E-learning is a modern teaching (training) technique that uses various types of electronic media to transfer knowledge to the user (student). Means of transferring knowledge electronically include: the Internet, including its local variants such as intranets and extranets, audio-video discs and tapes, and interactive television. This teaching method is not yet widely used in various types of training, but it is gaining increasing interest and recognition. This method, also known as “distance learning,” is characterized by the lack of physical contact with the teacher, or in many cases, its complete absence.
The role of the lecturer is fulfilled by a computer program, which is, of course, always supervised by the person who prepared the course or oversees it – e.g., in the case of virtual universities, lecturers control tests and exams conducted by the
e-learning platform.
Popular e-learning methods
Teaching via the e-learning method can be divided into four types: asynchronous learning, synchronous solutions, databases, and online support. In the first of these methods, there is no exchange of information between the teacher and the student. The
course participant chooses the time, quantity, and content of the training themselves. In synchronous training, on the other hand, there is an exchange of information with the teacher, and students communicate with them at specific times, whether to ask questions or check their mastered knowledge. The Internet or video conferencing is most often used as a communication medium in this mode. Databases are a method less frequently used in e-learning training, and it involves using instructions, explanations, diagrams, or encyclopedias saved on data carriers (CD and DVD discs). Online support, on the other hand, most often consists of asking questions to experts in a given field, i.e., assistance provided to users in real-time.
A few words about the advantages and benefits for the company
Using e-learning to train employees in a company means not only developing employee skills but also organizational benefits that we can gain by using this form of teaching. First, saving financial resources associated with training an employee. We do not have to cover the costs of their business trip, including travel, hotel, hiring lecturers, or a special training center. The training process itself takes place using a computer, and the employee usually does it
during working hours, being at our disposal the whole time. Another benefit comes to mind in the form of saving the employee’s time, who, if necessary, can interrupt the training at any time to perform an urgent task, after which they return to the course. This method of training does not disorganize work, as such training can take place at any time of the day, or even at night. In many cases, the employee can also train at home whenever they wish. In the case of traditional training, the departure of one or more employees can cause partial chaos in the company, as the absent ones must be replaced by other people, who in turn often neglect their own duties. Training conducted using the e-learning method also has a great advantage in the form of ongoing monitoring of the learning results of the training employee. Their superiors can easily check how quickly they are absorbing knowledge thanks to verification tests. Using an e-learning platform allows us to create new training courses practically whenever we want. In problematic situations or for new topics for our business, we can easily and quickly organize training for a given department.
The article comes from the magazine “e-Fakty” 4/2006.