eLearning is gaining popularity rapidly and not without a good reason. When done the right way, it can improve employee performance, decreasing costs in the long run.
eLearning is more convenient than traditional learning methods for many people, because it allows every individual to establish a learning pattern that suits them best.
Later on, we’ll take a look at the chief reasons why eLearning can be a game-changer for a business.
For starters, let’s see what eLearning is.
What Is eLearning?
eLearning is actually an umbrella term that covers a range of electronic educational applications and processes, including:
- Web-based learning
- Computer-based learning
- Virtual classrooms and digital collaboration
The content can be delivered through online forums, audio and video recordings, satellite broadcast and interactive TV and communication technologies (Skype, Zoom, etc.).
How to Implement eLearning?
Good employers always offer eLearning options to ensure continual improvement in their business processes and new opportunities for their employees. However, not all offers are good offers.
In order to ensure your offer is what your business needs and what employees want, you should do the following:
Identify the area to be covered by an eLearning program.
Look up providers offering these programs. There are many universities and associations offering courses on multiple topics.
Research the level of support offered. You’ll want the employees to have access to personal support.
Real-Time Courses
Live learning events can be a better option for people who like to learn in a group. Of course, live eLearning events require that all participants be present at the designated time, so all participants will need to align their schedules.
Because of that, it may not be the best option for people with hectic schedules, but for many others it is an enjoyable event where they get to both learn new things and socialize with like-minded people they wouldn’t normally get to meet elsewhere.
Recorded Courses
There are plenty of courses that can be accessed anytime from anywhere. Needless to say, when you can stop the course midway to, say, have a lunch break, it is not so difficult to see why recorded courses are so popular.
Improved Retention
Retention is a hot topic and a huge issue for many businesses. It is a well-known fact that one of the main reasons why people decide to leave their company is because it isn’t providing them with learning opportunities.
People look for promotions and (usually) positive challenges (most of them, but not all, mind you), so it would be a pity not to offer them the opportunity to improve themselves professionally.
Around-the-Clock Access
Since eLearning offers learners the opportunity to access the target course around the clock, it is suitable for international teams as well as for local ones.
Simply put, no matter where in the world the learner is, it won’t affect their learning outcome. They will be able to progress steadily at their own pace and upload the results whenever they are online — regardless of their time zone.
You Don’t Get to Fail Miserably
Sometimes, we need more time to learn complex topics. Unlike traditional learning, eLearning allows the learner to fail without the entire classroom being aware of it.
That provides a huge psychological boost and allows the learner to rise stronger, give their best, and try again without having to fear any negative consequences.
The Opportunity to Standardize Courses
One huge benefit of eLearning, especially of eLearning for teams, is that courses can be standardized.
What does this mean, exactly?
For starters, even the same course may not be presented in the same way across all sessions. With eLearning, you can ensure that all courses follow a standardized procedure, thus ensuring consistency for everyone involved.
Frequent Assessments Disable Distractions
Assessment is on a whole different level when it comes to eLearning. Unlike traditional learning programs, eLearning offers assessments that are an ongoing process rather than one large exam.
Namely, the majority of eLearning courses offer regular short tests after each unit, a practice that has proven to boost students’ engagement. A study performed by Harvard actually shows that short regular tests help with students’ distraction.
Finally, regular tests help the tutors track students’ progress, enabling them to step in when assistance is needed.
The More Senses You Use, the Better the Learning Process
It is a well-known fact that the more senses you engage while learning, the better the outcome will be. To top it off, simulations give an additional boost and make the learner feel that learning is actually taking place.
eLearning Enhances Collaboration
Thanks to forums and social media, people have learned that interpersonal connections can take place way outside of standard face-to-face models. This is good news for introverts, but also for extroverts, who can reach new heights and boost their confidence via eLearning.
Long past are the days of tutors dreading a quiet classroom full of unwilling, quiet participants. With eLearning, everyone gets to participate in the way that suits them best.
eLearning Is Eco-Friendly
Well, it has to be said! There’s no paper in the vicinity and no one is on the loss for it. Not to mention that eLearning enables you to check out graphics and watch videos in addition to reading materials.
No matter how you look at it, it’s a win-win situation.
Access to Analytics
By employing an efficient eLearning management system, you will be able to track progress in real-time and compare different outcomes over time.
In addition, you’ll get a perfect peek into learners’ responses to different kinds of materials, which will enable you to plan upcoming courses even better.
If necessary, you can also create microlearning modules to deliver smaller chunks of information to boost the learning process.
All of that is made possible by analytics, so make sure to establish a proper eLearning management system in advance.
Enter Gamification
Finally, you can use gameplay elements to boost the learning experience. This process — better known as gamification — has been used widely for a long time by various factions (military, astronauts, etc.).
It’s no secret that human brains respond to rewards, which gamification can provide in abundance. Here are some ideas: quizzes, points, progress tools… The options are endless.
Summary
Overall, eLearning offers plenty of possibilities for people of all kinds. There are courses and courses and elements and elements. You only need to look up the options and pick the right combination.
There are many courses out there that are free to access, so you can try various eLearning solutions and find out which one suits you best.
Pretty much all options are open, so enjoy the ride and keep learning!
