Table 2.

Comparison of traditional didactics vs. virtual learning sessions

	Traditional didactic sessions	Virtual learning sessions
Location	Conference room	•Anywhere as long as a computer or smartphone is available •Requires an internet connection
Number of attendees	Limited by the occupancy capacity of the room	Based on the type of platformGoToMeeting •Free – 14 day trial •With monthly fees – up to 3,000 participants Skype •Free – 50 participants •With monthly fees – up to 1,000 participants WebEx •Free – 100 participants •With monthly fees – 100 to 200 participants Zoom •Free – 100 participants •With monthly fees – up to 1,000 participants
Multimedia	Can take photos during lectures but typically in a low resolution	•Easy to record lectures •Take screenshots of lectures •Annotate on lectures
Interactive	Can interact with lecturers by asking questions	Can interact with lecturers using text or microphone
Cost	•Travel time to the conference room •If the lecturer is from an outside institution, then airfare, hotel, and food are typically provided by the institution	•None unless upgrading the plan to have more participants •Allows interaction with international experts from home
Security	•Access – Access is usually limited to the members of the department •Photos/recording – Need permission from the lecturer	•Access - Anyone with webinar link and password can join the session •Recording - Host can decide whether to grant the ability to record •Photos - Screenshots can be taken without permission