Why eLearning Can Be Crucial to Entrepreneurs

eLearning is already tremendously popular, and not without a good reason. When done the right way, it can improve employee performance and also help businesses decrease costs.

eLearning has proven to be more convenient than traditional learning methods for a great many people (and not only employees!), because it allows for individual learning patterns, meaning that the process can be personalized.

What exactly is eLearning?

eLearning is an umbrella term that covers a slew of electronic educational applications and processes, including:

Web-based learning
Computer-based learning
Virtual classrooms and digital collaboration
The content can be delivered through online forums, audio and video recordings, satellite broadcast and interactive TV, and communication technologies (Zoom, Skype, and so on).

How to Implement eLearning

eLearning may be great but that isn’t to say that just any course will do.

In order to ensure you’re picking the right courses, consider the following:

Analyze your training needs and identify the area to be covered by an eLearning program.
Compare providers offering target programs. There are many Universities and associations offering courses on multiple topics.
Research the level of support offered. You’ll want the employees to have access to personal support.

Some Popular eLearning Formats

Real-Time Courses

Live learning events may prove a better option for people who prefer group learning to individual learning. Keep in mind that live eLearning events require that all participants be present at the designed time, so make sure to check employees’ respective schedules.

For that very reason, live eLearning may not be the best option for people with hectic schedules, but anyone else should be good to go. People who like to learn new things while socializing with like-minded people are likely to pick this option.

Recorded Courses

There are plenty of highly specific courses that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.

Recorded courses are a good choice almost always because the learner can pause the course and resume learning later on, which means that they don’t need to skip the breaks.

This can be especially inspiring for new hire training.

Benefits of eLearning

Improved Retention

The matter of retention never goes out of fashion. It’s not rocket science that one of the chief reasons why people decide to leave their company is because it isn’t providing them with learning opportunities.

Employees look for positive challenges and promotions and businesses should empower them to reach their goals. eLearning can help greatly in this matter.

Improved Self-Esteem

Sometimes, some people need more time to learn complex topics. Just consider what that means in the case of traditional learning. Exam dates are fixed, and exams are attended by many students. Should one flunk the exam, all students present will be aware of it.

This can be cumbersome for some people, making them lose their self-esteem.

With eLearning, even if the student fails, nobody else will be aware of it. Psychologically, this is a huge boost, allowing the student to try again without having to suffer any negative consequences.

Around-the-Clock Access

Since eLearning offers the opportunity for students to access the courses 24/7, it is suitable for international teams.

Regardless of where in the world the student is, the location won’t affect their learning outcome.

Frequent Assessments Disable Distractions

Unlike traditional learning programs, eLearning offers assessments that are an ongoing process, as opposed to one large exam as is customary for traditional learning.

The majority of eLearning courses feature short tests after each unit, which has proven to boost students’ engagement. A study performed by Harvard actually shows that short regular tests halve students’ distraction.

eLearning Boosts Collaboration

Thanks to forums and social media, people have gotten accustomed to interpersonal connections online.

For people sick and tired of quiet classrooms, this is great news!

The More Senses Used, the Better the Learning Process

Finally, the more senses you use while learning, the better the outcome will be. eLearning is so much more than just memorizing facts: there are short tests, interactions, tasks, and many other activities.

Access to Analytics

Efficient eLearning management systems allow for tracking progress in real-time and comparing different outcomes over time. To top it off, you’ll get a peek into learners’ responses to different kinds of materials, which will enable you to plan future courses even better.

You can also opt to create microlearning modules to deliver smaller chunks of information to boost the learning process.

Spice Things Up With Gamification

Lastly, you can use gameplay elements to boost the learning experience. This process —known as gamification — has been used for a long time by the military and astronauts, for example, but has only recently become widely known.

The premise of gamification is rooted in the fact that the human brain responds to rewards. Gamification incorporates multiple rewarding elements, including quizzes, points, progress tools, etc.

Key Takeaways

eLearning offers numerous possibilities for people of all kinds. Businesses may well benefit from personalizing the courses, too. Shop around a bit; there is a perfect option for literally everyone.