Traditionally, learning, whether academic or professional, has always been face-to-face. The arrival of new technologies has turned the world of learning upside down, particularly with e-learning, which is the new teaching method that is growing all the time.
But what’s e-learning really?
E-learning comes from the English word "electronic learning". E-learning is a learning method that requires an internet connection. This type of learning allows learners to take distance learning courses with a programme tailored to their needs, whenever they want, and to have access to different educational content 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of their location.
Where does e-learning come from?
The term e-learning was coined in 1999 and has progressed as technology and the internet have developed. In the early 2000s, mobile devices came into their own with the arrival of smartphones and tablets. Soon, their use was no longer limited to making and receiving calls. Users of these devices quickly became adept at video formats, games or even online books. This is how e-learning came into its own, as it soon encouraged organisations and companies to offer their courses and training on digital platforms.
The advantages of e-learning:
Many companies, from small SMEs to large multinationals, favour e-learning to train their employees for new positions or to improve their skills. E-learning has been so successful because it is a real boon for companies.
· Saving time for learners and companies
Unlike traditional training, learners have free access to their training, from their computer or smartphone. They can decide to progress on their course at any time of the day, and the employee no longer has to travel to a training centre or be accommodated at the company's expense.
· The flexibility of e-learning gives you a certain amount of autonomy
E-learning is suitable for all profiles. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, learners are completely independent and can progress at their own pace. In addition to being able to take the course at any time of day, there is no timetable or training time required: this gives them total freedom in managing their schedule. It also makes it easier for companies to detect gaps in their employees' knowledge or to notice if they have not completed the training.
· An affordable way to learn
Another advantage of e-learning is that it reduces the costs associated with the training programme. E-learning is much more affordable than physical or distance learning. This is because e-learning eliminates or reduces the cost of transport, meals and, above all, downtime. It is therefore much less restrictive in terms of logistics and organisation. Moreover, e-learning requires only a few resources: a computer, an Internet connection and teaching materials. This means that the learner can follow the course in good conditions.
· Valuable teaching quality
Putting training online is accompanied by a search for quality. Indeed, the investment involved in putting courses online means that training organisations have to strive for greater efficiency in both the content of the e-learning course and the platforms used.
· Control over learning
The learner is the master of his or her own learning and has control over it.
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