E-learning

An effective way to deliver training is through e-learning, or electronic learning. E-learning technically covers all learning that takes place with the help of digital tools, but the term is commonly used to refer to some form of web-based learning.

E-learning is popular in both education and business. It typically involves media such as video, audio, text, and images in the training material. There are usually also various tests and interactive elements incorporated into e-learning.

Getting started with e-learning

To get started with an e-learning initiative, you really only need three things.

1. A platform for e-learning – a so-called learning platform or LMS.
2. Content to put on that platform.
3. Someone who will complete the training.

There are many types of e-learning and platforms, many of which are built on older technology using standards such as SCORM or AICC. Many systems require separate authoring tools to build courses according to these older standards, while other, more modern systems instead let users upload and package their content directly within the system.

Evercate is an example of the latter, where instead of building the course in a separate system, you upload the files you want to share and assemble the final package directly in the tool.

Another difference among providers is their area of focus.

Most platforms are industry-agnostic. This means they work reasonably well for most industries. Others, like Evercate, are instead specialised to work especially well for specific industries. In Evercate's case, the niche is Retail, Hospitality, and Franchise.

Cost of e-learning

Producing and working with e-learning does not have to be expensive, time-consuming, or difficult. When comparing the cost of e-learning with traditional in-person training, it is important to include several factors in the calculation to get the full picture.

Whether you are developing traditional training or e-learning, time must be spent creating and preparing the course for the chosen format. Beyond that, the following costs should be considered for each format.

Traditional training

• The time spent preparing each lesson or training session.
• The cost of the venue where the course is held.
• The cost of the instructor.
• The cost of any travel and accommodation associated with the course.
• The lost productivity while the person is attending the course.
• Replacement staff to cover for the person who is away.

E-learning

• The cost of production.
• The cost of the platform used.
• The lost productivity (though less with e-learning) while staff complete the digital training.

The biggest financial advantage of e-learning lies in the ongoing costs. Once you have produced your course, it is there, and the few ongoing costs you have are for the platform and the minor productivity loss. The reason productivity loss is lower with e-learning than with traditional training is partly that e-learning is generally more efficient, as the same knowledge is absorbed in less time. And partly because e-learning can be broken into smaller portions, meaning the course can be spread out over a longer period and completed outside scheduled work hours or during quieter periods in the participant's schedule.