With ever evolving technology trends, regular updates of older frameworks and creation of new software, businesses are finding it hard to stay in-sync with the rapidly transitioning standards of applied science. When you hire a professional, it becomes your responsibility to keep them up to date with the latest developments in the IT world.
The stats provided by IBIS Capital in 2014 revealed that 41.7% of the most profitable companies in the world, the ones that are listed in the Fortune 500, were using e-learning tools for online training.
Training Methods of Past vs. E-learning Solutions
In the past, incremental trainings to employees via in-house sessions conducted by a trainer were quite common. These trainings had certain infrastructure requirements and everyone needed to be present at the same location and at the same time.
Although, this method of training was quite effective, the logistics requirements were quite complex. It was hard for companies to accomplish tasks like hiring a trainer, procuring a vacant conference room, and aligning the shift timings in such a way that all the workers who required the training were present at the same time under a single roof.
However, since the acceptance of E-learning as a viable method for disseminating knowledge, organizations have been able to provide trainings online and cut down on the infrastructural costs. Not only this approach has been economically beneficial, it has also given a lot of peace of mind to the managers and administrators.
Types of e-Learning
The two types of E-learning commonly used by businesses are:
Synchronous e-Learning
Synchronous E-learning deals with the interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. It can be done via Virtual classrooms, which are quite similar to real classrooms; however, these are available online. In these online classrooms, participants interact with each other and instructors through a variety of services like chat, audio, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
Benefits of Synchronous e-Learning
- Possible to log or track learning activities
- Regular monitoring and correction is possible
- Possibilities of global connectivity and collaboration opportunities among learners
- Personalized training for each learner
Asynchronous e-Learning
It allows the participants to complete their Web-based training at a pace of their own. In these trainings, there are no direct interactions with the instructor. The information is accessible on a self-help basis. The benefit of this type of e-Learning is that it offers the learners the information they need whenever they need it. It also promotes interaction amongst participants via a variety of online services like message boards and discussion forums.
Benefits of Asynchronous e-Learning
- Simultaneously reaches an unlimited number of employees
- Available to you at all times for instant learning and reference
- Multiple access modes from anywhere at anytime
- Consistency of content and one-time cost of production
Apart from aforementioned E-learning types, there is a new type of E-learning which has been used in recent times, known as blended learning. It combines synchronous and asynchronous learning methods, and makes use of online training through virtual classrooms and study material in form of DVDs and other digital formats.
How to Implement Social e-Learning Strategies for Transforming Businesses?
You can implement social e-Learning strategies for transforming businesses in the following ways:
1. Involve Employees in Content Creation Process
By involving employees in content creation, you can enable grass root learning. A company can make use of contemporary content authoring tools and allow employees to build and share content.
2. Use Polls and Share Idea with Group
A few tools available in the market allow you to survey learners and then provide the answers to the entire learning group. By sharing results with other people who are using e-Learning tools, you can have a major impact on the learning. Social polls and surveys help you discover your performance needs and address major issues.
3. Explore other Possibilities and Complement e-Learning
Apart from e-Learning, try to leverage learning by introducing other methods of imparting knowledge. Make use of tools at workplace like newsletter sign-ups and online articles for improving the know how through other modes.
e-Learning’s Impact on Different Businesses
Since its inception, e-Learning has played a major role in driving businesses to the next level. Its impact on Pharmaceutical, BFSI and Manufacturing industries is provided below:
Pharmaceutical Industry
It is one of the most rapidly developing industries in the world. It releases a large number of new drugs into the market every year, and hence, it becomes imperative for the decision makers in the industry to impart knowledge about all the drugs sold to its employees. By making use of e-Learning, sales representatives of pharmaceutical firms can be trained in the best possible way without disturbing their work. It is also easy to update these courses, which reduces the time gap that exists between the new medicine launched and training to staff.
BFSI Industry
Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector has a major role in the economy. The need for training on financial instruments and banking technologies has reached a new level, which has made e-Learning a viable option for these institutions. One of the biggest benefits of using e-Learning in BFSI sector is its usefulness in imparting skills and knowledge required for utilizing complex software expertly.
Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturing industry in the US manufacture products valued at $1.8 trillion every year. It is imperative that the employees working in this industry has sufficient knowledge for accomplishing their tasks. e-Learning has made it possible for manufacturing industry to stay up to date with the latest knowledge and updates.
IT Industry
The IT industry is one of the biggest users of eLearning. Due to frequent software updates and new software being launched every few days, it has become essential for IT companies to make use of e-Learning to leverage the technical knowhow of their employees.
With nearly three decades of experience in IT and technical training, QuickStart provides the best platform for e-Learning. If you are looking to train your staff, QuickStart is the perfect platform for you as it has some amazing corporate plans.