E-learning has revolutionized the field of academic education and in-company training. In this article I will share the complete list of benefits as well as possible limitations of E-learning so that you understand the pros and cons of this fascinating teaching method.
The 7 Benefits of E-learning
- Practice
This is probably the biggest advantage of E-learning. With a computer and an Internet connection, no matter what part of the world the learner is. Indeed, it can access information from anywhere, at any time. Distance is no longer an obstacle to learning whether academic or professional. Thus, it is possible to reach an unlimited number of employees quickly. And this, regardless of their places of employment. Here is a huge benefit for companies around the world.
- Flexible
It is very simple. Learning is easier when it adapts to the learning needs and preferences of each learner. E-learning enables students to learn at their own pace, regardless of whether they are unimportant understudies, occupied grown-ups, or workers. Outside deadlines, your learners are free to set up their agenda as they see fit. In addition, they can take their classes anywhere: at home, on the bus, in a park, if they have a mobile device with them.
- Cost-effective
Especially in the case of in-company training, the profitability of E-learning is impressive. In fact, there is no need to spend travel or accommodation for trainers and employees, online content is reusable, and there is no more cost to buy equipment or teaching materials. If your business has an online training budget, E-learning is the best option for you.
- Adapt to Different Needs
We all learn in different ways, and E-learning does everything in its power to ensure that learning needs are met. Education designers and E-learning professionals create online courses that meet all learning needs and adapt to individual preferences. Thus, it does not matter if your audience is made up of visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners. There are a variety of E-learning tools and methods that can be used while satisfying all needs.
- Immediate Outcomes
Not only are your learners able to start their courses immediately, but they can also see immediate results. Whether autonomous or trained, E-learning offers a variety of ways to give constructive feedback to learners. In addition, it allows access to additional online resources, which is always a bonus.
- Unlimited
Distance is no longer an obstacle, neither the culture nor the nationality of the learners. Translating and customizing your online courses allows you to use your E-learning content across borders and reach a wider audience. This is an advantage for your online training program, as you can use the same software for your teams around the world and adhere to the brand, values, business.
- Immediate Updates
Current online learning is much more developed nowadays. And that of tomorrow will be even more so. Multimedia, gamification, interactivity and constantly improved technologies in general, offer a variety of applications and tools that contribute to updating E-learning, but also make it more effective. And the most interesting? Once your E-learning course is updated, your learners can immediately access their latest version with a single click.
5 Main Limitations of E-learning
If your E-learning training is not based on pedagogical design theories and models, you may encounter the following problems.
- The Pedagogical Experience May Be Somewhat Solitary
It is true that while E-learning is practical and flexible, it can sometimes be a bit lonely. It will not be easy for all your learners to participate in online discussions and get actively involved with their trainers or virtual classmates. In addition, some learners require personal contact with their educators or trainers to better learn. Constructive feedback can be effective, but if not given in time, it can also be limited. On the other hand, some types of pedagogical problems can be difficult to tackle online. Finally, some questions can be lost among the many other queries and discussions. This may give the impression to some learners that they lack support and comfort.
- It Is Sometimes Impersonal
Whatever efforts are made to transfer human communication to online platforms, even if it looks natural to build relationships behind a screen, the virtual environment is not real. Nothing can replace human contact.
- Spending Too Much Time on Computer Can Cause Problems
Despite the reality of the ubiquitous connection, constant use of a computer or tablet can cause vision problems and other physical problems. Consider sending guidelines on appropriate posture, optimal desk height, in addition to your E-learning course. They may be useful to your learners.
- It Requires a Certain Degree of Self-Discipline
If your audience lacks self-discipline, it is likely that they are not motivated enough to study. Traditional learning and training have the advantage of tracking the progress of each learner. An advantage for those who feel the need to be closely followed in order to learn properly.
- It May Result in a Lack of Control
Even if you have designed your E-learning courses carefully, there is no guarantee that the message will be transmitted. Your learners have control over their pedagogical experience and that’s good, but will they be able to use it effectively? There is always a risk that they just fly over the material without paying too much attention.
If your E-learning course is not designed to exploit this method to the maximum, it will soon be uninteresting. Moreover, unless you know exactly how to use new technologies, it is likely that they will distract your audience very quickly. Thus, creating effective E-learning courses involves time, experience, commitment, good online communication skills and a real passion for learning. You understood everything? If so, make sure that the benefits of your online training outweigh its constraints.
Now that you have learned about the pros and cons of E-learning, you may be interested in learning hybrid (or mixed). The article blends learning. Advantages and disadvantages in a company training allow you to know the strengths and weaknesses of E-learning.
