Cross Cutting issue

E-Training Methods

Modes of Online Training

1. Web-based Learning

This form of training is accessed via web browsers or the corporate intranet. The best part
of this mode of online training is that learners can access it at their own pace within the set
time. Also, they don’t need to travel to the training center to attend the training.

The compatibility of web browsers with videos, audios, animation, and other media
elements make it a user-friendly medium to deliver online training. On the flip side, the
learner needs to have a certain set of system requirements (additional bandwidth and
software).
Today, the most popular format for web-based learning is HTML5, an open source web
format that is rapidly replacing .XML and .FLA. This is because of the impending phasing-
out of Flash, which has long been a favorite of eLearning developers. So, now is the time to
develop all your eLearning courses in HTML5 format and convert all existing Flash-based
courses to HTML5.

Download our eBook on Flash to HTML5 conversion strategies.

2. Webinars and Virtual Classrooms

A webinar is a training session or workshop delivered over the web using video
conferencing software. On the other hand, a virtual classroom is similar to a traditional
classroom, except that the instructor and learners login virtually from different places.

Both these online training delivery methods offer a blend of synchronous and asynchronous
learning which allows employees to collaborate, discuss, and learn with their peers and
thought leaders across the globe.

3. Video-based Learning
In this mode, training is imparted via engaging videos that grab the attention of the learner
who had enough of traditional online learning. Videos can include animations, documented
case-studies, interviews and testimonials of experts, or screencast recordings. These online
training materials can be accessed anytime from anywhere, allowing learners to watch the
video as many times as they want and learn at their own pace.

Videos that are rich in graphics and use text sparingly engage learners better. According to
the article ‘Video vs. Text: The Brain Perspective’  published in Psychology Today, the
human brain can process videos 60,000 times faster than text, making this medium a ‘must-
have’ component of an organization’s training strategy.

4. Collaborative Learning
We know that we learn better when we learn while interacting with others. Collaborative
learning focuses on building collaborations and encouraging interaction among learners,
their peers, instructors, and other experts of the field. Collaborative learning need not
necessarily be offline; in fact, online social networking plays an important role in
connecting a diverse and global workforce. Social learning platforms like discussion
boards, chat rooms, messengers, etc., are present in most Learning Management Systems,
encouraging employees to discuss and share ideas and opinions.

Connecting over social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn too gives
employees opportunities to get the latest information on trending subjects.

For insights on how collaborative learning boosts corporate training and the different tools
that can be used, read this blog on collaborative learning .

5. Custom eLearning
Customized eLearning courses are tailor-made for the target audience, according to the
given content and business requirements. Unlike off-the-shelf courses, they are not ‘one-
size-fits-all’, neither do they come with a per-user licensing fee. These online training
courses are developed from scratch with the combined efforts of Subject Matter Experts
(SMEs), instructional designers, and courseware developers.

While many organizations do have in-house teams who can develop such courses, most find
it better to outsource the development of custom eLearning courses  because of issues of
scalability and complexity of the development process.

6. Mobile Learning

Today, mobile devices have brought about a revolution in the way we see and perceive
things. The easy accessibility to any information at any time can be easily leveraged to train
employees. This has led to the mobile learning or m-learning format for online training
which is rapidly gaining popularity.

Mobile learning  provides information to learners that can be accessed remotely through
their mobile devices. Many companies are now following the Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD) policy and m-Learning has proved to be a boon for such employees. This policy
also enabled mobile learning to become an independent online learning format, while
earlier it was used just as part of a regular eLearning program.

7. Microlearning

As the name suggests, this training methodology takes training to a micro level by chopping
down information to small digestible learning nuggets. Unlike regular eLearning courses,
microlearning deals with only one learning objective per course. This allows learners to
focus on specific information and also eases knowledge
reinforcement. Microlearning teamed up with mobile learning or social learning can be
even more effective in engaging learners and enhancing knowledge retention.

Let’s Sum Up!

Undeniably, online training delivered through any of these modalities can leave a strong
impression on the learners’ mind, reaping benefits for organizations. Yet you don’t have to
stick to just one training form or the other. You can mix and match and come up with a
blended learning solution that best suits your learners’ needs. To know more on how
effective blended learning can be, take a look at our eBook.

https://blog.commlabindia.com/elearning-design/models-of-elearning-for-corporate-training