What is E-Learning?

In short terms, E-Learning is a form of training delivered online across a range of different platforms; such as computers, tablets and smartphones. In some cases, it eliminates the need of traditional learning taking place in a classroom environment. A good example of this is the increasing amount of compulsory training when first starting at a new firm, now takes place in an E-Learning package ready for you to complete within your first few months.

In other cases, both E-Learning and Traditional sessions can work hand in hand by taking topics out of a course and creating them in a Learning format that is accessible for the learner to complete before their next facilitated session of their course.

A lot of people would recognize a basic E-Learning package as resembling a slide show based activity such as a powerpoint, that would take place in their own time online with a simple layout and a way to navigate around the resource. It would also include True-false and multiple choice questions for the learner to complete at the end of the session. However, sessions can be a lot more engaging...

Elements that make E-Learning Packages more engaging include;

1. Getting the learner to follow a click path around the software they may be using now or in the future.
2. Branching out paths that may change with every decision; correct or wrong answer they make during the online session.
3. Incorporating more media based content such as, helpful PDF's, relateable graphics, infograhics, video demonstrations, links heading off to external websites and adding a narrator.
4. Adding interactive elements that the user will need to complete in order to progress; including drag and drops, fill in the blanks, clicking on objects to open other layers, using sliders to demonstrate the effect of something and using gameification to make the whole process more appealing as the user will be getting rewards.

So... what are the key factors of E-Learning?

• Self-Paced - learn when it suits you, where it suits you
• Media-Rich - using a range of different types of media relating to the topic
• Interactive - instead of just reading text, taking that text and putting it into scenarios, videos, info-graphics
• Cutting the costs of training - buying or creating a package that can be used multiple times by multiple people. It also saves on traveling costs, if staff or students are traveling from other offices going to a facilitated session
• Time saving - instead of taking days out of staffs core responsibilities going to a facilitated session, they will be able to dip and dive into their learning when they want to
• Reusable - if your staff or students need to refresh their memory at any stage during their time in a specific role, or reminding themselves of the companies core values.
• Global reach - providing training to other offices around the world in your company
• Eco-friendly - cutting down travel from other offices around the world
• Empowering employees - letting staff increasingly grow into their roles and helping them to progress. Taking their learning into their own hands.

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