What is an e-learning format
05.11.2024
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Today, as technology provides nearly unlimited access to information and learning opportunities, our habits and ways of acquiring new skills and knowledge have changed as well. There’s no longer a need to attend in-person classes when it can be done remotely—in a comfortable environment and on your own couch. E-learning is becoming an increasingly popular choice among people of all ages. Statistics also support this trend—around 49 % of people worldwide have completed some form of online learning. But what exactly is the e-learning format, and what benefits does it provide? Find out in the continuation of the article!
The Unlimited Opportunities of E-learning for Expanding Knowledge
E-courses are digital learning sessions without the involvement and presence of a teacher. All that is required for successful course completion is a stable internet connection, a computer, mobile phone, or other smart device. Additionally, e-courses offer vast possibilities, ranging from learning the basics of crochet to using the latest digital marketing tools and even earning a certification in the field of information technology (IT). Here are some reasons why you might consider incorporating e-learning:
- Easy and convenient course access. E-learning is designed to be as intuitive and easy to understand as possible for people with various levels of digital skills.
- Variety of formats and interactive elements. Like the wide range of topics, there are many ways to create e-course content. They can be simple reading materials or include interactive elements, such as self-assessment tests, simulations, gamification, videos, audiovisual materials, and much more. Interactive elements help maintain motivation while creating a positive and engaging learning experience.
- Opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge, even obtaining certification. Online learning allows you to increase your qualifications, improve competitiveness in the job market, and in some cases, earn a certification—an essential step in fostering professional growth.
- Eco-friendly solution. By choosing to study remotely, we also benefit the environment by consuming fewer resources. A study conducted at a British Open University shows that a single student uses about 90 % less electricity and produces an average of 85 % less CO₂ emissions.
Online Learning: Benefits for Both the Company and Its Employees
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E-courses provide significant benefits for both the organization and its employees. Regular internal training helps employees improve their skills and competencies, which, in turn, raises their qualifications and supports personal growth, providing reassurance that their development is valued by the employer. What benefits do e-learning solutions bring to company management? Primarily, employee satisfaction levels increase, financial costs decrease, and high training quality is ensured.
Benefits for Companies
Here are some of the most valuable benefits for companies choosing the e-learning format:
- Enhanced business process management. A large number of employees, or even the entire workforce, can undergo training at the same time.
- Ability to analyze training results. Training organizers can monitor progress, review individual and group achievements, and perform evaluations and analyses.
- Easy content adaptation. Often, if a company already has at least one e-course in place, only part of the information needs to be updated rather than creating a whole new training material.
- Wide variety of available topics. E-learning materials can be created on a wide range of topics—both general (e.g., workplace safety, IT training) and specific (e.g., internal company programs and procedures).
- Improved productivity and employee competencies. Knowledgeable and competent employees are valuable to every company. E-learning solutions help develop new skills and knowledge necessary for job performance and personal growth.
Benefits for Employees
E-learning is an excellent way to increase employee engagement, thus fostering loyalty and a sense of belonging to the company. However, there are other, equally important benefits:
- Ability to plan their own time. Employees can choose the pace, place, and time that best suits their learning style.
- Building a foundation of knowledge. Through e-learning, employees gain a basic understanding of certain processes within the company or the industry as a whole.
- Equal access to information for everyone. E-courses ensure that all participants receive identical information.
- Reduced feelings of insecurity. In-person training usually takes place in groups, and some participants may feel uncomfortable, unsure of themselves and their abilities, or hesitant to ask questions or share their opinions. Since online learning is done individually, there’s no need to share thoughts with others unless desired.
E-learning is one way to enrich your knowledge in an interesting and engaging way, acquire new skills, or even retrain for a different field. At BDA, in collaboration with experienced and competent specialists, you can develop customized online learning solutions tailored to your company’s specifics, taking into account employees’ needs and interests.