The Benefits Of E-learning For Distance Learning And Global Training

By Author: Kim Smith
Total Articles: 1
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What is E-Learning?

E-Learning goes by many different names:
• global training
• distance learning
• online software training
• online IT training
• computer software training
• virtual training
• web based training
• virtual web training
• e-learning online
• WBT’s
• CBT’s
• computer based training

If you are searching for a way to provide your learners training in an easily accessible, cost-efficient manner, then you most likely will be interested in e-learning.

Wikipedia defines it as: “E-learning (or eLearning) is the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education”. And, more specifically, e-learning uses technology (mainly the internet) to present training to learners. E-learning is primarily self-paced which progresses forward based upon the learner’s response. The learner can take the e-learning at any time/anywhere as long as they have access to the technology. This is a huge advantage for distance ...
... learning and global training.

There are many delivery methods of training. Some are:
• Instructor in a classroom (instructor-led training).
• Virtual web-based training / web conferencing, videoconferencing or online collaboration with an instructor.
• Instructor is actually instructing the learner how to perform his/her daily tasks, for instance.

And, e-learning is just one of those methods. Click here for some samples at Global e-Learning’s site.

Benefits of E-Learning

There are many benefits of e-learning over traditional training methods. Here are just a few:
1. Reduced costs
2. Faster delivery/on-demand
3. Sends a consistent message
4. More effective learning
5. Lower environmental impact (going green while saving green)

Reduced Costs: In addition to lower delivery costs there is a strong argument that e-learning is more cost-effective because there is a reduction in training time known as learning compression. This is because the single largest cost of training in organizations is the cost of staff attending the training course, rather than the direct delivery costs in terms of trainers, course materials, travel and accommodation. E-learning can deliver benefits by reducing the time it takes to train people because:

• Learners can go at their own pace, not at the pace of the slowest member of a group.
• Time in classrooms can be spent on questions and topics introduced by other delegates.
• Less social interaction time.
• Less time to start/wrap up a learning session.
• Less travel time to a training event.
• Learners can skip elements of a program they don’t need

A huge amount of savings can be calculated from not having to travel or spend time away from work when implementing e-learning. In addition, e-learning is virtually free once you reach the break-even point of development hours. Synchronous programs will have continued costs associated with the instructor managing the class.

1. Faster Delivery/On-Demand: Whether the training is in CD form (CBT’s) or web-based (WBT’s), e-learning programs can be taken when needed. And, e-learners can go through training sessions from anywhere, usually at any time.

2. Sends a Consistent Message: E-learning eliminates the challenges associated with multiple instructors teaching slightly different material on the same subject. This is often a very critical point in corporate-learning.

3. More Effective Learning: With e-learning, there’s an increased retention rate and a stronger grasp on the subject; especially when it comes to difficult technical materials such as software training or computer course training. This is because of the many elements that are combined in e-learning to reinforce the message, such as video, audio, quizzes, interaction, etc. There is also the ability to revisit and replay sections of the training that might not have been clear the first time around.

4. Lower Environmental Impact: E-learning can also save trees by saving paper. Many e-learning courses are entirely self-contained, presenting all learning content online, or providing alternatives to paper-based forms of communication through such tools as email, PDF manuals, synchronous classrooms, and other web-based tools. Not to mention less energy spent and fewer CO2 emissions.

So in general, e-learning saves money, time and the environment. It is the way to go when faced with technical online IT training and hard to teach subject materials such as online software training and computer software training.

What better way to get started than to reach out to Global e-Learning? We can get you going on the right path with web based training and e-learning.