Arunima Majumdar

Today, the face of corporate training is continually changing. It is not easy to enhance the skills sets of employees with a single learning approach. Organizations looking for methods that decrease costs and enhance business productivity are moving towards alternatives to traditional training programs. These organizations look for out-of-the-box training methods, incorporating the benefits of e-learning to benefit their biggest asset: the workforce. They understand the importance of online courses delivered on the web or in a hybrid environment, where the trainer has face-to-face interactions with the learners.
                                           
In a learning environment, learners need to understand what the trainer expects from them and what they expect from the trainer. E-learning is driven by a wide range of technological advancements, including web access, content digitization, smartphones, and embedded communications in just a few clicks of the mouse. These advancements have enabled a plethora of new learning methods, such as virtual classrooms, e-courses, real-time video tutorials, and more.

The content of online learning courses can be custom developed or be ready to use. Here are some of the unique features of e-learning:

• Ready: The e-learning content is available anytime and from anywhere, making it accessible per the needs of modern learners.
• Rich: The information is gathered from varied resources, supporting different job roles, learning styles, and organizational imperatives.
• Scalable: The size may range from a single person to thousands of learners worldwide. Unlike traditional classroom-based training, you can deliver content on the web, moving your program delivery from bricks to clicks.
• Flexible: E-learning happens in an informal environment, supporting the just-in-time and self-paced learning approaches.

How to Choose the Right E-Learning Course
To deliver unique e-course content, organizations need a plethora of learning resources to meet diverse business needs. When choosing the right learning content, you should look for the following features:

• Informational:

Informational content includes books, reports, audio-visual tools, and others. The quick access to informational course content at any time and from any mobile device helps offer just-in-time performance support.

• Instructional:

The e-courseware content should be custom designed and instructionally sound. It should focus on problem-solving, self-paced, and practical learning. The content should place emphasis on the learners’ objectives followed by assessments to track their achievements.

• Blended content:

Blending training includes an amalgam of informal and formal training methods to enhance the efficacy of learning. It helps develop a strong skill repository of employees, leading to an increase in retention rate.

• Certification:

From the technicians and HR to the accountants and project managers, all of whom are certified in their respective domains, everyone needs to stay updated. These learners require rapid access to critical content when and where it is needed.

The success of any organization depends on how the e-learning approach can enhance business growth, increase learners’ satisfaction, close their skill gaps, and boost confidence. Online learning programs give value for money when the knowledge is imparted in a learning environment and then implemented by learners at the workplace.