What Does the Modern Learner Look Like?

To understand why online learning (e-learning) is the tool of choice for corporate training, it is important to understand the target audience. Employees today are keen to learn and upskill. If an organization does not provide ample learning opportunities, its employees may join a competitor. According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report, 94 of employees say they will stick with an employer that invests in their development.

Today’s learners want personalized content at their point of need. Since they are mostly on the move, they prefer being able to access content anytime and from anywhere

 TwentyEighty’s 7 Consumer Realities report states that at the time of need, 91 percent of people depend on their smartphones for an answer. Jane Hart of the Centre for Modern Workplace Learning and the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies found that 93 percent of employees prefer to learn on the job. Learners are busy multitasking and have a limited attention span. If organizations want them to learn something new, they have to offer bite-sized pieces of information that do not take too much time to consume.

Online learning has features that cater to these modern learner preferences – hence its rise in popularity. Here are the top five advantages of e-learning.

1. E-learning saves time and money.

With online learning, your learners can access content anywhere and anytime. They don’t need to take time out from their jobs to attend classes. E-learning is also cost-effective; companies save a substantial amount on the travel and accommodation costs of both learners and instructors, as well as the venue and materials. No printing helps reduce your carbon footprint, too.

2. E-learning leads to better retention.

Modern learners prefer bite-sized, interactive content. They would rather watch a video or listen to a podcast than read through pages of a manual. E-learning tools enable learning designers to make content interactive. The more engaging the content is, the better the learners remember information. If they enjoy learning, they can able to recall and apply the concepts at work.

3. E-learning is consistent.

In face-to-face sessions, every instructor has his or her own method of teaching. Each varies in approach and style and is susceptible to mistakes. You can eliminate these issues with e-learning. Online learning provides consistent and standardized training every time. Each learner goes through the same experience regardless of when and where he or she takes the course.

4. E-learning is scalable.

Online learning is scalable. You can roll it out to as many employees as you need and is a one-time investment. The more learners take the course, the faster you can write off the expense.

5. E-learning offers personalization.

Each learner has unique preferences and learning goals. E-learning makes it possible to cater to individual needs. It allows learners to choose their learning path and navigate at their own pace. When they decide what to learn and when they remain invested in the course.