What Is eLearning? The Geeks Guide To Electronic Learning
Table of Contents
If you’ve spent any amount of time on the internet, you’ve probably come across at least one form of online learning, whether it be through courses, downloadable pdfs, webinars, or interactive presentations.
There are online courses available for hundreds of thousands of topics – from sales, operations, and marketing, to financial freedom, coding, and baking.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education and professional development, eLearning has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, reshaping the way employees and learners acquire knowledge and new skills.
In this blog, we will take a look at the intricacies of eLearning, its history, delivery methods, and the potential benefits it holds for both individuals and companies.
So What is eLearning?
eLearning, which is short for electronic learning, refers to a learning experience delivered electronically through digital devices.
Unlike traditional learning methods, eLearning allows students to access educational content anytime, anywhere, using electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.
This learning experience encompasses a broad range of activities, from self-paced learning through online courses and educational materials to interactive multimedia presentations.
What About Online Learning. Is It The Same Thing??
eLearning materials come in a variety of forms. In many cases, eLearning is often interchangeable with online learning methods and online courses. However, eLearning is more of the umbrella under which online courses rest.
These courses combine traditional classroom methods with digital tools. Instead of a downloadable pdf or eBook, courses offer more structured learning modules, course work, and tests that are all monitored by an instructor or a team of instructors. This differs from some other types of eLearning materials and programs that are more independent.
A Brief History Of eLearning
While the term “eLearning” might sound like a recent development, its roots actually trace back to the 1960s when computer-based training and learning materials even within traditional classrooms first emerged.
The advent of the internet in the 1990s revolutionized eLearning, enabling the widespread distribution of educational content, course materials, and digital tools.
The introduction of eLearning also paved the way for distance learning. This allows students from across the world to access programs and courses without needing to relocate. This means students from, let’s say, Canada, are able to access courses that are taught by institutions all the way in Germany or Japan.
Not only has this meant students have access to a wider variety of materials, it also reduces the cost barriers that might prevent someone from accessing a course or online program.
Over the years, advancements in technology, such as video streaming, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, have further improved and enriched the eLearning experience, allowing for virtual classrooms, interactive elements, remote learning, and completely online education.
How Online Learning Courses Are Delivered
Online learning courses and online training come in various formats, ranging from video lectures and interactive simulations to quizzes and assessments.
These courses are typically delivered through educational institutions and dedicated platforms or Learning Management Systems (LMS), providing a centralized hub for organizing and managing educational content.
Learning Management Systems
Learning Management System platforms play a pivotal role in the administration, tracking, and delivery of eLearning courses. They enable educators and companies to create, distribute, manage, and access educational materials efficiently.
Whether its synchronous eLearning courses and mobile learning or blended learning programs and employee training materials, an LMS program allows employers and academic institutions to accurately and efficiently manage their eLearning tools.
LMS features often include user registration, learner progress tracking, discussion forums, and assessment tools, fostering a seamless online training and online learning experience that values knowledge sharing and knowledge retention.
xAPI
The Experience API (xAPI) is a specification that allows for the tracking and reporting of learning experiences beyond traditional eLearning platforms.
xAPI goes beyond the confines of a single LMS, capturing a learner’s activities from various sources, such as mobile apps, simulations, and social learning platforms. This flexibility provides a more comprehensive view of an individual’s learning journey.
SCORM
Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a set of standards that govern how eLearning content is packaged and delivered. SCORM ensures compatibility and interoperability between different eLearning systems, allowing content to be easily shared and reused across various platforms.
How Can eLearning Benefit Your Company
Implementing eLearning or online learning into your company’s corporate training and development strategies can be extremely beneficial to you and your employees.
It Is Cost Effective In The Long Run
Not only does online learning allow companies to deliver consistent training across a geographically dispersed team, also it reduces training costs associated with travel and accommodation, and enables employees to learn at their own pace, increasing overall engagement and retention.
It Helps You Save Time
Additionally, utilizing online learning platforms can save you and your employees time in the long run. Asynchronous e learning courses and training sessions allow students to work at their own speed and work within and outside working hours.
It Improves The Standard Of Training
eLearning can also help online students achieve their learning objectives with online training materials that can be suited to their specific needs. Adaptive learning allows means content can be changed based on difficulty, type of content, and pace of learning.
It's Good For The Environment
Among the benefits of eLearning is its impact on the environment. In traditional training courses and learning environments, the learning material is often printed off for students.
Additionally, students and educators will need to travel to a learning center which uses gas, emitting carbon gases into the air.
Pre recorded lecture content, asynchronous e learning courses, and eLearning methods take away the need for printed materials and gas emissions from travelling. These small steps can have an impact on the overall health of the environment.
How eLearning Can Benefit The Training Of Your Workforce
eLearning is particularly beneficial for workforce training. It provides employees with the flexibility to undergo training at convenient times, minimizes disruptions to daily operations, and allows for personalized learning paths tailored to individual needs. This approach fosters a continuous learning culture within the organization.
Some types of training that will be beneficial to employers include compliance training, partner training, customer training, and sales training. These types of programs can be found in a structured course (or synchronous elearning course) or asynchronous eLearning that can allow adult learners to work at their own pace and from their own mobile devices.
Depending on the types of eLearning your company requires, these programs can not only be catered to your company’s needs, but also promote lifelong learning and professional development for your employees.
Is eLearning The Future?
As technology continues to advance, eLearning is poised to play an even more significant role in the future of education and professional development.
The adaptability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of eLearning make it a compelling choice for individuals and organizations seeking efficient and innovative learning solutions.
Accessible learning programs that work for people with different abilities is also available with an e Learning course.
Many higher education institutions have taken on web based training, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, educational scientists have said that courses with an instructional design that cater to a learner’s needs can support learning and knowledge retention for people of all ages and abilities.
Does Your Organization Need a Custom eLearning course? Let's Talk.
If you’re ready to create a collection of your very own custom eLearning materials that will suit your company’s needs. The Geeks are here to help.
Our team of experienced and professional designers have the abilities and knowledge to create programs and course materials that can align with your company’s mission, vision, and values.
From basic employee training to more role-specific professional development opportunities, our team can create compelling materials for your company.
Want to know more? Contact the Geeks today to see how we can help you reach your goals!
