E-learning: definition, advantages, disadvantages and tools
We all want to learn something new every day. In everyday life, at school, at university or at work. Digitalisation and digital media have significantly changed the way we learn in recent years, giving rise to new concepts such as e-learning.
All of us have already had conscious or unconscious experience with electronically supported learning. Whether through online courses or tutorials on a learning platform.
Web-based training, intelligent tutoring systems, blended learning... Do you know the difference? In this article you will find out exactly what e-learning is, what forms it takes, what the advantages and disadvantages are and which tools simplify electronic learning.
Definition: What is e-learning?
E-learning stands for electronic learning and covers all types of learning that are supported by digital and electronic media. This includes online learning, multimedia learning, computer-aided learning, computer-based training, distance learning (tele-learning), mobile learning and so-called blended learning.
On the one hand, the term e-learning describes an electronically supported learning process. This means that electronic and digital media support the presentation and distribution of didactic and pedagogical concepts. This is the case, for example, with online courses, further training or online seminars.
On the other hand, any self-determined form of learning that is supported by digital tools can be considered e-learning. This is the case when you look up an unfamiliar term on Google or read an article in digital form.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages of e-learning
- Learning experience independent of time and place
The only requirement for learning is a stable internet connection.
- Individual learning speed
Every learner can learn at their own pace. This reduces the risk of missing out on content because the pace is too fast or of becoming bored because the pace is too slow.
- Independent learning experience
Learners are forced to engage with the topics themselves. You cannot rest on the work of others.
- Wide range of learner types
Interactive tasks, photos, videos, texts, etc. A wide range of learning materials makes the learning process dynamic and varied.
- Cost savings
Investing in e-learning is significantly cheaper for companies than hiring an expert for seminars.
- Scalability
E-learning platforms are scalable and can be used by all company employees.
- Multilingualism
E-learning is available in many languages and is therefore also suitable for internationally operating companies.
- Consistent teaching quality
The quality of teaching is consistent regardless of the teacher, their daily form or other external factors.
- Learning materials are reusable
Content only needs to be recorded once and can be viewed an infinite number of times.
Disadvantages of e-learning
- Adaptation time
Learners first have to learn how to use the software.
- Security gaps
Data protection must be ensured at all times.
- Learning quality
The presentation and learning content are often limited by technology. This means that the quality of learning is not as high as with a physical presentation of the subject matter.
- Lack of personal contact
The absence of a tutor leaves questions unanswered and a lack of dialogue between learners makes it difficult to share experiences.
- Fatigue
For many people, learning on a screen is more tiring than learning on paper.
- Lack of supervision
E-learning requires learners to be self-disciplined in order to achieve the expected results.
Forms of e-learning
Computer-based training CBT
The term computer-based training refers to learning programmes that are played on a CD-ROM or DVD on a PC. This involves self-directed learning without direct contact with an expert.
This type of e-learning was popular in the 1990s for in-company training in the banking and insurance sector. However, with the development of faster internet connections, this first method of e-learning was gradually replaced by cheaper and faster web programmes.
Web-based training (WBT)
While the CBT method stores learning content on a physical data carrier, the web-based training method stores it in the cloud. Similar to the CBT method, the user has control over the learning progress and can learn in a self-determined way.
Some web-based training methods offer virtual classrooms in which a tutor conveys teaching content in real time. These virtual classrooms enable interaction between teachers and learners using a camera, microphone or chat function.
Mobile learning
Mobile learning is made possible through the use of mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. The learning content is often accessed via an app. Mobile learning adapts to the individual learner, who can access courses from any location, thanks to its location-independent use.
Thanks to the rapid development of the mobile network, mobile learning will continue to gain in importance in the future. Mobile learning is characterised by the fact that learning content is presented in short sections, as the concentration span of users on mobile devices is generally shorter.
However, this increases motivation, efficiency and learning success, as mobile learning allows previously unused time to be used for learning, e.g. when travelling or on the way to work. Mobile learning can therefore be used to complement web-based training.
Learn Management System (LMS)
Similar to web-based training, learn management systems are cloud-based applications. However, they offer far greater scope for action.
In addition to learning content, these virtual learning environments or learning platforms also offer functions for managing different courses, tasks, learning tools and areas of responsibility. They offer opportunities for communication and interactive applications such as a quiz.
Content sharing
Content sharing refers to learning offers that make it possible to exchange learning materials. These can be websites, applications or forums.
Content sharing is not only interesting for pupils and students. It is also an advantage in companies if different employees can share access to certain information.
Blended learning
Blended learning combines the best of both worlds: It combines the efficiency and cost benefits of digital learning with the quality of traditional learning.
It is the most popular form of e-learning in companies, as theoretical knowledge can be made available electronically before it is applied in practice with an expert. The expert ensures that the practical attendance phase, in which what has been learnt is implemented, builds didactically on the theoretical learning phase. The practical phase is often followed by a computer-aided follow-up phase.
Adaptive learning systems (Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS))
Adaptive learning systems are the most modern type of e-learning. It is software that learns to act like a tutor with the help of artificial intelligence. The program adapts the learning process to the learner's behaviour and progress. It therefore offers an individualised learning process.
Among other things, the system analyses user behaviour, learning speed and learning content in order to get to know the user better and determine an optimal learning programme. The user learns independently and can customise the interface, learning topics and learning speed according to their preferences.
Tools
Docebo
Docebo is a cloud-based LMS developed with the help of artificial intelligence. It enables you to create an engaging learning experience for your customers, partners and employees.
It offers the possibility for customer training, partner training, employee onboarding, sales enablement, employee development and compliance training, among others.
TalentLMS
TalentLMS is an uncomplicated, cloud-based platform for knowledge and learning management. It allows you to create your own courses in just a few minutes, customised to your specific requirements.
Personalise your courses with your own domain, company logo and design. TalentLMS is also optimised for mobile devices.
TalentLMS
iSpring Suite
iSpring Suite is an award-winning LMS for creating online courses, quizzes, interactive role-playing games and video lessons. It features an online classroom for teamwork and collaboration on courses.
It supports mobile learning and is very easy to integrate with PowerPoint. A library of more than 68,000 e-learning products helps you create courses faster.
iSpring Suite
E-learning: Satisfy your hunger for knowledge in just a few clicks
E-learning is the future of learning. Not only is it more cost-effective than traditional methods, but it can also be customised and accessed at any time and from any location.
So, when will you switch to e-learning methods in your company?
Article translated from German