Digitization has brought about the emergence of E-learning which is gradually taking over both the corporate and educational learning spaces. But as we are well aware, all innovation comes with controversies and e-learning has quite a few.
Let’s start the year by examining 5 of the most common e-learning myths and demystifying them.
- E-learning is only for techies
- Too expensive
- The results of e-learning are difficult to measure
- E-learning is not for all learners
- E-learning cannot be engaging without interactivity
1. E-learning is only for techies
It takes a tech genius to use e-learning. Not true!
This belief is attributed to the incorporation of the internet and technology in e-learning. While e-learning makes use of technology during the design and development process, it doesn’t mean you have to be a tech-whiz to actually use it.
In fact, e-learning doesn’t necessarily require you to have strong computer skills because it is designed to be as easy as possible to use.
2. Too expensive
E-learning is too expensive. Says who?
All training requires investment.
With in-person training, the investment is in the venue, employee’s travel and lodging costs if it’s in another location, and scheduling instructors. Taking into account that all of these may be done every year or to train new employees, the cost adds up over time.
With e-learning, there is an initial investment. With traveling out of the equation, employees find it easy and convenient to access and complete training at their own pace.
One more point; training can be updated without the extra cost of having to create a new one.
3. The results of e-learning are impossible to measure
You’re wrong if you think e-learning results are difficult or even impossible to measure.
E-learning results for compliance or onboarding training can simply be measured by monitoring employee performance and tracking their progress. Other topics are a little less easy to measure and may require time and careful analysis of data.
4. E-learning is not for all learners
There is a belief that e-learning is only for visual learners. Let’s do away with this misconception.
E-learning is for all types of learners whether visual (learning through images, graphics, colours, etc), auditory (learning by listening) or kinesthetic (learning by manipulation or touching of material) as it includes narration, videos, on-screen texts, and interactivity.
5. More Interactivity means more engagement
Does more interactivity equal better engagement? Definitely not!
The belief that any interactivity increases learners’ engagement is one of the most popular myths in e-learning.
While interactivity can be engaging and enhance learning, placing them randomly in a training course will on disrupt the flow.
There are various other ways to engage learners such as through storytelling, scenarios, relevant and interesting graphics, as well as other media elements.
However, if you are to include interactivity, ensure that they are relevant to the training course.
Final Thoughts
These myths are everywhere and believing them is detrimental to the success of your e-learning training.
Now that we’ve examined these myths, you’ll be able to demystify them when next you come across them.