The explosion of e-learning is taking us by storm and with employers citing cost and time savings & employees enjoying flexible access and social networks, e-learning is more than having its moment.
Here I look at the top ten pros to e-learning
1. Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
The primary appeal of e-learning is the ability to learn wherever and whenever you choose.
2. Time saving
Incorporate visual and auditory reinforcement of information and the ability to learn information is significantly reduced. Learning by doing is how 80% of learning happens in the workplace so interaction is key within e-learning. Companies claim that between 30 to 50% time is saved incorporating online training into the workplace. E-learning can also deliver ‘just in time’ training for last minute company initiatives or requirements.
3. Flexible access
E-learning accommodates individual styles of working and learning. It lets learners access and review the training they need at times that suit them. Employees are in charge of their learning and this self-directed approach can prove incredibly popular. Unlike face to face training, e-learning can be accessed again and again at the employee’s discretion.
4. Motivation
The virtual environment of e-learning is incredibly popular with employees as they can be themselves without being judged, or feeling shy in the more traditional classroom environment. E-learning provides immediate feedback to questions and response and interactive elements allow users to get involved and be motivated to continue.
5. Social networks
Virtual learning communities can share huge amounts of knowledge, experience and skill base which is great for shared informal learning and motivation.
6. Cost effective
As primary costs are incurred at the beginning during development, e-learning is an investment that increases its payback during its lifetime. The per user costs for e-learning decrease. Research indicates that an average cost-saving on training is in the range of 25-65%.
7. Monitoring
Combine your e-learning with a Learning Management System and you can instantly and easily monitor progress of all learners, critical for areas that have legal implications such as health and safety.
8. Culture
E-learning programmes can be used to reinforce the culture and values of an organisation
9. Technology
Employees can use their technology preference to learn – while 89% of employees still access Learning Management Systems from their desktop computer, 76% do so from a laptop, and 25% from mobile devices, such as a tablet. We will see this bias change as learning systems embrace technological developments and employee choice.
10. Try before you buy
Not so readily available for face to face workshops or courses, the joy of e-learning is that you can try a variety of platforms before you commit.
At the end of the day the greater the amount of training and learning that goes on in an organisation, the better the perfomance and competitive edge of a company and the happier the employee.
