E-learning should not be just a cool new trend for companies to adopt because everything traditional is obsolete and should be replaced. Rather, e-learning is an important cultural change in companies regarding the way they are improving learning process. One thing is certain, when implemented strategically, e-learning is a game changer for any company’s training.
It is clear that e-learning offers number of benefits to people and companies and can offer a better alternative to the traditional methods. There are some clear advantages worthy of mention.
- Flexibility & No boundaries
There are no boundaries and restrictions when it comes to when and where to engage in the learning process. Employees can do it from the comfort of their own place, at whatever time they want as long as they have computer and internet. No long commuting and other inconveniences. This is especially significant benefit when having an international team of people, scattered all around the world in different time zones. E-learning easily offers training anywhere and at anytime.
- Cost-effective
Companies do care a lot about costs. Introduction of e-learning will save a lot and this is especially true when talking about huge international team of people dispersed globally. Inital costs of development might be higher but the implementation costs are reduced because of the speed and simplicity with which the learning is delivered. No costs of accommodation and travelling, classroom rents, printed material, trainers, ect.
- Consistency
Development of e-learning course means delivering an identical pieces of information and knowledge to all participants. While in a traditional classroom those can vary from training to training affecting the learning outcome.
- Ease of accessibility
E-learning equips employees with the learning material accessible 24/7. Every person has a different style, pace and method of learning and not everyone has the same starting level of knowledge. There are fast learners and slower ones, those who need to go through the same material more than once to acquire the knowledge and those who feel comfortable with some topics therefore just skimming them over and saving time. Simply stated it is designed to cater different needs of learners and thus enhances productivity.
- Ease of tracking
Tracking a progress and performance of employees is a snap. Keeping a track of learning process and making sure that performance milestones are met have never been simpler to follow. Discovering any hardship that the employees might have with online courses can lead the management to examine more the problem and make modifications to the online course. Most online learning platforms have different tests and quizzes integrated to better assess the pace of learning.
E-learning simply fits the millennial workforce better. Continuity of learning and learning at their own pace is what they highly value. Virtual offices are becoming more and more a „thing“ and companies are increasingly becoming global players where workforce is scattered all around the world. E-learning makes everything reachable at their fingertips and that is not likely to change soon. It is not just a buzzword and new tools and methods of online learning are already emerging taking e-learning a step forward.
Serbian