Whether Micro-Learning, WBT, or video training: E-learning is on the rise in the continuing education industry! However, the wide variety of digital learning methods often leads to confusion. We have compared the 7 most important e-learning methods and provide you with a complete overview in this article!
"Is there a topic like this in E-learning?" – Perhaps you have also heard this question from a potential customer. It is even quite likely that you have come into contact with the topic of e-learning in some way. According to a current study by the platform for vocational adult education, 68% of all companies already use digital learning methods in continuing education.
This means not only a change for companies but also for trainers who are supposed to implement such digital measures. If the trend continues to be this strong, "digital learning" will be an offering that you as a trainer must provide to your customers in a few years.
The whole situation gets tricky when looking at the multitude of different learning methods. Often it is not entirely clear what kind of e-learning the customer wants: Blended Learning, Microlearning, video training, or WBT? To make the optimal decision as a trainer, you need to know:
what the terms actually mean,
where the differences between the methods lie, and
which purpose they are best suited for.
Therefore, we provide you with a short overview of the most important digital learning methods for adult education:
The “who is who” of digital learning methods
The basic method: E-Learning
According to the definition, E-learning, in short, "all forms of learning (…), where electronic or digital media (…) are used." E-learning is thus not a digital learning method in itself but rather the umbrella term for many different learning methods.
Learning Method 1: Blended Learning
In Blended Learning, you complement in-person events with online courses. To be precise, Blended Learning is not a purely E-learning method, but rather a combination of analog and digital learning methods.
Blended Learning does not mean that you conduct an in-person training and offer the same content digitally in the online course. Instead, you allocate the content sensibly: Theoretical knowledge is best conveyed in the online course. You then make extensive use of the often-limited in-person time for practical transfer.
Learning Method 2: M-Learning
In the article "What the hell is M-Learning?" my colleague Corinna recently examined the term and showed: The modern term M-Learning is simply the short form of “mobile learning”.
Learning content is accessed via mobile learning on a smartphone or tablet. Mobile learning and e-learning are often distinguished from each other, but by definition, M-Learning is clearly an E-learning method – just not on a PC but on a mobile device.
Learning Method 3: Microlearning
With Microlearning, you break down the entire knowledge from your training into as small, digestible learning bites as possible. This avoids overwhelming your participants and supports long-term learning effects.
Digitally, you can offer small learning units every day without being present every day. Micro-Learning is a versatile method among E-learning methods and can be perfectly combined with Blended Learning or M-Learning. You can read how it works best in the article "3 Rules for Creating Learning Bites".
Learning Method 4: Video Training
A video training is an E-learning method that consists predominantly or entirely of learning videos. The videos are available online for the participants. This allows them to learn at their own pace and independently of location.
Video trainings give you the opportunity to present complex learning content simply and in a repeatable manner. Moreover, videos are authentic and significantly more motivating than texts or other "silent" learning media. And for you as a trainer, learning videos are also easy to produce – as long as you avoid some classic mistakes in learning videos!
Learning Method 5: WBT
Web-Based Training (WBT) is probably what most customers imagine under the term E-Learning: You provide learning content on a learning platform or in a program over the internet.
In contrast to Mobile Learning, the content of a WBT does not necessarily have to be available on mobile devices. Also, the length of the learning units is generally not fixed. A WBT is essentially the basic form of e-learning that can be specifically supplemented by the other methods.
Learning Method 6: Webinar
In a webinar, you give a presentation to a virtual group of participants. This can be done live and also through a recording that is available online independently of time.
Webinars are well-suited for when you have very large groups of participants that are not together in one place – making an in-person event impossible. You can integrate recordings into a WBT, for example, and offer a complete training in the digital space with additional online content.
Learning Method 7: Virtual Reality
With a special fully digital headset, participants can practice important processes and situations in real-time in a virtual space. The catch: Participants can influence the events themselves!
This digital learning method is likely the newest among those mentioned. However, Virtual Reality is already successfully used by several large companies such as Deutsche Bahn and Stihl (here's a report). There are still only a few projects – but it is possible that the technology will spread further in the coming years.
Overview: The 7 Most Important E-Learning Methods
Many terms, many details! The following table is meant to help you choose the right e-learning method for your training and the wishes of your respective client.
The differentiation between synchronous (s) and asynchronous (a) learning methods is important: This way, you know whether you need to be physically present for the respective method or whether your participants can learn independently of your location.
Conclusion: Not every digital learning method fits every training!
Let's return to the question from the beginning: "Is there a topic like this in E-learning?" You cannot answer simply with yes or no. You need to know what the contractor exactly envisions under e-learning and what is feasible. There is not the e-learning because e-learning can take on many different forms.
Clarify 3 questions with your client before deciding on an e-learning method:
Terminology: What exactly does your client understand under e-learning? Do they envision a classic WBT, or are they thinking of video training or a webinar?
Goal: What goal does your client pursue with the desire to implement e-learning? Important: The format should never become an end in itself! You can learn why it is essential to align the format with the goal in the article "Adjust the Format to the Goal!".
Technology: Are the necessary devices available for the different methods? Do all participants have mobile devices for mobile learning? Can videos even be played on company computers?
Based on these three questions and the overview above, you can choose the digital learning method that is ideal for you, your clients and the participants.
For an easy entry into the world of digital learning methods, we recommend starting with blended learning. As described, you combine in blended learning in-person seminars with an online accompaniment. How to implement this versatile learning method correctly is explained in our free guide.
