Technology has made training more accessible, adaptable, and affordable for innumerable companies—and it’s definitely worth considering for your business. But it may not be the right choice for every company.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons.
Benefits of E-Learning
Easy access. One of the greatest things about e-learning is that anyone can access it, anytime. This is especially important for companies with remote teams and large international workforces—all employees need is an Internet connection.
Flexibility. Another great thing about e-learning is it doesn’t require your employees to show up at a certain time, at a specific location. They don’t have to be absent from work to attend training, or rush across town to an inconvenient location to make their classes.
Affordability. Compared to on-site, instructor-led training, e-learning can be surprisingly affordable. There’s no need to pay for an instructor, location, equipment, or supplies beyond what’s required for the e-course. And there are a variety of training options to fit every company’s industry and budget.
Tracking. Many e-learning solutions allow administrators to track metrics—how many employees have taken a class, taken a test, and passed. This way you can keep tabs on how your employees are doing with the training. This can be especially important in industries where certification and continuing education are mandatory.
Drawbacks of e-learning
No face-to-face component. Some people enjoy learning in a classroom, collaborating with other students, and meeting their instructor face-to-face. This is something you miss with e-learning, but many solutions have workarounds—from online video chat with instructors to private Slack channels for collaboration with other students.
Technology problems. The world demands that everyone be tech-savvy these days, but not everybody is. If your workforce is less comfortable operating online and dealing with the software, then technical issues may be a hurdle for your company. Knowing whether e-learning will work for your employees often means knowing how tech-savvy they are and training them in using the platform.
Less help for the less-motivated. Highly motivated learners tend to do very well with e-learning. But for those who are less motivated, it can be easier to slip through the cracks. Many e-learning programs are self-paced, and an undermotivated or time-stressed worker may take a long time to work through the material. That’s why it’s so important to be able to track training metrics—so you know who may need extra help.
E-learning can be a great way to get your employees trained. And with so many options out there for e-learning, it’s likely there’s a fit for your company—and your workforce.
