E-learning takes training out of the question of place and hour; a learning management system (LMS) makes that training measurable.
E-learning is a web-based training system delivered over the internet or a computer network. What separates it from the traditional model is not only the technology it carries, but the approach it assumes: one that puts the individual at the centre and motivates them to reach knowledge. Training can run without teacher and learner being in the same place at the same time.
What e-learning gives you
- Any time, anywhere — the learner decides when to learn.
- Better retention — recall from reading a book is around 20%, while content supported by audio, visuals and multiple forms of interaction can raise that figure to 40%.
- Learner-centred — responsibility for the learning process shifts from the teacher to the learner, who can set the content, duration and pace according to their own interest and ability.
- Scale — more people are reached with less administrative workload.
- Cost advantage — studies have calculated resource savings for organisations ranging between 30% and 70%.
- Traceability — achievement and progress can be followed at both organisational and individual level.
- Equal access — it removes barriers of time, distance and socio-economic status.
The scope of e-learning
Preparing web-based material is the first thing that comes to mind, but the scope is wider. It gathers under two main headings:
Virtual classrooms
By creating virtual classrooms you can train students and employees over live broadcast. During a session you can publish instant polls, share videos and presentations, and run the class as you would a real one.
Distance learning
Also called online training, virtual training or published training, distance learning is network- and web-based. It is an institutional activity that brings together learners, teachers and course material located in different places through communication technologies. The content standard most commonly preferred in these implementations is SCORM.
Why a modular structure
In the early days of software development, producing a program was not much different from writing a book end to end. With object-oriented programming, software began to be built from small pieces that are meaningful on their own, and complex structures became faster and safer to produce.
The same approach applies to e-learning software. In a modular system each module carries a defined workload, calculated with the whole program in mind. The result is a structure whose parts combine easily, interact with the LMS and run fast. In practice this means the modules an organisation needs are put into service, and the ones it does not need are not carried.
Core modules of the distance learning system
- Online application — users can complete and follow their application without friction.
- Users and user groups — an added user can reach the system and use only the areas they are authorised for; when group information is updated, the change applies across the system.
- Roles and permissions — defining roles, assigning them to users, and making an updated role effective across the system.
- Title definition — added titles are defined and accessible in the system.
- Institution / school definition — added institutions and schools are defined in the system.
- Department definition — added departments are defined in the system.
- Course catalogue — new programmes are recorded and users can see every programme available.
- Courses — course content is recorded and users can see the courses assigned to them.
- Weekly schedule — entered hours are visible to users, and the chat hour appears in the schedule.
For your corporate learning management needs you can look at SuperLMS and Derslik 7/24, or get in touch for a structure built around your organisation.
