E-learning describes the delivery of learning or training through digital resources. The term was coined in the 1990s; as computers and the internet became more accessible, schools and universities began utilising this new technology to deliver courses online, track student progress and distribute learning materials.1 By the early 2000s, many businesses had also followed suit, using e-learnings to train new staff and offer existing employees the chance to expand their industry knowledge and skillsets.1
Fast forward to 2020, and a global pandemic has changed the world of work. With millions of us now working from home, e-learning has become an essential component of training programmes across all industries.
So, what are the benefits of e-learning? And can it really emulate a face-to-face learning experience?
Improves retentionThe ‘forgetting curve’ represents the decline in memory retention over time; it suggests that learners forget 90% of information within a month of learning it;2 however, studies have shown that e-learnings can improve memory retention by 25–60%.3 Unlike traditional classroom teaching, e-learnings can be accessed at any time, allowing learners to refresh their knowledge as they need to and study at their own pace. With the ability to incorporate audio, video and simulations, e-learnings cater to all learning styles and offer a bespoke learning process, making content more memorable.
Saves costs and timeBreaking down e-learnings into small-sized chunks means it is easier for learners to find time to complete training sessions during the workday. Online learning also eliminates travel, venue hire and material costs associated with face-to-face training. E-learning is scalable; once developed—it can be made available to as many people as necessary. This scalability makes it a cost-effective training solution as it removes the need to host multiple sessions, freeing up valuable business hours. In fact, it has been found that in comparison to classroom training, e-learning requires 40–60% less employee time.3
Enhances engagementWhilst e-learning cannot replicate the personal interaction possible in a classroom, it can provide an equally stimulating learning environment. Creating real-life simulations within e-learnings encourages learners to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. Not only does this improve retention, but it allows learners to fail in a less intimidating environment than a room full of colleagues. Gamification, quizzes and further interactivity ensure that all learners actively engage with the content, whilst the addition of features such as chat rooms promote discussion about the content between peers. This level of engagement is not always possible to achieve in a real-life environment.3
Ensures consistencyThe experience learners receive in a classroom is largely dependent on the instructor leading the session; the focus placed on specific topics is likely to vary between training sessions. E-learnings combat this problem by offering the same content to everyone and allowing the learners themselves to decide which courses to prioritise. This personalised approach to learning guarantees that individual needs are catered to and ensures that all learners have access to the highest standard of material.
During these unprecedented times, the ability to deliver high-quality training remotely is more important than ever before. Here at TVF, we pride ourselves on offering a range of exciting e-learning solutions. To find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
If you are interested in our e-learning services, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
By Sophie Dawson
