The Benefits of e-Learning

From significant cost saving to improved training efficiency, e-Learning delivers numerous benefits.

Companies often rely on ad-hoc outsourced learning such as training institutions or on once-off CD-based courses to upskill their staff. Internet technology and learning management systems now make it possible to internalise this learning to achieve the following benefits:

• Reach – e-Learning provides a means to educate a large (and potentially dispersed) group of individuals. Learning can be delivered instantaneously to all saving training time and effort. In many cases, the only feasible way to train everyone is via the e-Learning channel.
  
  
• Improved measurement – by far one of the most important aspects of e-Learning is the ability to report on learning in a standard way and ensure the endeavour is meeting its goals. You can’t improve what you can’t measure.
  
  
• More productive staff – Gains over traditional learning can also be felt when staff no longer need to spend days away from their desks on courses. An e-Learning environment can restrict staff access to outside peak work hours and provide learning on demand so courses can be completed in parts over a number of sessions.
  
  
• Cost saving – e-Learning is significantly more cost effective than face-to-face delivery due to the ability to re-use content. e-Learning removes the need of both students and instructors to travel or be physically present in a training room. In the case of an in-house solution, once the system is in place you can add an unlimited amount of courseware to it and train an unlimited amount of staff. This results in increasing returns on your investment.
  
  
• Standardising staff knowledge – e-Learning helps to ensure that staff are all receiving the same training - very important in delivering on consistent quality.
  
  
• Skills levels assessments – Understanding the existing skills level of your staff base is an important first step in improving staff knowledge. Bridgewater's e-Learning system provides the ability to assess existing knowledge, staff can then be assigned the courses (or parts of courses) they most need to complete; resulting in improved efficiency. Testing knowledge at the end proves the knowledge transfer.
  
  
• Centralised and easier staff training administration – even when the staff members are geographically dispersed, administration can be managed centrally, reducing the administrative overhead.
  
  
• Attracting self-starters and improved retention of current staff – a known and well supported internal learning program can attract top talent to your organisation