Can learning a new craft or skill online be as effective as in-person lessons?

Yes. Learning a new craft or skill online can be just as effective as in-person lessons, depending on how you approach it.

With online learning, you have access to a vast array of resources and flexibility to learn at your own pace. There are countless high-quality tutorials, courses, and communities dedicated to just about any skill you can think of. You can find expert instructors from all over the world and tailor your learning experience to fit your schedule and learning style. The ability to rewind, pause, and revisit lessons as many times as needed can be a huge advantage.

However, online learning requires a bit more self-discipline and motivation since you don't have the same level of face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback that you get from in-person lessons. It’s important to stay engaged and actively seek out feedback from online communities or peers who are learning the same skill. Some online platforms also offer live sessions and interactive components to bridge the gap.

In-person lessons, on the other hand, offer the benefit of hands-on guidance and immediate feedback from an instructor. The social aspect can also be motivating and help you stay committed. Both methods have their unique strengths, and sometimes a combination of both can provide the best learning experience.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of online versus in-person learning depends on your personal learning style, the resources available, and your level of commitment. With the right approach and dedication, you can definitely master new skills online.

It depends on the individual. There is potential for learning new skills both online and in-person, but the predisposition of the learner is key in the process. Online tutoring does offer the opportunity to learn with teachers, mentors or tutors that you wouldn't be able to connect otherwise, and learn skills that might not be available in your area while also facilitating the acquisition of a new skill, integrating it in what is, for most people, a very busy day. It allows to leave behind considerations of transportation (and the time that needs to be dedicated to it) and time, since the opportunity to connect with a tutor in a different timezone opens up the chance to use hours that wouldn't generally be deemed as business hours in your area. 

In regards to efectivity, there isn't necessarily a difference as long as there is a good match between learner and tutor and the person feels comfortable with the use of technology.

Absolutely! Online learning offers the flexibility to go at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed. Just like spiritual development, success depends on your dedication and the quality of the resources. When you’re focused and open to growth, online learning can be just as impactful, providing a tailored experience that lets you progress at your own speed.

When it comes to DIGITAL SKILLS where you're staring at a screen anyway - YES it can.

For any skill that requires PERCEPTION such as painting or learning a new language - absolutely NO

The screen becomes a BARRIER to progress.

Here's the easy answer - Yes and No.

There are always pros and cons to both, but I personally believe that in person learning is far better than the virtual experience.  There is just something magnetic and tangible about being in a room with likeminded people. You make key connections, ask questions and dive deeper than in the virtual arena.

As for online learning- Platforms like Fiverr, YouTube, and Coursera offer high-quality tutorials across a wide range of skills.  If you are the type of person who will do your own research and really lean in then online may work for you.

Maybe in the future with VR it will be as effective as live sessions, but at the moment in-person learning is more effective. Maybe a good compromise would be alternating 1 live lesson to an online one, with the same person, so that they can compensate the next time they see you.
While learning a new craft or skill online has its advantages, it may not be as effective as in-person lessons for several reasons:

Lack of Hands-On Guidance: In-person lessons offer immediate feedback and hands-on assistance that online courses often lack.

Limited Interaction: Online learning can feel isolating, with fewer opportunities for real-time collaboration and social interaction.

Motivation Challenges: It can be easier to lose motivation and discipline when learning alone without the structure of a classroom.

Technical Limitations: Online courses may suffer from technical issues or inadequate resources that hinder the learning experience.

Difficulty in Skill Mastery: Some crafts require nuanced techniques that are better demonstrated and corrected in person.

Overall, while online learning can be beneficial, it may not fully replicate the depth and effectiveness of in-person instruction.

In-person learning will always be more effective. 

At the end of the day, we are biological creatures. There are things you can't sense through the screen, it doesn't matter how much you try.