his month, we speak with Katrijn Van den Hende about e-Learning. Katrijn is one of the driving forces behind Onyx Online Learning.
e-Learning, cheaper & more efficient than traditional learning methods
In the United States, e-Learning, also known as online learning, is ‘big business.’ Europe is lagging behind but has been making up for lost ground in recent years.
What exactly is e-Learning?
“There is no concrete definition of e-Learning, opinions and definitions vary. According to ATD*, e-Learning refers to any form of learning that is delivered, enabled, or guided by electronic technology. e-Learning or Electronic Learning is therefore the acquisition or transmission of knowledge via computers or computer-based material.”
*American Society for Training and Development. Renowned professional membership organization.
What kinds of e-Learning modules are available?
“You can distinguish two major groups: off-the-shelf modules and increasingly popular personalized training.
Off-the-shelf modules are ready-made e-Learning courses designed around a specific theme. Ideal for learning Excel, for example, or taking a language course. Personalized e-Learning modules are designed according to the client’s needs, based on their input or content.”
So, as a company, you can have a customized virtual training module created. How does this work in practice?
“Together with the training manager of a company or organization, a basic structure is outlined. The specific needs, format, and length of the requested module are then established. The client provides the content. For example, a manual or a PowerPoint presentation.
There are simple to very extensive modules, ranging from an instruction manual to an e-Learning course in which employees and/or customers are tested and/or certified.”
Can you collaborate with other companies via e-Learning?
“That’s one of the benefits. Take a company that works with subcontractors, for example.
I’ll give you an example. A company wants external firms to follow a safety procedure before granting them access to their premises. This can be done perfectly via e-Learning. All parties undergo the same training.”
Are these e-Learning modules accessible via any computer?
“Indeed, this process is carried out online. Any employee and/or customer who has access to the e-Learning can do so via their computer or laptop. There are also modules for phones, but they are structured differently.”
So, you don’t need to travel?
“Exactly. Your virtual instructor travels with you.
Even more, you choose the part you need precisely when you need it. All according to your own pace.
The company doesn’t have to pay for a trainer and saves on location and travel costs.”
What if you collaborate with branches abroad?
“Online Learning is cross-border. The same content is offered to all employees, customers, or contractors, but it can be adapted to the language and culture of the country.”
But… can a virtual instructor convey the message as clearly?
“In the U.S., this form of online training is used in 73% of all companies. A study by the U.S. government shows that e-Learning works better than traditional learning.
Advantages:
- flexible
- faster
- consistent and up-to-date knowledge transfer
- didactically substantiated
- integrating work and learning
- collaboration
- competency-oriented
- promotes customer retention
It is, of course, important to consider the objectives of the e-Learning, the target group, and their learning habits.”
Is e-Learning expensive and only for large companies?
“e-Learning is often cheaper than traditional teaching and is also feasible for small companies. The criterion is not the size of the company, but the objectives of this learning form.”