The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the widespread use of online education in new ways, particularly for professional advancement. In this article, I have addressed “5 Reasons E-Learning Is The Future Of Professional Development”.
It’s no longer necessary for those looking to advance in their careers to invest in expensive degree programs and L&D efforts to have a productive training environment in place.
This educational revolution isn’t deterring individuals from making use of online learning despite its shortcomings. This technique is here to stay as a useful addition.
I endorse online learning for professional progress, despite its difficulties, from my position as an industry leader in online learning. I’d like to point out a few of the most important reasons for this.
5 Reasons E-Learning Is The Future Of Professional Development
1. Learners can work at their own pace if they want to
Because web-based solutions allow people to learn at their own pace, many people and businesses like them. They can choose what they want to learn about and how they want to learn it.
Every student learns in a different way and has different needs in life. Expecting everyone to learn at the same speed is a mistake that can hurt your chances of success.
For people who aren’t traditional learners, like those who have to take care of their families or have different learning abilities, the pace of in-person corporate learning solutions has been a problem.
Employees can learn at their own pace in a self-paced setting. In reality, web-based learning technologies help corporate training because it takes 40% to 60% less time to finish the same course.
Employees can study whenever they want, which means they don’t have to make long trips to training centers.
As for self-paced learning, it isn’t right for everyone and should not be thought of like a one-stop-shop. In general, it takes more reading to learn how to use online applications.
Many students may not be able to finish an online program if they don’t have a strong desire to do so. These extra requirements can be a problem, and they should be taken into account when choosing a web-based service.
2. Online learning is inexpensive
Online learning saves money for learners, instructors, and L&D teams alike. When compared to in-person professional advancement programs, remote education saves money (which includes expenditures for buildings, transportation, and resources, among other things).
According to Dr. Brent Peterson’s research, learning efficacy is based on three factors: the learning experience accounts for 25% of learning, individual preparedness accounts for 25% of learning, and follow-up activities account for 50% of learning.
Companies, on the other hand, devote 10% of their training budgets to pre-learning event activities and only 5% to post-learning event activities. This means that 85% of training budgets are squandered.
Maintenance costs for remote corporate learning solutions are significantly lower than those for in-person training programs.
Management, travel, and event planning expenses are reduced. Instead, teams can reinvest in real-world applications. Web-based solutions are also an excellent choice for small businesses that cannot afford to invest in a full-fledged LMS.
Of course, the success of an online corporate learning solution is dependent on the participation of each employee. A program’s cost-effectiveness does not guarantee that it will be successful.
These solutions require a long-term commitment. Instead of a total replacement, some organizations may choose to incorporate web-based solutions into their toolbox.
3. Online learning offers a broader range of options
There are numerous options for online learning. Learners can now get step-by-step guidance on a variety of previously unavailable professional development topics.
Employees are unable to study the topics required to thrive or advance in their careers because most companies lack in-person specialists in a variety of fields.
A learner’s subject options are virtually limitless with a web-based system, and L&D teams can quickly curate specific programs. Because of advancements in official accreditations, learners can now demonstrate their abilities, and L&D teams can track program completion.
Quality, on the other hand, is not guaranteed by variety. Many online solutions lack the necessary accreditation to provide appropriate training.
Similarly, web-based solutions are incapable of adequately replacing many specialties, particularly those that necessitate on-the-job training (such as online medical education). To ensure that web-based solutions meet demand, L&D teams should exercise caution when investing in them.
4. People all over the world can access online education
Learners can enroll in online programs from virtually anywhere in the world, which benefits businesses with multiple locations around the world.
Employees can reskill at the same time, regardless of location, thanks to online learning technologies. Teams from all over the world can train on new materials simultaneously.
Because of online learning, employees can even relocate while attending web-based professional development programs. By adopting a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle, any organization can create a lasting web of global learners who can regain their lifestyle without sacrificing career ambitions.
However, for some people, the cost of web-based technology may be prohibitive. Despite the fact that 73% of Americans own a computer, global computer/mobile literacy rates are much lower.
There is still a significant gap in computer literacy in India, for example. As a result, when L&D teams evaluate learning solutions, these roadblocks must be considered.
5. Online learning is adaptable
In 2021, businesses will need to be more adaptable than ever before. Companies thrive when they respond quickly with technological rollouts and reskilling plans, as the economic disaster of last year demonstrated.
Web-based enterprise learning packages, which provide an agile response to a fast-paced industry, support pivots like these.
Web-based solutions facilitate the rapid development of relevant information, which is critical for an effective learning department. Web-based solutions can also be rotated frequently to adapt to changing market conditions.
Administration and management, on the other hand, are critical to an online program’s success. Failure to successfully launch an online program can stifle growth.
Poorly managed web-based solutions may be harmful to organizations that do not have a solid foundation in online training, especially for support. Organizations should consider whether they have the necessary resources and cultural adaptation.
Online learning, in general, is here to stay. It’s a useful addition to our enterprise learning approaches, and it can assist a company in planning for the future. Investing in online education ensures that everyone has the opportunity to have a better future.
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