7 Disadvantages to be aware of when introducing e-Learning│Introduction of countermeasures and case studies
E-learning is being introduced by companies in a variety of industries and sectors as an effective method for human resource development and employee training. While the focus tends to be on the benefits of e-learning, such as reduced training costs and more efficient course management, there are also some points to keep in mind when introducing e-learning.
In this issue, we will provide a thorough explanation of the disadvantages of using e-learning for in-house training, tips on how to maximize the effects of its introduction, and case studies of companies that have used it. For each demerit, we will also introduce countermeasures, so please take a look.
Disadvantages and cautions to be aware of in e-learning
Disadvantages / Cautions
Countermeasures
Easily struggles to manage learner motivation
Display of ranking of top performers
Create badges and certificates based on learning progress
Prepare teaching materials using videos and animations.
Short instructional materials that are easy to use in one's spare time.
It is also essential to improve the learner's environment.
Support for multiple devices such as smartphones and tablets
Development of a system for downloading materials and teaching materials
Not suitable for practical learning with hands-on experience
Combination of e-learning and hands-on training
Requires a certain level of knowledge for implementation and production
Utilize LMS providers' implementation support and agency services
Select an LMS that can be operated intuitively
Difficult to exchange questions and answers
Establish a space where users can write anonymously.
Difficult to communicate with other learners
Combination with group training depending on training content and objectives
Introduction of LMS with enhanced social functions
Initial and monthly fees are required.
Use of LMS that can be introduced free of charge
While e-learning has advantages such as efficient learner progress management, individualized and flexible program construction, and equal learning opportunities, there are also some points to be considered when introducing e-learning. Here, we will provide information on the disadvantages of using e-Learning for corporate training and countermeasures.
It is easy to struggle with managing learner motivation
Compared to group training and on-the-job training, e-learning is less coercive and requires learners to be motivated to learn on their own. While e-learning has the advantage of allowing learners to learn anytime, anywhere, there is a risk of inducing slacking off or poor attitudes toward the course.
It is recommended to visualize the learning status, grades, and proficiency level, and to provide a system that makes it easy for learners to realize their own growth and maintain their motivation.
It is also effective to incorporate gamification elements to make learning fun. Specific examples include ranking the top performers and creating badges and certificates based on learning progress and level of understanding.
It is also essential to improve the environment on the learner's side.
Cloud-based e-learning requires administrators and learners to prepare learning terminals and an Internet environment, and an LMS (Learning Management System) that can be used not only on PCs but also on smartphones and tablet devices can lower the hurdles to learning. An LMS is the basic system for implementing e-learning, allowing for the creation and distribution of learning materials, centralized management of learning history, feedback, etc., all in one place.
In addition, if a system that allows downloading of materials and teaching materials is in place, it will facilitate learning even in an offline environment. This will help improve learning efficiency by making effective use of commuting time, such as on trains.
Not suited for practical learning with hands-on experience.
Because e-learning tends to focus on classroom input, it is difficult to incorporate practical skills or training content that requires cooperation among learners. Depending on the capabilities required by your company, it is recommended that you consider introducing training that involves practical training such as role-playing, in addition to online lectures.
A certain level of knowledge is required for introduction and production.
In-house training using e-learning requires knowledge of how to select and use an LMS and how to create questions. If you are preparing educational materials from scratch, it is possible that it may take more time and cost than expected.
If your company does not have the know-how, consider using an LMS provider to support the introduction of the LMS and create learning content on your behalf. This will enable you to provide customized content tailored to your organization and individuals. If you are producing your own educational materials, it is also important to select an LMS that is easy and intuitive to operate.
Question and answer sessions and other interactions are difficult.
Compared to group training, e-learning makes it difficult for instructors and learners to communicate in real time. Therefore, if countermeasures are not taken, questions about learning content or the system cannot be answered promptly, leading to a deterioration of training efficiency and a decrease in learner motivation.
Establish a system where questions can be resolved immediately by setting up a space for anonymous writing in FAQs, a dedicated contact point, or an internal SNS. If questions from learners can be handled online, it will make e-learning easier to use, even for companies with teleworking systems.
Difficult for learners to communicate with each other
E-learning tends to make it difficult for learners to communicate with each other because each learner takes the course at his or her own time. For example, group training may be more suitable for new employee training, joint training with other companies, and other training that also serves to build personal networks and exchange information.
It is important to distinguish between e-learning and group training depending on the content and purpose of the training. It is also a good idea to introduce an LMS with enhanced social functions so that learners can share their progress and learning methods with each other.
Initial and monthly costs are required.
Compared to group training, e-learning reduces the costs required to prepare and distribute paper materials and to coordinate schedules, but may require LMS installation costs and monthly fees.
When implementing e-Learning to reduce training costs, it is recommended to choose a system that is available free of charge. However, free LMSs may have restrictions on the number of people who can use them, the period of time they can be used, and their functions, so be sure to check in advance.
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Key Points to Maximize e-Learning Implementation Effectiveness
Although e-Learning has many advantages, there is a possibility that the expected effects may not be achieved depending on how it is utilized. Here, we will explain the points to maximize the effects of e-Learning implementation based on the disadvantages and points to be aware of that we have just mentioned.
Establish rules regarding the course
To increase the effectiveness of e-learning, it is necessary to establish a system that does not disadvantage learners. For example, if the course is mandatory, set rules such as "the course must be conducted during working hours" and "late-night work allowances must be paid if the course is conducted after 10:00 p.m.". If the training is optional, it is also important for the company to prepare and disseminate rules such as "not having to take the training will not affect your personnel evaluation.
Provide sufficient preparation time before the start of operation.
Preparation prior to the start of operations is important to prevent e-learning introduction failures, such as low course participation rates and insufficient content. Specifically, allow sufficient time to clarify the purpose of the introduction, ensure the quality of the materials, and measure the effectiveness through test operations.
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Examples of Preventing and Eliminating Disadvantages and Cautions of E-Learning
Next, we will introduce some examples of e-learning implementation using an LMS, focusing on how to prevent or eliminate disadvantages and cautions, etc. Please refer to these examples when reviewing how to implement in-house training through e-learning.
UUUM Corporation
UUUM Corporation was facing barriers in accomplishing its important mission of ensuring compliance. Specifically, group training could not be held due to the new coronavirus, and the cost of training venues for several hundred people and transportation costs for participants were prohibitive.
To address these issues, the company introduced the "learningBOX" e-learning system for compliance training for influencers. To prevent learners from getting bored, the system provides compact video materials that are easy to watch all the way through, helping them to consolidate their knowledge. The intuitive operability of the system also made it difficult to discourage learners from using the system.
In addition, since there are no venue or participant transportation costs, the program has succeeded in significantly reducing costs compared to conventional in-person training. The objective of delivering necessary information to learners, convincing them, and encouraging them to change their behavior has also been achieved.
Suzuka University of Medical Science
Suzuka University of Medical Science had been facing challenges in improving students' academic performance, retention, and suspension/withdrawal from the university. The university urgently needed to create e-learning contents that would motivate students to learn and enable them to work on their own initiative.
The university introduced "learningBOX" to create an environment in which students can efficiently strengthen their input through repetitive learning. The university has created questions in a wide range of difficulty levels and formats, and is using it as a weapon to improve the "straight pass rate" for national and other examinations. When we introduced this system ahead of others in certain departments, we were able to reduce to zero the number of students who were caught in retesting.
Another key point is that there is no stress in logging in or operating the system, which does not hinder student motivation. In addition, the reminder e-mail function has also increased the response rate to class questionnaires, helping to improve the quality of lectures.
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Optimize In-House Training by Paying Attention to the Disadvantages of E-Learning
In this issue, we have introduced the disadvantages, countermeasures, and case studies of e-learning. e-learning should ideally be used for internal training to cover the disadvantages while taking advantage of the advantages, so let's optimize internal training with e-learning by introducing an LMS and using support from external providers. For more information, please contact us.
If you are considering in-house training, please use "learningBOX", an LMS with all the functions necessary to implement e-learning, such as creating and distributing training materials, grading, and managing trainees. We also offer a free plan that allows you to use each function for 10 accounts for free and indefinitely, so please feel free to start with a free trial.
In addition, by using "learningBOX ON," you can add training content required by your company to your learningBOX. By combining harassment training, information security training, compliance training, etc., you can easily design your own original training program.
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