Online Learning – Consider the Benefits

Online learning (sometimes referred to by its old name of E-Learning) has come a long way in recent years. Whether it is simply a short course or part of a blended course that uses a mixture of online and face to face, it has so many advantages.

Online learning – what are the advantages for the learner?

Maybe you need a particular course for work, or perhaps to help get the right job.  However, learning new skills and gaining new knowledge can often be a daunting prospect especially if you find yourself sitting in a training session with your peers.

With online learning, you learn at your own pace.  You learn as quickly or as slowly as you like in surroundings that you find comfortable.

It is also very convenient. You complete your training when it is convenient for you, day or night. This could be at work or from home. All you need is some free time and an internet connection.

And the advantages for the employer?

For the employer, there are many benefits to using online learning to deliver some, if not all, of the training your company requires.

Online learning elimination of costs associated with trainers, staff cover, administration, and travel. However, for many owners and managers, the reduction in time spent away from the job by employees is the icing on the cake. This style of learning is actually a very good use of staff time.  On average learners complete the training between 40- 60% faster than face to face learning.

It can also help with your staff retention rates. An independent study has shown that when online learning was used staff retention and application to the job increases on average 25% when compared to companies that used only traditional teaching methods.

Of course, not all courses can be delivered online. Many need to be completed face to face. But even then it may be possible to deliver part of the course online and still receive the benefits shown above.

Here at Brooks and Kirk all our Assessor, Internal Quality Assurance and Education and Training courses are Blended Learning. What that means is they are a hybrid and you get the best of both. A large part of the course is delivered online and the remainder is delivered Face to Face.