By: David Hand, VP of DevOps Sales at Orasi Software
Whether you are training through mobile devices, virtual labs, MOOCs, or simulated workshops, you have already come across the beauty of eLearning. Using digital alternatives to physical classroom learning has many advantages: cost-reduction and remote-access to name a few. There is much more that is driving organizations, trainers, and learners alike to the impact of eLearning.
People are using eLearning and virtual labs to expand their reach and provide effective training, which is crucial for organizations that are exploring innovative means for product training and specific skill sessions. From affordability to product engagement, trainers can tap into a host of advantages through eLearning.
Here’s how eLearning stands out amongst traditional classroom learning:
1. Cost-effectiveness: Since eLearning is conducted online, the training normally requires less investment in resources and hardware than traditional classroom training. Today’s cloud-friendly tools and remote set-ups add another level of scalability, elasticity and flexibility to these learning environments. There is no need to invest in an expensive learning environment to ensure consistent and impactful training.
2. More profound learning outcomes: The goal of any training endeavor – whether from the instructor or learner – is to enhance skills in an area or product. For technology training, in particular, it becomes even more essential to ensure that learners derive the maximum level of competence through a training journey. This becomes possible in eLearning and virtual labs because now there is one-on-one attention possible. Now, instructors can monitor individuals on their unique gaps and progress areas. Some virtual labs help instructors to monitor their learners through over-the-shoulder features in real-time ways as well. Also, hands-on features and simulated learning environments increase the depth of learning significantly.
3. Flexibility and simplicity: Imagine that someone is at work and can find time only in the evenings, when traveling or cannot be available until the following week. No matter where the learners are, they can now learn on their schedule and pace. The time and geography constraints of a classroom session are erased in the on-demand, cloud-enabled, and the simple, user-friendly world of eLearning.
4. Scalability: An instructor can train significantly more learners as there are no technology and time constraints with eLearning. There is virtually no constraint on the capabilities one wants to improve on or the product features one wishes to master in virtual learning. eLearning also helps people to scale in every vertical.
5. Consistent: The learning environments that are created in virtual labs are sophisticated and advanced. But they are also predictable, reusable, and devoid of complications. That is why both sides of a learning table find greater engagement and collaboration in such environments.
eLearning adoption is growing at a rapid pace across several industries. According to GMInsights, the eLearning market has crossed $200 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow over 8 percent between 2020 and 2026.
eLearning is not the future. It is the present, and it is going to gather even more momentum now. Embrace the new way of learning and underline your impact.