E-learning platform: The optimal way for modern learning in the company
E-learning platforms have become an integral part of the corporate learning landscape. They form the digital basis for efficient and flexible learning in companies. However, if you have the choice, you're spoiled for choice: in this blog post, you can find out how to select the right e-learning platform and the right learning content for your company.
What is an e-learning platform?
An e-learning platform forms the technological basis for digital learning and refers to a software or online environment for learning processes. It is a professional technical infrastructure for collecting, distributing and managing learning opportunities or courses in a cost-saving and efficient manner. This enables companies to offer further training in a clear and centralized manner. An e-learning platform collects multimedia learning content as digitally accessible content, for example digitized books, podcasts or PDFs.
Important functions of an e-learning platform
- Content management: Learning materials are centrally located in one place, in the form of various media formats (texts, videos, quizzes) that can be integrated in different ways. You can easily update the learning content.
- User management: Assigning roles and authorizations (e.g. learner, trainer, administrator) takes just a few clicks.
- Course/learning management: Access authorizations, deadlines and data evaluation enable professional course management.
- User-friendliness: A good e-learning platform is easily accessible for HR managers and users : automatically and with one click, without having to enter extra login details. The learning platform becomes the central gateway to a company's learning environment.
What is e-learning?
E-learning is the digital form of learning. It refers to learning processes in which digital or electronic aids are used, for example computers, videos or webinars. The term e-learning therefore contains the technological aspect: knowledge transfer in the age of digitalization. Continuous professional development is highly relevant today in order to keep pace with the latest developments, for example in terms of technical innovations. Relevant knowledge is thus available at all times - digitally retrievable and updated.
Modern learning: What makes e-learning special
E-learning extends traditional learning. It combines different approaches and technologies and enables learners, for example, to access and develop educational content regardless of their physical location.
A) E-learning can either be synchronous , i.e. the teacher and learners come together virtually in real time, for example in digital classrooms or online meetings.
B) However, e-learning can also be asynchronous , whereby learners engage with the content independently and without real-time communication with the teacher.
What are the advantages of e-learning?
E-learning offers numerous advantages for modern companies: It makes learning individual and flexible. Learners can decide for themselves when, where and for how long they want to learn. It also generates lower costs, is scalable and makes knowledge more easily available - employees only need a digital device and internet access. Last but not least, it increases the attractiveness of the company if it offers a versatile e-learning program. Many successful e-learning examples demonstrate this.
What learning strategies does an e-learning platform support?
There is a wide range of learning strategies and methods available on e-learning platforms. Whether podcasts, social learning or "learning snacks" in the form of microlearning: if time is short in everyday life, your employees can still use various learning units effectively. There are many ways to learn digitally despite a lack of time.
Microlearning
As the name suggests, microlearning uses very small learning units that focus on the essentials - often referred to as learning nuggets. Learners can consume these quickly and understand them easily. This is particularly important when there is not enough time for extensive training in everyday working life. Learning nuggets are provided at the exact moment of need and typically consist of interactive exercises, infographics, quizzes or short videos.
Mobile Learning
Mobile learning enables access to courses and learning content on smartphones and tablets - anytime and anywhere. A good e-learning platform is optimized for mobile devices and enables employees to make productive use of waiting or commuting times. Flexible accessibility promotes continuous learning and significantly increases the acceptance of further training courses in companies.
Social Learning
In social learning, learners and experts exchange ideas on topics, work together on content or engage in discourse. They share their experiences and knowledge with each other. This happens, for example, in online communities, on e-learning platforms or on social media. Of course, social learning also takes place in the analog world. This social component not only promotes the transfer of knowledge, but also strengthens the corporate culture.
Blended learning
Blended learning (hybrid learning) combines the advantages of digital learning with traditional face-to-face teaching. This hybrid learning strategy combines online learning units with on-site training. E-learning platforms play a central role here by organizing the digital part and enabling seamless integration with the face-to-face phases. Learners benefit from personal support and face-to-face interaction - they can also access digital learning resources at any time.
Individualized learning paths and gamification
With a modern e-learning platform, you can design individual learning paths that are tailored to the needs and goals of individual employees. Gamification elements such as quizzes, points, badges and leaderboards convey the learning content in a fun and entertaining way. These interactive elements increase motivation, promote healthy competition within the company and help learners to better understand and internalize the content.
Rollout of mandatory training and company guidelines
E-learning platforms are ideal for the efficient implementation of compliance training and the communication of company guidelines. The platform can automatically assign necessary training courses to the employees concerned, send reminders and document completion. This ensures seamless record keeping - particularly important for legally required training courses. The central administration also ensures consistency: all employees receive the same information in the same quality.
In order to put these diverse learning strategies on a solid foundation, companies usually choose the professional route and opt for a Learning Management System LMS). This is because an LMS is a far-sighted and long-term investment in a company's learning infrastructure.
E-learning formats for digital learning platforms
The variety of formats that you can integrate into e-learning platforms contributes significantly to the effectiveness and attractiveness of digital learning. Here is an overview of the most important formats:
Video formats
Knowledge from experts is saved as a video and is available at any time. Video formats are suitable for many different courses, for example to explain specific technical topics, show solution instructions in detail or present products and target groups. The most popular video formats include
- Expert videos: Knowledge transfer by specialists directly in front of the camera
- Explanatory videos/tutorials: step-by-step instructions for specific processes
- Video simulations: virtual representation of real scenarios
- Short film sequences: concise information transfer in just a few minutes
Auditory formats
Auditory learning content is an alternative for situations in which visual learning is not possible:
- Podcasts: technical discussions or lectures in audio format
- Audio book sequences: content from specialist books or teaching materials set to music
- Audio lessons: structured learning units in audio form
Interactive exercise formats
Through active participation, learners not only consume the knowledge, but also consolidate it:
- Quiz: knowledge quizzes with immediate feedback
- Interactive exercises: practice-oriented application scenarios
- Knowledge tests: structured tests with evaluation
- Transfer impulses: Exercises to apply what you have learned in everyday working life
What e-learning platforms are available for companies?
There are numerous providers of e-learning platforms on the market. When choosing, it is important to know the different types and compare them to see which one best meets your requirements:
Language learning platforms
Language learning platforms are geared towards the specific needs of language acquisition. They offer structured learning paths for different language levels and often integrate special exercise formats such as pronunciation training with speech recognition, interactive dialogues and cultural contextualization. For companies with international teams or business relationships, such platforms can be a valuable part of the personnel development strategy.
MOOCs: Massive Open Online Courses
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) offer further education for everyone. These are open online courses on a platform that functions like an online marketplace. Teachers and institutions can offer various learning courses here, which often cover a wide range of topics and have no admission restrictions. MOOCs are well suited to companies that want to give their employees access to a wide range of educational opportunities.
LMS
A frequently used e-learning platform for companies is a Learning Management System. It is a professional digital LMS or software that is used to manage, deliver and track online learning activities. It is usually used in companies or educational institutions and offers comprehensive functions for professional learning management.
Read our blog post "What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?" on the topic of learning management systems.
Learning Experience Platform LXP)
A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) focuses on the personalized learning experience. Similar to a streaming service, it recommends content based on individual interests and learning behavior. In contrast to a traditional LMS , employees can create and share content themselves. Features such as skill mapping and gamification elements provide additional motivation. An LXP is particularly suitable for companies that want to promote a self-determined learning culture and accelerate the company-wide exchange of knowledge.
LMS & LXP: one-stop learning
The combination of LMS and LXP combines structured and self-directed learning. While the LMS takes over the organization of mandatory training, the LXP serves as a central entry point for all learning activities. Employees access assigned training courses and freely selectable learning content in one place. This integration avoids fragmented learning landscapes and creates a comprehensive learning ecosystem. Companies undergoing digital transformation in particular benefit from this combination of structure and agility.
The perfect learning experience: combining LMS and e-learning content
A constantly changing world of work requires comprehensive, professional and legally compliant learning opportunities. Today, hardly any company questions this anymore. Nevertheless, a recent survey shows that less than 20% of L&D teams are convinced that they are already investing enough in skills development (see "Digital Learning Realities" survey, 2023). Training on perennial topics such as compliance, sustainability and GDPR is essential, and trends such as artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) require new knowledge. Not to mention other skills that technological progress will make necessary in the future.
This is why it is particularly important today for companies to offer a combination of LMS and e-learning. With digital learning formats, they promote the knowledge acquisition of their workforce flexibly, effectively and in a time and cost-saving manner. E-learning, for example, is suitable as subject blocks that are provided via interfaces.
Why an LMS is indispensable for companies
More and more HR departments are relying on a Learning Management System - for the professional and systematic qualification and development of employees. Filled with appropriate content and materials, it forms the basis for successful digital learning in the company.
An LMS like that of the Haufe Akademie offers individual content that is tailored to your company's objectives and skills development. HR managers can manage learning resources, create content, assign courses and check learning progress.
The advantages of an LMS at a glance
- Central learning platform: An LMS facilitates access, optimizes, controls and centralizes learning.
- Data-based decisions: The learning platform provides analysis and reporting for strategic and number-based decisions.
- Learning paths for different goals: Topic-specific learning paths support short-term and long-term development goals.
- Efficient mandatory training: With an LMS , you can efficiently conduct and document mandatory training courses.
- Flexible learning: The software supports self-directed learning, independent of time and with flexible learning formats.
Content and course offerings: The basis of a successful LMS
The true value of a Learning Management System lies in the quality and diversity of its learning content. A modern LMS offers various ways to provide relevant content in courses:
- Create your own content: You can use an integrated authoring tool to create company-specific and specialist content. This allows you to communicate processes, products or company values in a customized way.
- Integrate external content: You can integrate interdisciplinary content via interfaces such as SCORM or LTI. Haufe Akademie offers high-quality solutions such as the Content Collection .
- Multilingual content: Multilingual learning content is essential for international companies. This ensures consistent knowledge transfer across language barriers.
Other important aspects of a modern learning management system
In addition to content and management functions, there are other factors that determine the success of a learning management system:
- User-friendliness and mobile use: Intuitive operation and the ability to offer and use learning content on mobile devices significantly increase learner acceptance.
- Document learning success: The automatic provision and documentation of learning progress and certificates creates transparency and motivates learners.
- Evaluation and optimization: Comprehensive analyses and reports help to understand learning behaviour and continuously improve offers. They show which content is particularly popular and where there is potential for optimization.
Read here how an LMS can revolutionize the corporate learning landscape.
Conclusion: The future of learning with e-learning platforms
E-learning platforms are already shaping the future of learning today. Their importance has been growing for years - also in view of various megatrends and legal framework conditions. It is important that employees have unrestricted access and can complete mandatory courses with ease. This is the only way that companies will be able to take further steps at some point and continuously develop their offerings and learning culture.
The big goal is to get people actively involved in their own continuing education. The small steps on the way to autonomous learning and a changed learning culture lead via e-learning. In line with the fast-moving changes in the world of work, learning management systems also play a key role because they manage the offer professionally and thus provide flexible, personalized and engaging learning opportunities.
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