What is elearning?
Elearning is a term used to define the practice of using an electronic device to access educational materials. The term ‘elearning’ was first used during a Computer Based Training (CBT) systems seminar in 1999, but the notion can be traced back to the 1980s when learning that took place away from a classroom was known as ‘distant learning’ and educational programmes began appearing on TV screens.
Today, with technology use and internet access greater than ever, we have endless options for both creating and consuming elearning, and the possibilities are still growing.
What are the applications of elearning in business?
Since the 2000s, businesses have been taking advantage of the flexibility, ease and speed with which they can deliver online training to their workforces.
The main purpose is to develop employee skills and equip workforces with the knowledge they need to do their job successfully. Any industry can utilise elearning and upskill their employees in areas such as staff onboarding, talent development, leadership development and customer engagement as well as compulsory areas like compliance and health and safety.
Elearning means more than just online courses now. It can include interactive simulations, mobile learning and games too. The variety of styles mean that there’s a solution to suit every type of challenge, organisation and learner style.
Why choose elearning over traditional face-to-face learning?
Save time
Elearning is often chosen in order to save time – slashing any hours that would typically be spent travelling to training venues or events. The learning process is generally much quicker too, with learners able to upskill and improve knowledge in a shorter time period than would be involved with a training course split over multiple sessions. It’s also faster and simpler to roll-out updates to elearning courses than it is to schedule training days to re-train employees in areas that are often changing. Plus, with today’s mobile and multi-device capability, learners have the freedom to access learning on-the-go, at any time of day, maximising their work day.
Save money
Save training costs associated with travelling, instructor fees, and the cost of hiring a training venue plus learning equipment. Save the cost of printing on endless streams of paper – and the environment too!
Standardise processes
Elearning is useful in helping to standardise processes across a company by allowing identical content to be delivered to all who require it. Remove the risk of an employee receiving a rushed and altered learning experience because they couldn’t be in the office during a group face-to-face training session for example.
Personalise the experience
With the option for learners to choose what types of learning styles suit them, and the freedom to decide when and where to learn, employees will have a more rewarding experience and feel in control of their development.
… or do you even have to choose?
Committed to your face-to-face programmes? Why not consider a blended learning experience? In some cases, the most successful learning results come from blends, where difference styles of learning are brought together to deliver a diverse experience. Combine online and technology-based learning modules with your face-to-face interactions to provide a richer learning experience.
Elearning offers huge benefits to organisations and employees alike , from time-saving and cost-cutting to personal growth and development satisfaction – to find out how LEO Learning can help your organisation get started or take the next step with elearning, get in touch today.