E-learning: A guide for companies

From selecting the platform to measuring success: this guide shows you step by step how to set up and scale digital learning efficiently.

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Max Mustermann

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Imagine you are responsible for the training of your employees. Instead of organizing costly on-site training courses that are difficult to coordinate, you are looking for a solution that is flexible, cost-efficient and accessible at any time. This is where e-learning comes in!

E-learning is revolutionizing the way companies train their teams by delivering learning content digitally that is customizable and easily accessible. In this guide, you will learn how your company can successfully implement e-learning and which learning strategies are proving to be particularly effective.

What exactly is e-learning?

E-learning describes learning with the help of digital technologies and media that are used to impart knowledge and train employees. The term e-learning is a collective term for various forms of learning in which learning content can be accessed and processed electronically. A wide variety of media can be used, from online courses and interactive podcasts to webinars and virtual classrooms.

At its core, e-learning is about providing learning content efficiently and from any location via digital platforms. Companies benefit not only from the flexibility for employees, but also from the savings in resources such as time and travel costs that would be incurred through face-to-face training. In addition, companies can expand their training offerings, manage important compliance training centrally and transparently and ensure standardized learning processes.

The term e-learning means “electronic learning” and describes learning via digital media and technologies in which knowledge is imparted online.

What is an e-learning platform?

An e-learning platform is a digital solution that provides learning content and supports the learning process. A Learning Management System (LMS) is a special type of such platform that organizes the entire learning process, monitors the progress of learners and manages training courses efficiently.

LMSs are at the heart of any successful e-learning strategy, as they enable the provision and management of learning content.

Functions of an e-learning platform

Some of the most important functions of an e-learning platform are summarized below:

  • Course management: companies can create, organize and assign courses to specific groups or individual employees.
  • Track learning progress: An LMS makes it possible to analyze learner progress and see which courses have been completed and how successful participants have been.
  • Certificates and reports: Certificates can be awarded upon completion of a course. Reports help to document the success of the training.

 

Using an LMS makes the administration of e-learning programs much more efficient and transparent, which is particularly beneficial in large companies.

Benefits of e-learning

Flexibility and location-independent learning

One of the biggest advantages of e-learning is the flexibility it offers companies and their employees. Learning content can be worked on from any location and at your own pace. This is particularly valuable for companies with multiple locations or international teams, as all employees can use the same training materials regardless of their location.

Employee satisfaction and loyalty

E-learning promotes the personal and professional development of employees, which strengthens their satisfaction and loyalty to the company. Ultimately, this also increases productivity and the company’s success.

Cost savings and sustainability

E-learning reduces costs for face-to-face events, travel and materials. At the same time, it saves time and resources, making it an environmentally and financially sustainable solution.

Individual learning solutions and effectiveness

Learning content can be personalized and flexibly adapted to the learner’s needs. These tailor-made programs are more effective than other forms of learning and promote learning success through interactive and modern learning methods.

Measurable success and adaptability

Progress of e-learning courses can be easily tracked, allowing managers and employees to measure learning success. Companies can respond specifically to learning needs and deploy resources more efficiently.

Employer branding and competitiveness

E-learning supports the attractiveness of a company as an employer by meeting the expectations of younger generations. This strengthens employer branding and improves competitive positioning.

Further benefits of e-learning

  • Timeliness
  • Individualization
  • Cost savings

How to implement a Learning Management System (eBook)

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Successfully establishing e-learning in your company

Step 1: Analyze the needs of your company

Before you implement e-learning, you should carry out a detailed analysis of the needs and objectives of your training measures. Here are the most important questions you should answer:

 

1. What predetermined requirements of your company need to be covered?

Identify and prioritize the legal and operational requirements that are important for your company. These include, for example, compliance requirements, IT security and occupational safety. E-learning can simplify and automate the administration of mandatory training courses, which significantly reduces the workload for trainers.

 

2. What skills do you want your employees to acquire?

Make a list of the skills that are critical to your business and the development of your teams. In manufacturing, for example, this could be the annual forklift license refresher, which can be conveniently covered via e-learning.

 

3. Who is your target group?

Determine which employees or departments are to be trained and which different learning content is relevant for these groups. In a production environment, technical employees may need training on safety standards or machine operation. In other areas, such as sales, the focus could be on soft skills, negotiation techniques or product training.

 

4. Which form of learning is best?

Consider which learning methods are most effective. For example, theoretical content such as safety regulations can be taught well via asynchronous e-learning modules, while interactive webinars or blended learning approaches can be useful for practical skills such as selling complex products. Recurring training courses, such as for dealing with new technologies, can also be organized efficiently via e-learning platforms.

Step 2: Choose the right e-learning format and platform

E-learning offers various forms that differ in their implementation. Choose the right formats and the right platform for your company:

  • Web-based training (WBT): This form of learning takes place via the Internet and is often based on interactive learning programs. It is particularly important that WBTs are based on the SCORM standard, the industry standard that makes it possible to track learning progress. This allows learners to pick up where they left off at any time. In addition, extensive quizzes and tests can be integrated to make the learning process interactive and enable continuous monitoring of success. WBTs can take place both synchronously (at the same time as other learners) and asynchronously, which offers maximum flexibility for participants.

 

  • Blended learning: This method combines the best of both worlds – digital learning and face-to-face teaching. Learning content such as PDFs, videos or interactive elements such as VR can be provided flexibly online, while practical exercises, discussions or workshops take place on site. In this way, learners benefit from the flexibility of e-learning without having to forego personal interaction and practice-oriented exercises


E-learning can be expanded in many ways using other formats such as PDF documents or videos. For example, after an e-learning module, PDF summaries can be provided for in-depth study or video sequences can be used as supplementary material. These additional resources help to consolidate what has been learned in the long term and provide learners with further information. Especially in combination with other e-learning formats, they ensure a more comprehensive learning experience.

Important: Choosing the right learning management system (LMS) is the foundation of successful e-learning. Without an appropriate platform, e-learning is just a file.

Step 3: Motivate employees and support the learning process

Even with a well-designed e-learning program, there can be challenges, especially when it comes to employee motivation and discipline. Consider the following learning strategies for the success of your e-learning program:

Microlearning: effective learning in small units

Microlearning is a strategy in which learning content is divided into small, short units that only take a few minutes each. This method is particularly effective when employees have little time but still need to continuously acquire new knowledge. The short learning units allow information to be conveyed easily and quickly without disrupting the employees’ workflow.

Interactive content: Increase engagement and motivation

Interactive learning content is one of the most effective ways to encourage learner engagement. Unlike passive learning methods such as simply watching videos or reading texts, interactive content encourages learners to actively participate in the learning process. Common forms of interactive learning content include quizzes, simulations, gamification and exercises that provide direct feedback.

Step 4: Measure and optimize the success of e-learning

To ensure that e-learning is successful in your company, you need to continuously monitor progress and adjust the program as needed.

  • Analyze learning progress: Use the reporting features of the LMS to track how far along employees are with their training and which courses have been completed.
  • Obtain feedback: Survey participants regularly to identify weaknesses and discover areas for improvement.
  • Adapt content: Regularly adapt the learning content to the changing requirements of your company and feedback from employees.

 

Continuous analysis and optimization ensure that e-learning remains successful in the long term and offers real added value for your company.

Use e-learning sensibly

E-learning offers you a forward-looking way to train your employees flexibly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Whether for topics such as software and technology training, compliance training or soft skills development – with the right introduction of e-learning, this form of learning can be seamlessly integrated into everyday working life and adapted to the specific needs of employees.

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