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Digital learning in the company: Skills development of the future

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Digital learning in the company

In today's business world, digital learning is more than just a trend - it is the key to sustainable competitiveness. While technologies and markets are changing ever faster, the importance of flexible training concepts is constantly increasing. Digital learning in the company offers this flexibility: it enables your employees to acquire knowledge when they need it - regardless of time and place.

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From microlearning to learning experience platformsLXP) and AI-supported learning programs: This guide will show you how to strategically deploy digital learning in your organization to increase employee skills, engagement and ultimately your business success.

What is digital learning? Definitions and differentiation

Digital learning encompasses various forms of learning that are supported or fully mapped by digital technologies. In the corporate context, this means in concrete terms

  • Acquiring knowledge via digital channels and media
  • Use of various technologies and platforms for learning purposes
  • Flexible, self-directed learning processes
  • Further training independent of fixed times and locations

Important: Digital learning is more than just e-learning. While e-learning mainly refers to structured online courses, digital learning encompasses a wider range of formats - from learning platforms and mobile learning solutions to compulsory digital training and learning nuggets.

Analog vs. digital learning: the most important differences

Analog learning Digital learning
Fixed times and locations Flexible, independent of time and place
uniform learning pace for all Individual learning pace possible
limited number of participants Scalable for large groups
Direct personal exchange Virtual exchange via digital channels
Unique knowledge transfer Permanent availability of content

Blended learning: the best of both worlds

The future of in-company training often lies in the intelligent combination of analog and digital forms of learning - blended learning. This approach combines the strengths of both worlds:

  • Presence phases for intensive personal interaction, practical exercises and direct feedback
  • Digital self-study phases for flexible knowledge acquisition at your own pace
  • Virtual group formats for location-independent exchange and reflection

With blended learning, companies can design tailor-made learning journeys that utilize both the efficiency of digital formats and the effectiveness of personal interaction.

The 5 biggest advantages of digital learning for your company

Digital learning offers companies numerous advantages that go far beyond pure cost efficiency:

1. flexibility & accessibility

Your employees learn when and where it suits them best:

  • Integration of learning units into the individual working day
  • Location-independent access to standardized learning content
  • Learning in the moment of need ("Learning in the flow of work")

2. cost efficiency with increasing quality

Digital learning optimizes your training budget:

  • Reduction of travel and accommodation costs
  • Reusable learning materials with a long service life
  • Scalable solutions without proportionally increasing costs

3. personalization of the learning experience

Individual learning paths increase learning success:

  • Adaptation to individual prior knowledge and learning speeds
  • Consideration of different learning preferences
  • Needs-based content instead of standard programs

4. improved employee engagement

Attractive learning formats increase motivation:

  • Varied, multimedia learning content
  • Gamification elements for playful learning
  • Direct feedback and visible learning progress

5. data-based optimization

Thanks to comprehensive analysis options, you can measure learning success directly:

  • Detailed evaluation of learning progress
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and need for optimization
  • Continuous improvement of learning opportunities

Methods & formats: Designing digital learning effectively

Digital learning offers a variety of methods and formats that go far beyond traditional e-learning courses. The trick is to find the right combination for your specific business requirements.

Innovative learning formats for digital learning

A modern digital learning concept uses different forms of learning to address different learning preferences:

Video-based learning

Videos convey complex content clearly and emotionally:

  • Explanatory videos for complex concepts
  • Interactive video tutorials with decision points
  • Recorded expert interviews on special topics

Auditory learning formats

Podcasts and audio learning content enable flexible learning regardless of location:

  • Learning podcasts for commuting times or part-time jobs
  • Audio interviews for authentic expert knowledge
  • Short audio briefings for quick updates

Microlearning and learning nuggets

Microlearning is based on the principle of dividing short and focused learning units into digestible portions:

  • 5- to 15-minute learning nuggets on individual topics
  • Digital flashcards for regular repetition
  • Mini challenges for immediate use

Content Kit: Combining learning nuggets to fit perfectly

Create customized digital learning paths for your employees with just a few clicks. With the Content Kit the Haufe Akademie Access over 2,000 ready-made learning nuggets on a wide range of topics – high-quality methodological and didactic content that can be flexibly combined.

To the Content Kit

Gamification and playful learning

Gamification of learning processes uses game elements to encourage learner engagement:

  • Competitions and rankings
  • Reward systems and virtual badges
  • Simulations and role-playing games in digital environments

Social and collaborative learning

Social learning strengthens knowledge transfer and networking:

  • Virtual learning groups with moderated discussions
  • Peer learning in digital spaces
  • Mentoring and coaching via digital platforms

Effective learning strategies for digital environments

Simply digitizing content is not enough. Digital learning requires suitable strategies that take neurological findings into account:

Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning is revolutionizing personnel development by creating individual learning paths:

  • Diagnostic tests recognize previous knowledge
  • Intelligent algorithms select suitable levels of difficulty
  • Automatic repetition for knowledge gaps

Scenario-based learning

Realistic application scenarios promote practical transfer:

  • Interactive case studies from everyday working life
  • Digital decision simulations
  • virtual problem-solving scenarios

Spaced learning and repetition strategies

Regular repetitions at optimal intervals anchor the new knowledge:

  • Push notifications for regular learning impulses
  • Automated repetition exercises
  • Intelligent reminder systems based on forgetting curves

Areas of application: From onboarding to compliance training

Digital learning is suitable for almost all areas of in-company training. It is particularly effective in these areas of application:

Onboarding new employees

Digital onboarding programs ensure a smooth start in the company:

  • interactive company presentations
  • Digital welcome packs with important information
  • Self-guided induction paths with checklists
  • Virtual introductory meetings with key contacts

Whitepaper: Designing successful onboarding with e-learning

The onboarding phase of new Employees is crucial. In addition to buddy programs, e-learning is an important tool for HR managers. Read the white paper to find out how e-learning can be used in onboarding.

Download

Professional up- & reskilling

Digital qualification programs enable targeted skills development:

  • Digital learning journeys for new subject areas
  • Modular qualification programs for flexible learning
  • Virtual technical simulations for practical training
  • AI-supported learning paths for individual development

Software & product training

Interactive digital training ensures efficient teaching of technical application knowledge:

  • Interactive system simulations
  • Screencast tutorials for operating procedures
  • Virtual labs for risk-free practicing
  • Task-based learning environments for practical training

Communication & leadership training

Soft skills can also be trained digitally:

  • Interactive video training with decision points
  • Virtual role plays and feedback sessions
  • Digital coaching programs with live sessions
  • Simulated conversation scenarios with AI support

Compliance & security training

With digital compliance training, you ensure that your employees are aware of the current legal requirements:

  • Standardized e-learning modules with certification
  • Regular microlearning updates on rule changes
  • Simulations of safety-relevant situations
  • Digital assessments to check knowledge

Compliance training made easy

Meet all legal requirements, raise employee awareness and protect your company – with the Compliance College the Haufe Akademie Our complete digital solution offers adaptive training with automated documentation.

Get to know Compliance College now

Sales & customer service training

Digital training courses help to develop sales skills systematically and practically:

  • Interactive sales talks with virtual customers
  • Product knowledge databases with fast search
  • Video-based best practice examples
  • Digital objection handling training

Digital learning is particularly effective when you integrate it into existing work processes. The concept of "learning in the flow of work" seamlessly combines learning and working - employees learn exactly when they actually need the knowledge.

Technological foundations for successful digital learning

To successfully implement digital learning concepts in your company, you need the right technological infrastructure. Different platforms and tools meet different requirements.

Learning Management System: Centralized control of learning processes

A Learning Management System (LMS) forms the organizational backbone for your digital learning offering. It enables the central administration and control of all learning processes in the company:

  • Targeted course allocation: HR managers precisely control which employees receive which content - from mandatory training to voluntary further training courses.
  • Comprehensive reporting: Detailed evaluations of participation rates, completion rates and learning outcomes create transparency about the success of your training courses.
  • Proof of compliance: The system automatically documents completed mandatory training courses and provides legally compliant evidence.
  • Format diversity: In addition to digital learning formats, face-to-face training and blended learning concepts can also be managed.

The LMS platform of Haufe Akademie offers these functions in a ready-to-use solution that can be flexibly adapted to your company requirements – including seamless integration of face-to-face seminars and digital learning content from the extensive Content Collection .

Learning Experience Platform: Promoting personalized learning

While an LMS organizes learning processes in a structured way, a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) focuses on personalized and self-directed learning paths:

  • Intelligent content recommendations: Algorithms analyze learning behavior and suggest suitable content - similar to streaming services.
  • User-generated content: Employees share content they have created themselves and best practices, which promotes the exchange of knowledge within the company.
  • Social learning functions: Integrated forums, groups and networks enable direct exchange between colleagues.
  • External integration of content: In addition to internal training courses, external resources can also be integrated in order to always offer up-to-date knowledge.

The LXP of the Haufe Akademie increases the learning pace of your company and thus actively contributes to the necessary change. With features like skill mapping, collaborative learning groups, and an intuitive content studio, your employees can actively shape their own learning journey.

Authoring tools: Create your own learning content

With special authoring tools, you can develop customized digital learning content without programming knowledge:

  • Interactive elements: Drag-and-drop functions for quizzes, tests and exercises
  • Multimedia possibilities: Integration of videos, audios and interactive graphics
  • Responsive design: automatic optimization for different end devices
  • SCORM compatibility: seamless integration into existing learning platforms

Tip: The LMS the Haufe Akademie It features an integrated authoring tool that allows you to quickly and easily create your own teaching materials, quizzes, and flashcards. These can then be flexibly integrated into your courses or used as separate exams for certifications.

Video conferencing tools: Enabling live online training

Virtual classrooms form the link between face-to-face and purely online formats:

  • Interactive whiteboards: collaborative work on content in real time
  • Breakout rooms: group work in separate virtual rooms
  • Survey and feedback functions: direct collection of participant opinions
  • Recording options: subsequent access to training content

Mobile learning apps: learning on the go

Specialized apps for mobile learning offer flexibility in everyday working life:

  • Offline functionality: access to content even without an Internet connection
  • Push notifications: regular reminders for sustainable learning
  • Microlearning format: short learning units for everyday learning moments
  • Synchronization: seamless continuation of learning on different devices

A little better every day

sparks is a learning app and the innovative microlearning tool of the Digital Suite. The Smart Guides from sparks offer over 650 microlearnings for the daily dose of learning for your teams.

More about sparks

Implement digital learning in 6 steps

The introduction of digital learning formats is more than just a technical changeover - it is a comprehensive change process. These six steps will help you master the transformation:

Infographic: Implementing digital learning in steps

1. develop needs analysis & strategy

Start with a clear objective:

  • Define which skills your employees should develop.
  • Determine which target groups need which learning formats.
  • Take your existing technical infrastructure and budget into account.

Tip: A precise strategy is the basis for a measurable return on learning (ROL) - this is the only way you can prove the success of your digital learning initiative later on.

2. select the right e-learning platform

Choose the right technological basis carefully:

  • Analyze your requirements for functionality and scalability.
  • Check the user-friendliness from the learner's point of view.
  • Consider interfaces to existing systems

LMS or LXP - or even a combined solution? The choice of the right e-learning platform should be based on your digital learning strategy.

3. procure high-quality learning content

Provide relevant learning content:

  • Purchase ready-made standard content for general topics.
  • Develop company-specific content with authoring tools.
  • Combine different formats for varied learning.

4. winning managers as support

Secure support at all levels:

  • Train managers as advocates of digital learning.
  • Develop learning time targets and incentive models together.
  • Motivate managers to set a good example themselves.

5. promote acceptance among employees

Take the entire workforce with you on the digital learning journey:

  • Communicate the benefits and advantages for personal development.
  • Offer low-threshold entry options, for example via mobile learning.
  • Create space for learning in everyday working life.

Important: Emphasize the concrete added value for everyday working life - employees will only actively use digital learning formats if they recognize the direct benefits.

6. measure and continuously optimize success

Establish systematic monitoring:

  • Define meaningful KPIs (usage rates, completion rates, application transfer)
  • Collect regular feedback from learners and managers.
  • Derive concrete improvement measures.

With a systematic evaluation approach, you can prove the ROI of further training and continuously increase the acceptance of digital learning formats.

Success factors for sustainable change

These factors are crucial for a sustainable change in the company's learning culture:

✓ Integrated time management: Create explicit learning times instead of packing digital learning "on top".

✓ Well thought-out introduction: Start with pilot groups and use their experience.

✓ Active community management: Encourage exchange and mutual support.

✓ Continuous communication: Report regularly on successes and new opportunities.

✓ Visible appreciation: Recognize learning progress and successes.

Best practices in digital learning: examples

The following examples show how the Haufe Akademie can solve concrete challenges faced by companies with its digital learning offerings:

WIRmachenDRUCK: Microlearning for employee retention

The print service provider uses Learning Nuggets and the e-learning flat rate to develop and retain skilled employees. The flexible microlearning concept increases employee satisfaction and enables individual development paths.

To the case study

Lorenz: International compliance training

The snack manufacturer is training 3,000 employees in seven countries with multilingual, adaptive e-learning courses from the Compliance College. The result: legal certainty in less time.

To the case study

Gabor Shoes AG: Digital cultural change

The shoe manufacturer transforms its learning culture with the LMS the Haufe Akademie Initial skepticism developed into an active demand for digital learning formats.

To the case study

You can find more successful digital learning examples from various sectors in our reference gallery.

Future trends: Your path to digital learning

The future of digital learning holds exciting developments that can take your in-company training to a new level. While you implement the methods and technologies already presented, it is also worth taking a look at upcoming trends.

Three key developments will continue to revolutionize digital learning in the coming years:

1 AI in the company

AI systems personalize learning paths and analyse learning behaviour. The EU AI Act also creates an AI training obligationfor many companies - employees must be trained in the responsible use of AI.

2. immersive technologies

Virtual and augmented reality enable practical training in simulated environments.

3. data-supported learning paths

Precise learning analyses help to identify skills gaps at an early stage and close them in a targeted manner.

Your partner for future-proof digital learning

Digital learning is now a strategic success factor for companies. Haufe Akademie You can rely on a partner who combines decades of experience with innovative solutions. Our Digital Suite offers you all the tools you need from a single source – from Learning Management System about the Learning Experience Platform to our high-quality Content Collection and our specialized solutions such as the Compliance College .

Get to know Digital Suite now