The Truth About Digital Learning
The arrival of technology has brought with it inventions that promote efficiency in every industry sector. From space exploration to the Internet and high-tech electronic devices, technology has benefited the world tremendously by improving people's lives and profiting organisations.
Similarly, technology has also left positive foot prints in the areas of corporate practices by introducing elearning methods and digital tools to achieve a motivated and educated workforce.
So, what exactly is digital learning and how has it revolutionised our corporate training practices?
The truth about digital learning
Ultimately, ‘digital learning’ refers to learning using online technology. This can be in the form of full elearning courses, or bitesized snippets of online resources, videos and interactive applications.
Many companies are moving away from the traditional elearning courseware and choosing to opt for digital learning resources that support employees in the workplace. Learning doesn’t always need to be conducted in an allocated time-slot and place; it can often (and sometimes more effectively) be experienced in context, on the job.
It’s true that traditional training often relies on learners swatting up on topics and memorising as many facts as possible. But does this realistically support them and create a positive impact in their job role? Having digital learning resources at your fingertips aims to improve employee work performance on a daily basis.
So, although we advocate exciting, creative elearning courses, where final assessments and activity reporting are essential, we’re also encouraging businesses to invest in video tutorials, animated demos, interactive applications and useful downloadable resources.
Anytime, anywhere…
Digital Learning has democratised education as it is no longer restricted by traditional learning practices, such as classroom training. This is because it allows information and learning materials to be available on portable devices such as iPads, smart phones and laptops, anywhere and at any time. This gives greater flexibility to employees, allowing them to choose a learning time and place that best suits their needs.
The growth of digital technologies
Many companies have achieved success and maximised profits by investing in digital technology for bridging skills gaps of their workforce.
Digital technologies, such as interactive learning management software, web portals and Youtube channels, offer rich content and resources to enhance the learning experience of employees. They also help in providing access to unlimited resources, exercises, videos and elearning course material to support staff performance.
Some companies are incorporating gamification into their elearning developments, which can improve the retention ability and learning experience of employees. As the name suggests, gamification promotes the use of games for aiding faster understanding of a difficult concept. Designing games for learning purposes can help keep employees engaged and attentive while mastering their skills and roles in a fun environment.
All these technologies and trends have benefited companies by increasing staff efficiency resulting in higher business output and profits.
The pros of digital learning
Digital learning and elearning has transformed the ways in which companies train their employees and thus have many advantages over traditional learning methods:
Lower costs: Elearning eliminates travel costs, printing material costs and instructor's fees that are inherent in traditional training methods.
Engagement: The use of videos, animation, gaming and creative graphic design in elearning enhances the employee learning experience, keeping them engaged and motivated.
Flexibility: Effective elearning technologies provide employees with the freedom to learn at any time, pace or place to suit their needs.
Collaboration: Online platforms allow employees to be more interactive and carry out discussions with other staff members.
So, as more and more organisations gain awareness of the benefits, and technology advances widen the learning opportunities, it seems the trend of digital learning is here to stay.
