e-Learning in companies is becoming increasingly popular. We examine the topic from different perspectives and present five facts about digital in-house training and development.

It is difficult to find valid statistics on the use of e-learning in companies . During our research, we came across a wide variety of surveys and data, which nevertheless differed greatly from one another. Even if the figures vary widely, one trend can be read from all the statistics: Corporate e-learning is becoming increasingly important for companies. Topics such as blended learning, training videos or learning nuggets are at the top of the corporate e-learning agenda. Companies also have e-learning trends like augmented reality on the schedule. So the way seems to be paved for the future of e-learning in companies. As an e-learning provider, we are naturally pleased about this, as it has been part of our daily routine for many years to successfully anchor e-learning. However, the subject is still fraught with a few prejudices and uncertainties. With the help of this text, we want to dispel these. Here are the things you should definitely know about corporate e-learning:

The fact that companies cannot avoid the topic of e-learning is due not only to its proven effectiveness, but also to the needs of (young) employees. Generations Y and Z are making new demands on the world of work. They are hungry for customized education and training that makes sense and advances their careers. Moreover, as digital natives, they are used to working with smartphones and laptops. The logical consequence for companies: a corresponding anchoring of e-learning. With the help of e-learning offerings, companies can dock onto the needs of their young employees and provide up-to-date training and development opportunities. The emphasis here is on “contemporary”, because for e-learning to work in companies, factors such as e-didactics or interactivity must be incorporated into the e-learning concept.

e-Learning has numerous advantages. Companies can use these advantages to better convey their learning content. e-Learning is excellent at taking complexity out of difficult topics. For example, complex operating instructions or the features of new software can be conveyed more comprehensibly with the help of videos, e-learning quizzes or interactive elements than can be achieved in the context of classroom training. Since employees can learn independently of time and place, they deal with the learning content in a more focused manner. The targeted addressing of motivational factors, which succeeds through e-learning, additionally pays off in terms of learning success.

Education and training on a classroom basis, but even poorly done e-learning can rarely pick up all learners. On the one hand, this has to do with the fact that not all learners belong to the same learning type. By means of e-learning, both visual and auditory learning types can be addressed. By simulating conversations, even communicative learning types can be reached. Moreover, e-learning can be adapted relatively easily for other language. This gives learners with other mother tongues the same conditions as their peers. And not to forget: Accessibility. If desired, e-learning solutions can be implemented barrier-free, so that no one has to be excluded from the learning experience.

Yes, well-done e-learning costs. But: Well-done e-learning does not cost more in the long term than corresponding face-to-face courses – on the contrary. Those who rely on e-learning have to invest at the beginning, but save money in the time that follows. Travel expenses, meals and lecturers’ fees are almost entirely eliminated by e-learning. In addition, new learning content can be integrated easily and relatively inexpensively. In this way, e-learning offers remain up-to-date for a long time and thus become sustainable investments for companies.

Well-done e-learning is a combination of many factors: it requires e-didactic expertise, graphic skills, technical know-how, and experience with authoring tools and learning management systems (LMS). Some of this can probably be covered by a company itself, but in the rarest of cases all requirements can be met in-house. Therefore, in most cases, it is more efficient to have e-learning offerings created by professionals. Professional e-learning providers not only bring know-how in all required areas, but also open up new perspectives for companies. In-house expertise can quickly turn into operational blindness. e-Learning professionals look at the learning content from the outside and put themselves in the position of the target group to ensure appropriate preparation. It is also much cheaper to work with external e-learning providers than to hire your own staff for e-learning creation.

We show how e-learning can look in practice in companies with our e-learning formats and our best practices. We would also be happy to talk to you about it in person.