helps people retain information.  

Here's an alternative way to look at it... You don't have to choose one or the other. In many cases a hybrid or blended approach is best. This provides flexibility so that participants can study some portions online (typically pre-requisite material and other basics), at their convenience, and own pace. In this model participants have an opportinity to obtain more detailed or advanced information, reinforcement, and an opportunity to ask questions from a live instructor in class. The approach allows for the best of both worlds... the in-person quality of instructor-led and the efficiency and convenience of online learning. Providing indefinite access to online course or reference material as well as live experts can also improve satisfaction and results.