E-learning (teleformación) or virtual classroom: what's the difference for FUNDAE?

For funded training in Spain they are different formats, with different rules.

Virtual classroom = in-person format. Under SEPE's 2026 resolution, a live class by video conference counts as in-person if it is synchronous (trainer and participants together, with real-time two-way communication), has a connection log generated by the application (participants, dates and times) and lets the control bodies connect during the class. In-person rules apply; for example, FUNDAE states a maximum of 30 participants per in-person group (25 for a professional certificate course).

E-learning (teleformación) = self-paced learning on a platform. Learners work through content and activities on an online platform, supported by a tutor. According to FUNDAE's monitoring and control instructions and website:

• The platform must record each participant's activity.
• To complete the course, at least 75% of the learning activities must be done.
• A maximum of 80 participants per tutor.
• A maximum of 8 programmed training hours per day per participant, regardless of connection time (this limit applies to all formats, except single-day courses).

Blended (mixta). Combines both. Under Royal Decree 694/2017, if the in-person part is 20% or less of the total duration, the action is treated as e-learning; to count as blended, the in-person part must be more than 20%.

Which to choose?

• If the training is mainly live classes, the virtual classroom fits.
• If it is mainly self-paced content with tutoring, e-learning fits.
• What matters is that the format you notify matches how the training is really delivered, and that you have the records each format requires.

Virtual classroom rules are renewed every year.