The e-learning and online education boom is ongoing in Poland and around the world. Despite this, many teachers, trainers and training participants still do not know what e-learning is. Let’s define once and for all how e-learning works.
What is e-learning?
E-learning, also known as e-education, is a form of remote learning anywhere and at any time using the Internet and computers or mobile devices, such as tablets or smartphones (m-learning). With globalization, the availability of the Internet and such devices is increasing, which allow e-learning training to reach every corner of the world.
Where is e-learning used?
E-learning is increasingly being implemented in business and local government units for employee training (e.g. thanks to the LXP platform), as well as in schools and universities for the development of pupils and students (helped by educational portals and e-textbooks). E-learning allows you to complete a course, training, or even studies without being physically present in a lecture hall.
Who uses e-learning?
Currently, it is primarily teachers and personal development trainers who use LMS e-learning platforms, thanks to which they create and publish their own e-learning courses and trainings online. They conduct webinars and video conferences. When it comes to the business world, e-learning is primarily used by HR specialists and learning & development experts who prepare educational materials and development and career paths for Employees.
Forms of e-learning
Online training can be implemented in the popular SCORM format, but also, for example, as video learning. There are endless forms of e-learning. E-learning courses can use various forms of activating trainees, such as quizzes, tests, simulations, or educational games and elements of gamification.
Synchronous and asynchronous e-learning
E-learning can be both synchronous and asynchronous. Traditional e-learning is the latter option – there is no predetermined time when the training takes place and it is available online all the time. Everyone can complete it at their own pace and return to the materials attached to it. Synchronous e-learning includes webinars, live broadcasts, online conferences, which take place in real time and you have to participate in them here and now.
E-learning and blended learning
E-learning can be part of a larger blended learning strategy that combines in-person and online learning into one effective ecosystem.
Advantages of e-learning
- works on any device with internet access
- global reach – conducting and participating in training from anywhere in the world
- greater teaching effectiveness thanks to modern tools such as: presentations, animations, chat, screen sharing, whiteboard, gamification, VR and AR, tik-tok learning
- savings on logistics, training rooms
- online tests that consolidate the knowledge acquired
- standardization of knowledge and repeatability of e-learning training for the entire organization – school or company
- less mental and physical stress for students
- individualization of the training process – development paths
- higher levels of happiness and greater employee engagement
- easier analytics, verification of acquired knowledge and tracking of students’ or employees’ progress
Disadvantages of elearning
- technological concerns among trainers and teachers – the answer to this are the necessary training and tutorials in the use of the e-learning platform
- lack of awareness of the existence of specific tools and methods of online education and activation – expanding knowledge in this area
- brak socjalizacji i przynależności do społeczności wśród uczniów i kursantów – zadaniem trenerów i nauczycieli jest wspieranie innych aktywności offline i interakcji między szkolonymi osobami podczas kursu, ale i po szkoleniu
E-learning in your school or company
If you want to implement an e-learning platform or online training in your school, university or company, write to us. We knew e-learning before it was fashionable. At Eduexpert, we have been doing this for over 10 years. We can create attractive and modern educational materials, multimedia projects or dedicated training for your company or institution. We know how to effectively transfer knowledge and develop employees through interactive multimedia. Contact us and let’s talk!
