e-Learning

[SDGs: Things You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask Now] 3 Reasons Why e-Learning Can Contribute to Education Goals Hello. I’m Nishimura from Tatsuno Information Systems. Have you ever heard the term “SDGs” on TV or around town? It’s a buzzword these days, and I imagine some of you might feel it’s a bit late to be asking what the SDGs actually mean. So, in this article, I’ll provide an overview of the SDGs, focusing specifically on the education-related goals and the role e-learning plays in achieving them.   Table of Contents 1. What Are the SDGs? 2. The “Education Goals” Set by the SDGs 3. Three Reasons Why e-Learning Can Contribute to the SDG Education Goals 4. learningBOX Is an LMS That Offers All the Content Needed for School Education 5. Summary What Are the SDGs? The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are a set of global goals aimed at realizing a sustainable and better society under the motto “Leave No One Behind.” Humanity is facing numerous unprecedented challenges, such as “poverty, conflict, climate change, and infectious diseases.” It has been argued that, if things continue as they are, it will be difficult for humanity to continue living stably in this world. Driven by this sense of crisis, people from various backgrounds around the world engaged in discussions, identified these challenges, devised solutions, and established specific goals to be achieved by 2030. These are the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” *Established at the 2015 United Nations Summit with a target completion date of 2030, the SDGs comprise 17 goals covering a wide range of issues, including poverty, education, technological innovation, and environmental challenges. ▼The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official website introduces the SDGs as follows: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are international goals aimed at achieving a sustainable and better world by 2030, as outlined in the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which was unanimously adopted by member states at the United Nations Summit in September 2015 as the successor to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) formulated in 2001. They are international goals aimed at creating a sustainable and better world by 2030. Comprising 17 goals and 169 targets, they pledge to “leave no one behind” on Earth. The SDGs are universal in nature, requiring commitment not only from developing countries but also from developed countries themselves, and Japan is actively working toward them. Source: What Are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? | JAPAN SDGs Action Platform | Ministry of Foreign Affairs Why the SDGs Are a Hot Topic Now Although the SDGs were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, they have recently been receiving increasing attention in the media and elsewhere. The reasons why the SDGs are attracting attention now can be summarized from the following three perspectives: 1. A growing sense of crisis shared by the entire world 2. The success of setting clear, easily understandable goals common to both developed and developing countries 3. Recognition of their importance as business opportunities Japan’s Local Initiatives for the SDGs The Japanese government also established the SDGs Promotion Headquarters in 2016 to advance SDGs initiatives. The following are some representative initiatives: 1. Initiatives in the field of disaster risk reduction In the field of disaster risk reduction—which is closely related to our daily lives—Japan is actively promoting international cooperation in emergency aid, disaster prevention measures, and disaster recovery, drawing on the knowledge and reconstruction technologies cultivated through past natural disasters it has experienced. At the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, Japan announced the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative—Phase 2.” As a leader in disaster risk reduction, Japan set the goal of supporting 5 million disaster victims in developing countries over a four-year period through at least 2022, while also advancing education for the next generation and disaster risk reduction education. 2. Initiatives in the Natural Environment Sector Japan, as a maritime nation, also places great importance on the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment, where the adverse effects of plastic waste runoff on marine ecosystems have become a major challenge. At the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, which Japan chaired, the issue of marine plastic waste was selected as one of the key agenda items. Japan called on participating G20 nations to share a vision of achieving zero plastic pollution by 2050 and secured their agreement on this goal. *Among the 17 SDG goals, there are numerous areas where Japan is engaging in international cooperation by leveraging its experience and expertise.   Regarding the “Education Goals” set forth by the SDGs: The fourth of the 17 goals pertains to the field of education. Under the slogan “Quality Education for All,” the goal is to realize a world where everyone has equitable access to high-quality education. By achieving the “10 specific targets” set for this goal, it is expected that opportunities for lifelong learning will be promoted equally for people around the world.   ▼10 Specific Targets 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all children, regardless of gender, complete free, equitable, and high-quality primary and secondary education that leads to appropriate and effective learning outcomes. 4.2 By 2030, ensure that all children, regardless of gender, are prepared for primary education through access to high-quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education. 4.3 By 2030, ensure that all people, regardless of gender, have equal access to affordable, high-quality technical and vocational education and training, as well as higher education, including university. 4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the proportion of youth and adults with the skills needed for employment, decent and fulfilling work, and entrepreneurship, including technical and vocational skills. 4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations. 4.6 By 2030, ensure that all young people and the vast majority of adults (both men and women) are literate and have basic numeracy skills. 4.7 By 2030, promote education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, peace, and a culture of non-violence, global citizenship, cultural diversity, and the contribution of culture to sustainable development, so that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development. 4.8 Build and improve child-, disability-, and gender-sensitive educational facilities to provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all. 4.9 By 2020, significantly increase the number of scholarships worldwide for higher education in developing countries—particularly least developed countries and small island developing states, as well as African countries—in areas such as vocational training, information and communication technology (ICT), technology, engineering, and science programs, for developing countries—particularly least developed countries and small island developing states, as well as African countries—by 2020. 4.10 By 2030, substantially increase the number of high-quality teachers in developing countries, particularly least developed countries and small island developing states, including through international cooperation for teacher training.   Barriers to Universal Education There are many children around the world who cannot attend school and many people who cannot read or write. There are various factors contributing to this; high poverty rates and emergencies such as armed conflicts prevent children from attending school. Furthermore, even within the same country, differences in gender and region—such as girls, children living in rural areas, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities having limited access to education—lead to disparities in educational opportunities. Japan is no exception when it comes to educational challenges. It is believed that resolving the various educational challenges around the world and providing equal, inclusive, and high-quality education for all will lead to sustainable development. Three Reasons Why e-Learning Can Contribute to the SDGs’ Education Goals e-Learning refers to a form of learning that primarily utilizes the internet. The following three main reasons explain how e-learning can contribute to addressing global educational challenges. POINT 1: Learning is possible regardless of location or time. While an internet connection is required, people who were previously unable to attend school due to their place of residence, work, or physical disabilities can now learn at a time and place that suits them.   POINT 2: Consistent Quality of Education As long as the same learning materials are used, the quality of education remains consistent. A drawback of face-to-face learning is that the quality of education depends on the quality of the instructor and the student-to-instructor ratio. With e-learning, there is no such concern.   POINT 3: Cost-Effective Implementation It is possible to deliver the same learning materials to a large number of learners. Since there is no need to secure a sufficient number of teachers or instructors to accommodate a large number of students—or to dispatch them to the students’ locations—costs are significantly reduced. e-Learning Features and Characteristics e-Learning is a learning system that allows users to “improve their skills at their own pace, without being constrained by time or location,” by utilizing electronic devices such as computers and smartphones along with the internet. ▼This article provides a detailed introduction to the basics and mechanisms of e-learning.   learningBOX is an LMS that includes all the content necessary for school education. learningBOX is a Learning Management System (LMS) that allows anyone to easily create e-learning courses. Administrators can create and upload various types of content to learningBOX—such as video and PDF learning materials, as well as quizzes to assess understanding—and learners can then proceed with their studies online using these resources. Since learning history and grades are recorded within the LMS, administrators can also evaluate and provide guidance to learners. The key feature of learningBOX is that it simplifies the system to keep usage fees low, thereby lowering the barrier to adoption for educational institutions and small and medium-sized businesses that previously found e-learning out of reach. Just 1/10 of the industry standard price! You can easily start e-learning for as little as 30,000 yen per year! The greatest strength of our e-learning system is its industry-low pricing. With our “Starter Plan,” which makes it easy to get started with e-learning, you can use the service for as little as 33,000 yen per year (tax included) for 100 users—a monthly cost of just 5,500 yen (tax included). Since we first launched our service in Japan, we’ve been widely used by small and medium-sized businesses and organizations—such as owners of privately run cram schools and restaurant operators—who find it difficult to implement large-scale e-learning systems.   learningBOX is an e-learning system that lets you thoroughly test its usability with a free plan. learningBOX even offers a free plan with no time limit. This is not a plan with limited functionality like a demo site. For groups of up to 10 users, including the administrator, this plan allows you to use nearly all features for free, with the exception of paid optional features. *For detailed instructions on how to use learningBOX, please visit the learningBOX User Guide page. Introduction to Our Initiatives Our proposal, “Preliminary Survey on the Introduction of e-Learning to Support Self-Study for Technical Education Graduation Qualifications” (Target Country: Pakistan), was selected for the first round of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s FY2020 “SME and SDGs Business Support Project.” JICA’s “SME and SDGs Business Support Program” aims to match the development needs of developing countries with the superior products and technologies of Japanese private-sector companies, thereby fostering “businesses that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs (SDGs Business)” and addressing challenges faced by developing countries, with the ultimate goal of strengthening bilateral relations and further promoting economic ties through ODA. Our company selected South Asia—where the IT market is expanding—as the target region, and within that region, Pakistan, with a population of 212 million and an average age of 23.5, as the target country, given its expected future market growth. Given the country’s deep geographical and cultural ties to the Middle East, and the fact that it serves as a gateway to the Middle East and surrounding Asian regions, we, as a Japanese e-learning system provider, are committed to providing our full support for the digitization of education in Pakistan. ▼ [Related Blog] JICA: Selected for the First Round of the FY2020 “SME and SDGs Business Support Project” Summary: The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are major, globally shared goals aimed at creating a better world where people around the globe can live with greater peace of mind. Education plays a significant role in this effort; it is believed that creating a world where everyone has equal access to high-quality education will help address poverty and disparities in employment opportunities, thereby contributing to sustainable development. E-learning is a highly convenient service that allows learners to study at their own pace as long as they have an internet connection. However, many e-learning platforms developed by private companies are priced very high. Our goal is to create a “system that allows anyone to easily build a web-based learning environment.” It is an e-learning system that is easy to get started with, both in terms of cost and ease of use. With our sights set not only on Japan but on the world, we hope to play a part in creating more educational opportunities.

The Frontline of Education] Effective Newcomer Training with Video and E-Learning This is Kidaoka, Marketing Manager. Due to the impact of the spread of the new coronavirus, "the lifestyle of working people" in Japan has drastically changed over the past several years. In addition to the way people work, in-house education and training has also shifted from face-to-face and group training to digitalization, and efforts to "develop human resources with an eye on the after-corona" are increasing. We understand that many people in charge are wondering how to implement "management strategies, organizational development, and new skill training" to survive the Corona disaster in the future. In confronting these issues, companies must promote reforms that are in line with society and the times. In this article, we would like to introduce "human resource development utilizing video," which has recently been attracting attention and being implemented by many companies. In this article, we will explain in detail the merits of using video for human resource development and the key points for producing effective videos for training new employees. Table of Contents 1. In a word, videos are informative and easy to convey! 2. Video is an effective learning tool for educating new recruits. 3. Combining video materials with e-learning enables visualization of attendance history. 4. learningBOX is an e-learning system that allows easy registration of video materials. 5. learningBOX enables smooth and stress-free attendance even with large-volume videos. In a word, video is informative and easy to convey! Video has the advantage that it is easily remembered by people and the same content can be viewed by many people. Video is characterized by content that is "easy to understand, accurately conveys information, can be checked at any time, and is memorable. When we hear of traditional training and education, the easiest way to picture it is in the classroom during school days. At school, a teacher of each subject stands on the podium and conducts a class. However, this type of lecture-style teaching can lead to educational disparities depending on the teaching ability and quality of the teacher. On the other hand, video materials can be used to ensure a uniform level of education without being affected by the ability or physical condition of the teachers. In addition, video materials are also attracting attention as an optimal educational tool for companies that are promoting work style reforms. What types of educational video formats are there? Videos used for educational videos can be broadly classified into three types: seminar format, manual format, and documentary format. Each of these three formats has its own unique characteristics. When shooting educational videos, it is very important to choose the format that best suits the scene of use. The seminar format is simply explained as "one lecturer speaks to multiple participants," like a school or university lecture. This type of video is also called "lecture style," in which a lecture-type class or training session is filmed and used as an educational video. The main point of seminar-style videos is that they are very effective for use in "newcomer training and in-house studies held periodically each year" by a company or organization. No.2. Manual format Manual format is a video in which explanations of actual work flow, customer service, etc. are filmed. This type of video is effective mainly in the customer service industry, such as the restaurant and apparel industries, where the majority of work is difficult to convey through text and images alone. The point of manual-style videos is that they can be used in a variety of situations, such as "videos that explain how to handle products and services, videos that serve as instruction manuals, and videos used to help people understand the workflow of a job. The manual format is characterized by the fact that it allows new employees to see and hear how they are actually interacting with customers, making the training easier for them to visualize the real situation. Documentary Format Documentary format videos are videos that capture the daily lives of staff members working at a company, interviews, and scenes of them working within the company. The point of a documentary-style video is to provide "reality and storytelling. The content is like a drama, so the students who watch the video will remember it without getting bored, and by making it a narrative video, the empathy of employees will increase. Video is an effective learning tool for training new employees Video-based training methods are more memorable and significantly more effective than text-based methods. Here are three examples of situations in which video is used: training for new recruits, compliance training, and internal operations/sales manuals. Pattern 1: Using Video for New Employee Training Using video for new employee training eliminates the need for internal educators to secure a training location and instructor schedule each time a new employee joins the company. In addition, it can reduce the workload of human resources who are responsible for training new employees. When one hears the term "new employee training," the first thing that comes to mind is probably "training in business manners and basic job skills. In business manner training, employees generally learn the minimum manners required of working adults, such as grooming, how to greet others, how to use honorific expressions, and how to answer the phone. *The key to video production is to convey the correct methods and information in areas that need to be explained in a focused manner, while at the same time adding examples of mistakes to further deepen participants' understanding and make a strong impression. Pattern 2: Using videos for compliance education Companies want to make new employees more aware of compliance-related "laws, regulations, social norms, and ethics" than business manners. Examples of compliance violations include "leakage of personal information, improper accounting, overwork, and harassment. Once a problem occurs and is covered in the news as a scandal, it is subject to severe criticism from the public. By having each and every employee learn the importance of compliance and raise their awareness, a corporate culture can be created that prevents compliance violations from occurring. Pattern 3: Using videos to streamline internal operations and sales manuals Video-based training is also widely used for "sales and customer service manuals. By using sales and customer service manuals as training videos, it is possible to learn in an easy-to-understand and detailed manner the methods and ideas for each purpose, such as "sales and customer service methods, manners, and points for handling complaints. There are so many different ways of doing internal work and necessary skills, even in the same industry. By learning the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the work at or before joining the company, you will be able to tackle your work smoothly after being assigned. *In creating videos, it is necessary to make the content simple and easy for participants to understand, as they may not be able to look back at manuals in the field. By combining e-learning with video materials, course history can be visualized. By using an e-learning system for video materials, the administrator can easily check and visualize the "learning history, learning progress, and grade information" within the system, including which videos the trainees have watched and which they have studied. The e-learning system also allows you to download the grade data in CSV format in a batch. This page introduces the advantages of using an e-Learning system to manage video materials. E-learning is a form of learning that uses the Internet! E-learning is a learning management system that allows users to "improve their skills at their own pace, unrestricted by time or location" by using electronic devices such as PCs and smartphones and the Internet. Once you have established a learning environment, you can use e-Learning as many times as you like. E-learning offers a number of advantages: (1) You can study whenever and wherever you want, (2) You can study according to your level of understanding and progress, without worrying about being watched, (3) You can easily keep track of your grades and performance, and (4) You can prepare, review, and re-study as many times as you like. The features and structure of e-learning are explained in detail in this article. By combining video materials and e-Learning, you can realize high-quality training for all employees. By importing videos recorded by customers into the e-Learning system, participants are freed from the constraints of location, time, and instructor personnel costs. In addition, since participants can attend lectures at their own pace, anytime, anywhere, employee satisfaction is increased, and the system becomes a tool for promoting work style reforms. *It is not limited to urban or rural areas, and can be used to provide education to anyone and develop human resources. learningBOX is an e-learning system that makes it easy to register video materials. learningBOX is an e-learning system that makes it easy for anyone, from individuals to companies, to start e-learning. It is the perfect learning management system for customers who want to conduct in-house training with videos. LearningBOX is simple to use and easy to operate. It is a learning management system that provides all the functions necessary for e-learning, including the creation and distribution of teaching materials, grade management, and student management, so that "anyone can easily build a web-based learning environment. LearningBOX is so easy to use that you don't need to read the manual to learn how to use the system. Video registration can be easily set by clicking the plus button. When registering videos, you can freely set limits on the number of lessons and skip playback [enable/disable] of videos according to your preferences. LearningBOX allows you to easily register YouTube videos posted on YouTube in addition to videos you have recorded. Students enter their IDs and passwords and click on the "Learn" button to proceed with the course. The learningBOX system provides a wide range of learning tools for training new employees, in addition to videos. LearningBOX is an e-learning system that allows you to set up a variety of conditions within the system. Please refer to this official page for more information on the contents that can be set up on learningBOX. learningBOX allows you to take even large videos smoothly and stress-free. You can concentrate on learning without any advertisements while the video is playing, and the playback speed can be changed. The administrator can keep track of the exact playback time of each student and confirm whether or not he/she has watched the video all the way through. LearningBOX's video delivery is powered by Amazon Web Services' Cloud Front. The Standard Plan is a cost-effective plan that also allows for the use of videos! The Standard Plan is a plan suitable for video education, allowing uploading of up to 500 MB per file of educational materials. This plan is perfect for customers who are looking to start up "training and video education. The Premium Plan is recommended for those who want to enhance their video-centered video learning! The Premium Plan allows you to upload a larger amount of video than the Starter and Standard Plans. You can deliver "high quality videos" according to your line conditions and device performance. The Premium Plan is suitable for those who want to deliver high quality and large-volume videos. Large-volume videos can be delivered with optimal quality according to line conditions and device performance. You can upload educational materials up to 5 GB per file. Conclusion In this article, we have introduced "video-based" human resource development, which has recently been attracting attention at many companies. Recently, the widespread use of smartphones and other devices has made it easier for people to view videos. As a result, in recent years, the "learning by video" style has become widespread in corporate education, and the video market is growing rapidly. Our learningBOX is an e-learning system that can be easily set up even by first-time users. In addition to a wide variety of teaching materials, learningBOX allows users to easily create and upload learning materials. In addition, learningBOX offers a free plan that allows you to use the system for an unlimited period of time. This plan allows up to 10 users, including the administrator, to use almost all of the features for free, with the exception of optional features that require a fee. Please take this opportunity to try our learningBOX.

What Is Microlearning Content? An Explanation of Types and How to Create It Some of you may want to implement microlearning but aren’t sure what kind of content to create. Since microlearning is a learning method that makes use of spare moments, you won’t see the results you expect unless you know the tips for creating content. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at examples of microlearning content and tips for creating it. Table of Contents 1. What Is Microlearning? 2. Examples of Microlearning Content 3. How to Create Microlearning Content 4. Summary What Is Microlearning? Microlearning is a method specialized for short learning sessions. Compared to e-learning, it is well-suited for studying relatively simple topics. There are no specific restrictions on the formats used, such as videos or articles. In microlearning, each session typically lasts between 1 and 10 minutes. It’s a method that allows people to study during spare moments, such as commutes or breaks. Microlearning has gained popularity as a new learning approach because, as work styles have diversified—with trends like remote work and reduced-hour work schedules—learning methods have also evolved to fit people’s lifestyles. Examples of Microlearning Content Let’s take a look at what kinds of content microlearning offers. A key characteristic of this content is that it must consist of “simple material that can be memorized through repeated viewing and listening.” It is not well-suited for complex subject matter or learning that requires active communication. Videos: Microlearning can be achieved by having participants watch short videos. Viewing a video that lasts just a few minutes provides a casual learning opportunity. Repeating the content multiple times enhances learning effectiveness. Audio Audio content can be used for “multi-tasking learning”—such as while commuting or doing household chores. It’s particularly useful when opportunities to listen are limited. Text By using short texts that can be read quickly, learners can study easily anywhere—whether on a train or in the bath. This is ideal for learning vocabulary. Quiz Format There are quiz formats—such as multiple-choice or true/false questions—that can be completed in just a few minutes. This makes learning enjoyable. Additionally, learners can retry questions they got wrong. How to Create Microlearning Content To help learners absorb a lot of information in a short time, it’s important to pay attention to how the content is created. Here are some tips for creating content that differ from traditional e-learning. The Number of Content Modules Matters In microlearning, the number of content modules is crucial. Since learners must complete their studies quickly, a small number of modules is unlikely to cover the entire scope of learning. It’s essential to expose learners to a wide variety of content so they can absorb diverse information.   Complex Content Is Not Suitable In the case of microlearning, it is difficult to teach complex or challenging material. For example, topics requiring lengthy written responses or complex calculations are unlikely to be fully grasped. The content must be simple and easy to understand. Use Services That Make Creation Easy To create a large volume of content and make it accessible to learners, it is important to utilize services that make content creation easy. If creating and delivering content is difficult, it increases the burden on both the instructor and the learner. It is best to use services that allow for easy creation and delivery, and that learners can access effortlessly. Summary: Microlearning is a learning method that allows learners to acquire knowledge easily in sessions lasting 1 to 10 minutes. It’s well-suited for relatively simple topics where knowledge is acquired through repeated viewing of the content. On the other hand, it’s not suitable for complex topics or situations requiring interpersonal skills—areas where microlearning cannot fully compensate. “learningBOX,” which offers a wide variety of instructional formats, can solve instructors’ challenges in content creation and distribution through its diverse question-generation system. Furthermore, its intuitive design makes it easy for learners to use, reducing stress during the learning process and leading to more effective learning. Let’s incorporate microlearning while keeping its characteristics in mind. ▼Also Recommended! Read This Too: “The Hottest Education Trend Right Now! Transforming Talent Development with Microlearning”

What Are the Benefits of E-Learning? An Explanation, Including the Drawbacks Many people have experience using e-learning for their studies. However, some may not fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of implementing e-learning within their own company. Therefore, in this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks of implementing e-learning. Table of Contents 1. What Is E-Learning? 2. Benefits of E-Learning 3. Drawbacks of E-Learning 4. Summary What Is E-Learning? E-learning is a learning method that utilizes a Learning Management System (LMS). As long as you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can access it at your convenience—whether at home or while commuting. For example, it is often used for language learning and preparing for professional certifications. Benefits of E-Learning Let’s examine the benefits of using e-learning from the perspective of a company looking to implement it. Please use this as a reference, especially if you are planning to introduce it to your company in the future.   Cost Reduction e-Learning enables cost savings. For example, organizing in-person training sessions for a large number of participants typically incurs the following costs: 1. Venue fees 2. Participants’ transportation costs 3. Printing and shipping costs for course materials. In contrast, e-learning eliminates these costs. Ease of management is another key benefit. No Need to Gather Learners in One Place In recent years, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering large groups of people carries risks. With e-learning, there is no need to gather learners in the same location. Each learner can continue their studies in an environment that suits them best.   Easy Grade Tracking: An LMS that delivers e-learning materials not only distributes the content but also facilitates easy grade tracking. This makes it easier for the provider to monitor progress. Additionally, it allows for management from various angles, such as tracking learners’ grades and identifying areas where they struggle.   Opportunities for Frequent Review: E-learning content can be accessed repeatedly at any time. This makes it possible to guide learners to review areas they struggled with—and did not fully grasp after a single session—as many times as needed. Disadvantages of E-Learning: E-learning also has its disadvantages. Be sure to understand these before considering its implementation.   Implementation and Production Require Some Knowledge Implementing e-learning and producing learning materials requires a certain level of knowledge. For example, as a first-time user, you may find it difficult to understand how to use the LMS (Learning Management System) required for e-learning or how to create questions. In such cases, consider using a “content creation service” that provides implementation support or handles question creation on your behalf.   Learners Need an Internet Connection An internet connection is essential for e-learning. Learners will need either a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Furthermore, if learners do not have an internet connection capable of streaming large video files, it is difficult to consider this a suitable learning environment. If an internet connection is unavailable, the company must determine whether it can provide support.   Difficulty with Q&A and other interactions: One drawback of e-learning is the inability to interact directly with an instructor. As a result, it may not be possible to set aside time for Q&A sessions regarding unclear content, which could lead to insufficient support. To address this, it is necessary to establish a support system before implementation—such as providing opportunities for learners to ask questions about topics they find difficult or do not understand.   Summary: E-learning offers benefits such as cost savings, flexible learning styles, and easy performance tracking. However, it is important to consider its drawbacks as well when evaluating implementation. If you find implementation challenging, you may also consider options such as utilizing support from e-learning course creation services. “learningBOX” offers a comprehensive support system—from evaluating e-learning implementation to actual use—for corporate training, certification exams, and distance learning. This means you can use the service with confidence, even if you lack the knowledge to create your own learning materials. Additionally, with a variety of content formats and an intuitive interface, it reduces stress during learning and enables more effective learning. We encourage you to give it a try. ▼Also recommended! Related article: “Dramatic Changes with e-Learning! The Pros and Cons of Implementation”

What Is e-Learning? An Explanation of Learning Materials and Necessary Resources Even if you’re considering introducing e-learning as a new learning method, you may be unsure of the specific steps involved. Therefore, in this article, we’ll explain the basics of e-learning and the actual learning materials available. Please use this as a reference to maximize learning effectiveness. Table of Contents 1. What Is e-Learning? 2. E-Learning Learning Materials 3. Three Essentials for Implementing E-Learning 4. Summary What Is E-Learning? E-learning is a learning system that utilizes the internet. As long as learners have a smartphone, computer, or tablet, they can study anytime, anywhere. In recent years, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become difficult for large groups of people to gather for learning. However, with e-learning, learners can study at home or on the go, which helps reduce the risk of infection among learners to some extent. E-Learning Learning Materials E-learning offers a wide variety of content and learning materials. Additionally, since courses can be tailored to different skill levels, it’s possible to create a personalized learning plan for each individual. Let’s look at some specific examples. Video Lectures: Learners study through video lectures delivered by instructors. Since recorded videos can be watched repeatedly, this format is ideal for review. There are no restrictions on video length, and videos as long as one to two hours can be provided. Another appealing feature is that learners can study at their own pace. Quizzes: This approach involves progressing through learning using various quiz formats, such as multiple-choice or true/false questions. It allows you to create content that makes learning enjoyable for learners. Web Pages: These are learning materials that utilize web pages where learners can study through images and text. They are ideal for those who prefer to learn from text rather than just videos. Videos and audio can also be embedded within the web pages. Flashcards: These are flashcards designed to help learners memorize important vocabulary. Since they make it easy to distinguish between words you’ve already learned and those you struggle with, they can help facilitate efficient learning. Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheets: These worksheets, which hide words within sentences, are primarily used as learning materials to aid memorization. One of its key advantages is that the correct answer rate is displayed immediately, making it easy to practice repeatedly. Report Assignments: E-learning platforms also include systems for submitting report assignments. You can tailor the submission method—such as using a web form or sending data via email—to suit the instructor’s preferences. PDF Materials: You can distribute documents such as Excel and PowerPoint files to students as PDF materials. Since PDF materials are compatible not only with computers but also with smartphones and tablets, they are well-suited for studying while commuting to work or school. Tests: Various test formats, such as fill-in-the-blank and essay questions, can be easily configured in e-learning systems. Administrators can manage grades and other data directly within the e-learning platform, which helps in tailoring learning content to individual needs.   Three Essentials for Implementing e-Learning There are three essential components required to implement e-learning. Since all three are indispensable for smooth communication between learners and instructors, be sure to verify them before implementation. LMS (Learning Management System) An LMS (Learning Management System) serves as the foundation for delivering e-learning course materials. Using an LMS not only simplifies the delivery of course materials but also makes it easy to track learners’ progress. Course Materials Course materials are essential for delivering e-learning. These materials can be created and uploaded to the LMS, making them available to learners. Smartphones, Tablets, and Computers Learners study using either a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Service providers may choose to provide dedicated devices. However, it is important to note that even with the necessary devices, learners will not be able to access the LMS if the network environment is not properly set up.   Summary: E-learning is a system that allows learners to study at home or on the go, at any time. When used effectively, learners can enjoy learning at their own pace. Another benefit is that instructors can easily track learners’ progress. “learning BOX,” which leverages these benefits of e-learning and offers a variety of instructional formats, resolves the challenges instructors face in creating and delivering content through its robust question-creation system. Furthermore, its intuitive design makes it easy for learners to use, reducing stress during the learning process and leading to more effective learning. Let’s make the most of e-learning to support learners’ educational journeys. ▼Also Recommended! Be sure to read “A Comprehensive Guide to the Basics, Mechanisms, and Usage of E-Learning” [2020–2021]

[2021 Updated Edition] A Comprehensive Guide to e-Learning Platforms I’m Takadaoka from the Marketing Department. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide, Japan is experiencing a “fourth wave” that is spreading at a rate far exceeding previous levels. Many companies around the world have rapidly accelerated efforts to “review and streamline operations through the introduction and utilization of IT technology” as a measure to combat the spread of the virus. In Japan as well, many companies and educational institutions are accelerating their efforts to adopt e-learning. Therefore, in this article, we’ll provide a detailed introduction to how e-learning works and how to use it for customers who are thinking, “I want to get started with e-learning!” or “I want to implement it within my company.” We hope you find this article helpful. Table of Contents 1. What Exactly Is E-Learning? 2. The Learning Management System (LMS) That Supports E-Learning 3. Key Points to Consider When Choosing an E-Learning Platform 4. Examples of How to Use an LMS 5. learningBOX Is an LMS That Lets You Start E-Learning for Free 6. Summary What Exactly Is e-Learning? Simply put, e-learning is “a method of learning that utilizes computers and the internet.” Unlike traditional face-to-face learning in schools, e-learning is a learning system that enables interactive communication between learners and administrators using mobile devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Thanks to innovative advancements in IT technology, even individuals can now easily get started with e-learning. By using a dedicated platform, “anyone can easily launch their own in-house e-learning program” without having to build a system from scratch. *A platform refers to a “standard environment serving as a common foundation” necessary for providing, customizing, and operating services, systems, and software. Background on the Rise of e-Learning Computer-based learning, the precursor to e-learning, began to be developed primarily in the United States in the 1950s, stemming from the idea—known as CAI—of “Could computers support education?” Before the widespread adoption of the Internet, learning through video materials was the mainstream method. Learning through video materials was recognized as more effective than reference books consisting solely of text and paragraphs. However, drawbacks such as “being able to take the course only at specific times” and “having to gather in one place to participate” also became apparent. Traditional in-person and in-house training required instructors and participants to be in the same location for long periods, and administrators had to handle all aspects of monitoring participants’ progress, making the process far from efficient. Consequently, e-learning—which offers numerous benefits such as “flexibility in time and location, cost reduction, and learner management”—began to gain attention.   ▼This article provides a detailed explanation of the history of e-learning. E-learning is a learning tool that can effectively support employee training. While the introduction of remote work has progressed in Japan due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, challenges related to employee evaluation and management have also come to light. Many people view e-learning as a tool to “address challenges in workforce development, such as streamlining in-house training and ensuring fairness in performance evaluations.” Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a global trend toward avoiding in-person contact emerged, making it difficult to conduct business and education that had previously relied on face-to-face interactions. The use of e-learning and corporate initiatives toward DX played an indispensable role in overcoming this situation. *DX stands for “Digital Transformation” and refers to the process of using information technology (IT) to improve people’s lives.   Purposes and Objectives of e-Learning (From the Learner’s Perspective) 1. I want to pursue learning aimed at improving my skills and advancing my career. 2. I want to acquire knowledge and skills that are useful for my work. 3. I want to study without being constrained by time or location. 4. I want to review material at my own convenience. Purposes and Objectives of e-Learning (From the HR Manager’s Perspective) 1. To create an environment where busy employees can learn anytime, anywhere 2. To ensure thorough training on compliance requirements the company must adhere to 3. To develop online training programs that strictly adhere to infection control measures 4. To reduce training costs Features of e-Learning While e-learning has its pros and cons, what really matters is its actual performance after implementation. To effectively leverage the benefits of e-learning, it is crucial above all else to ensure it is properly implemented as part of your company’s training program. When considering the adoption of e-learning for “training, certification, and talent development,” understanding both the pros and cons will ensure a smooth transition during both implementation and operation. A brief summary of e-learning’s features: • It enables training that makes effective use of time • It offers potential cost savings • It allows for centralized management of employee learning progress and performance data ▼ This article provides a detailed explanation of the “Pros and Cons of E-Learning,” covering various use cases based on customer scenarios.     The Learning Management System (LMS) That Supports e-Learning e-Learning is typically accessed via an online system. While traditional e-learning mostly involved inserting a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM into a computer to begin learning, today it is possible to easily proceed with learning by simply logging into a system online. Furthermore, with the advent of Learning Management Systems (LMS) for managing e-learning, it has become possible to integrate and centrally manage the content registration, distribution, and performance data necessary for implementing e-learning. The Role of a Learning Management System (LMS) LMS stands for “Learning Management System.” An LMS refers to a platform used to manage and operate employee training via the internet and computers. With the advent of the LMS platform, a system has been established that allows for the integrated management of information necessary for e-learning operations, enabling learners to “check their own learning history and test results, and receive support and feedback at the optimal time.” LMS is primarily used as a corporate training system, and in some cases, it serves as a complementary system to facilitate communication between instructors and trainees. In addition, its use is expanding into “talent management,” which involves systematic talent development tailored to employees’ aptitudes and the company’s desired workforce profile. *Talent management is an approach aimed at strategic personnel placement and talent development through the centralized management and utilization of data on employees’ abilities, qualities, talents, skills, and experience. Main Functions of an LMS The structure of an LMS can be broadly divided into “e-learning functions” and “management functions.” By implementing an LMS, administrators can easily monitor learners’ “progress” and “learning outcomes” using numerical data and graphs. LMS Feature 1: Managing Learning Materials Depending on the LMS, some systems only allow the use of learning materials pre-registered by the administrator. Systems that allow users to register content they have created themselves or to create content within the system are sometimes referred to specifically as “LCMS” within the LMS category. LMS Function 2: Delivering Learning Materials All e-learning materials are stored within the LMS, and the materials stored there are delivered to learners’ devices via the Internet. There are “action functions” such as playing videos, studying content, and administering tests; these are essential features found in every LMS, though the types and content of materials supported may vary depending on the specific LMS you use. LMS Feature 3: Account Management • Allow users to register themselves • Have an administrator register users one by one • Have an administrator register users in bulk via CSV • Register users by integrating with external systems LMS Feature 4: Managing Grades All learners’ progress is recorded in the LMS. As a result, even in large companies with many learners, learning progress can be centrally managed, and learners can be managed and analyzed across various segments. Key Points to Consider When Choosing an e-Learning Platform The term “platform” refers to a “foundational environment or space,” and in business terminology, it is used to mean “a space or system that provides multiple services or products.” An e-learning platform refers to a learning system that delivers various types of e-learning content on that platform. On the platform, you can configure detailed settings such as assigning content, managing learner information and learning progress, and viewing learning data.   Three Key Points to Consider When Choosing an e-Learning Platform When selecting an e-learning platform, you should consider its features, the benefits of implementation, case studies of successful implementations, support services, and cost (price). In addition, why not consider the following three points as well? Choose a Service from a Long-Term Perspective When selecting an e-learning or LMS service, you should proceed by comparing it with your company’s current situation and challenges. While you should choose a system that fits your current situation, your needs may change in the future. A medium- to long-term perspective is also very important. Who will actually be using the e-learning platform? To utilize an e-learning or LMS service in the most effective way to address your company’s challenges, you need to develop a training plan that is carefully optimized to meet your specific objectives—determining who (which department) will take the lead, what topics will be covered, and who the target audience will be. Consider usability from the employees’ perspective. When introducing e-learning and LMS services, HR personnel should be careful not to evaluate features and usability solely from their own perspective rather than that of the employees taking the courses. Given that employees taking the courses—and, depending on the features, on-site training supervisors—will need to learn how to operate and configure the system, it is essential to evaluate usability from the user’s perspective. Here are some examples of how LMS can be used. Thanks to advancements in LMS technology, tasks such as enrolling learners, managing participants, and updating course materials can now be handled quickly and flexibly. Here, we’ll use “in-house training and certification exams”—a scenario common among our clients—as an example. For clients considering in-house training: Once an e-learning environment is set up, it can be reused as many times as needed. Consequently, this has the potential to significantly reduce the costs associated with in-house group training and new employee orientation. ▼When conducting in-person training, the following costs are incurred: 1. Transportation costs incurred when gathering participants at the venue; 2. Venue rental fees; 3. Printing and distribution costs for training materials. By conducting training via e-learning, you can reduce venue costs as well as the effort and expenses associated with distributing course materials. You can also flexibly provide learning opportunities to individuals for whom in-person training was difficult to accommodate, such as those with irregular work schedules or mid-career hires. For customers considering use for certification exams: Data from e-learning courses can be easily exported from the LMS (Learning Management System). Consequently, you can easily check data necessary for learning management—such as learning progress (not started, in progress, completed, etc.), session times, duration, and test scores—and download all performance data in a single batch. It is also possible to quantify the accumulated performance data and display it in graphs. ▼ Benefits for Certification Exams 1. You can study anytime, anywhere, at your own convenience. 2. You can progress through the course based on your level of understanding and learning progress. 3. It’s easy to track performance data and manage grades. Since e-learning allows you to study at your own pace and repeat lessons as many times as needed, it is an ideal learning method for preparing for certification exams, exam preparation, and overcoming weaknesses in specific subjects.   learningBOX is an LMS that lets you start e-learning for free. “learningBOX,” the LMS (Learning Management System) developed by Tatsuno Information Systems, is designed from the user’s perspective rather than the developer’s. learningBOX is an e-learning “box” that allows you to build and manage traditional learning environments online. It is a system that manages learning by storing learning materials such as videos and PDFs, as well as exercises, tests, and grades, within this “box.”   ▼If you’re facing any of these challenges, learningBOX can help! 1. You’ve already implemented an LMS (Learning Management System), but find its operation, settings, and system difficult to understand. 2. You’re struggling because only people with IT knowledge can configure and manage the system. 3. You want to keep LMS costs low. If you’re considering implementing e-learning, please feel free to contact us. We’re also currently offering popular online implementation support sessions. learningBOX is an easy-to-use LMS that allows anyone to create learning materials effortlessly. Using learningBOX’s quiz feature, you can create web tests and quizzes with over 13 different question formats, including multiple-choice, true/false, essay, and fill-in-the-blank. In addition to the quiz feature, you can register and create content such as PDF materials, video lessons, report assignments, and typing exercises. Anyone can easily create learning materials simply by entering or selecting options in the question creation form; no programming knowledge is required, and the interface is intuitive to use. Web tests can also be created using Excel or text files, and even a large number of questions can be registered all at once.   Learning Course Creation Feature for Systematic Employee Training: Along with creating learning materials, you can design learning courses to control the order in which content is presented. You can also set restrictions on the number of attempts, time limits, and randomize the order of questions and answer choices. This feature is used not only for employee training but also for exams and distance learning.   One-tenth the industry price! With learningBOX, you can start e-learning for as little as 33,000 yen per year, even for 100 users. The greatest strength of our e-learning system is that it offers the lowest price in the industry. With the Starter Plan, you can use our e-learning service for just 33,000 yen per year (tax included) for up to 100 users—a monthly cost of only 2,750 yen (tax included). We even offer a Free Plan with no time limit. This plan allows up to 10 users, including administrators, to use nearly all features for free, with the exception of paid optional features. You can even sell learning content using the e-commerce feature! By using learningBOX’s e-commerce feature, you can sell learning content online. It supports recurring credit card payments as well as invoice-based payments.   Here are some real-world examples of how learningBOX is being used. We’ve collected positive feedback from users sharing how learningBOX has made a difference and brought about improvements. A detailed list of learningBOX case studies is available here.   Japan Art Certification Association; University of Tokyo Disaster Response Training Center Summary: In this article, we’ve introduced the structure and usage of e-learning for customers who are thinking, “I want to start e-learning!” or “I want to implement it within my company.” learningBOX even offers a free plan with no time limit. For groups of up to 10 users (including administrators), this plan allows you to use nearly all features for free, with the exception of paid optional features. We encourage you to take this opportunity to try out our learningBOX. Thank you for reading this article. For detailed instructions on how to use learningBOX, please visit the official page here. ➡learningBOX Official Page

How to Choose a Server When Introducing E-Learning This is Kidaoka, Marketing Manager. In this article, we will discuss "What exactly is a server?" and the types of servers and their uses. Although we often hear the word "server," we understand that many people are at a loss for a specific answer when asked about servers. In fact, there are several types of servers, each with a different purpose. When implementing e-learning, it is essential to build a server. If you are considering implementing e-learning and are wondering how to proceed with its operation! In this article, we will introduce the basic server structure, functions, and features, as well as the features of "dedicated servers and shared servers" in detail. Table of Contents 1. What exactly is a server? Types of servers and their uses 3. How to choose a server that best suits your needs 4. A server is a "service provider's computer," which is written in English as "Server. A server is a computer on the side of a company that provides a service, and is connected to users via the Internet. A computer or program that provides data in response to a user's request is called a "server," and a user who receives information or services provided by a server is called a "client. In simple summary ⇒ A computer is responsible for providing various information, services, and data to other computers connected to the Internet. Relationship between a server and the Internet A server is responsible for providing its own data and services to other computers on a networked computer. The server works by receiving commands from the client, and returns the requested data or service to the client side. ▼Imagine that you are browsing a Web site on the Internet. When you want to visit a particular web site, you first type search keywords into your web browser and press the Enter key to confirm your decision. At this point, we (the client) request the address of the Web site we wish to view from the server that maintains the address (IP address) on the Web. The server that stores the data of the website page provides data such as images and HTML files of the requested website. Through this series of mechanisms, the corresponding Web site is displayed. The sequence of steps until the website is displayed (1) Input "search keywords and URL" into the web browser. (2) Send the URL to the DNS server and convert it to an IP address (address on the Internet) (3) Access the web server of the corresponding IP address (4) Receive the web page data from the web server and display it on the web browser *There are many servers on the Internet, and by specifying an address and accessing it, we can access any web site. By accessing them, we can display any data in our browser. There are two main types of servers: physical servers and virtual servers. In this article, we will focus on physical servers! What is a physical server? A physical server is a single server that physically exists and is the computer itself that provides the service. A physical server is a single physical server, which is the computer itself that provides the service. ⇒Physical servers are further classified into two types: shared servers and dedicated servers. Shared server A shared server is a service where one server is used by multiple users. Because a single server is used by multiple users, the initial cost, annual and monthly fees, and other usage fees are much lower than for a dedicated server. However, since the service is shared by multiple users, there are some disadvantages such as the inability to customize the company's own settings and design, and the possibility that system processing may be affected depending on how other users are using the server. Shared servers can be easily understood by thinking of a shared server as an apartment building with multiple residents, where each resident rents a room in the building. Dedicated servers Shared servers share a single server, whereas dedicated servers use an entire server. The advantage of a dedicated server is that the subscriber can use all of the server's resources! Since you have exclusive use of a large amount of disk space and a stable Internet connection, you can run your site more stably. In addition, a dedicated server has administrative rights to the server, allowing the company to install software and change settings as needed. On the other hand, you must also operate and build the server yourself, and it costs more than the aforementioned shared server. Dedicated servers can be easily understood by imagining that you are renting an entire house. There are many different types of servers, and web services are made possible by the work of many servers. Each server plays a different role, but the following servers are closely related to e-learning operations as they play an important role. Web servers are servers that return data in response to requests from users' web browsers (Chrome, Safari, etc.) on the web. It handles HTML files, etc., with a focus on HTTP. Web servers store HTML, CSS, image files, and other files necessary for content. Generally, when we call it a server, we often refer to a web server. A mail server is a server that provides users with services for sending and receiving mail. It stores mail sent to its own network and passes it on to users, sends mail from its own network to other networks, and provides other functions related to sending and receiving mail. The receiving server uses IMAP and POP3, and the sending server uses a protocol called SMTP to send and receive mail. The database server's major role is to manage, store, update, delete, and back up data handled by the system by storing data. The database server is used to store, overwrite, and extract customer information and other data as needed, and is essential for processing relatively large websites and applications. Data is extracted using SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.). DNS Server DNS is a server that is indispensable for smooth use of the Internet. DNS is an abbreviation for "Domain Name System," a system that links domain names to IP addresses. Domain names are addresses on the Internet and provide important clues for identifying the destination of communications. Each homepage has an address called an IP address, and the DNS server converts this number into a domain name so that the homepage can be easily identified by Internet users. How to choose a server according to the usage scenario When using e-learning to handle corporate information or confidential information such as training for new employees or in-house training If learner access is limited to the intranet, we recommend considering a dedicated server. Since the company server is used in a closed environment, there is less risk of information leaks than a shared server used by an unspecified number of users, and it is also more secure. In addition, dedicated servers often have higher specifications than shared servers, and are suitable for operating websites with a heavy workload. *Intranet refers to an "internal network," meaning a network with a limited scope, such as within a company or university. We want to reduce the initial cost of e-learning! If you use a shared server, you can reduce the initial cost. In addition, since a shared server uses the environment provided by the contracting company, you do not need to have any specialized knowledge to use it. LearningBOX is an LMS that allows you to start e-learning from as low as 30,000 yen per year, which is 1/10 of the industry price! The biggest advantage of our e-learning learning system is that it is the cheapest in the industry! With the Starter Plan, 100 users can use e-learning for as little as 30,000 yen per year (plus tax), or 2,500 yen per month. For companies and organizations that want to test the effectiveness of e-learning at a low cost, we recommend using a shared server. learningBOX is an e-learning system that has been introduced in a wide variety of industries. learningBOX is an e-learning system designed to make it easy for anyone to create a web-based learning environment. Learning materials can be easily created even by those with no specialized knowledge by following the instructions on the creation form. There is a wealth of educational materials to support the introduction of the system, which greatly reduces the workload and stress on the person in charge of the system! In addition, it is possible to configure the learning materials to be distributed on a case-by-case basis according to the learners and learning content, allowing for a flexible response. You can read more about the usage scenarios of learningBOX in this article. With our e-learning system, you can start an e-learning program that meets your specific needs, such as "in-house training, certification exams, and learning content sales. learningBOX is an easy-to-use system that does not require a high level of IT literacy, as the creation of content is straightforward and comprehensive. We use learningBOX in this way! We use e-learning to share knowledge and simulate practical customer service! We mainly use learningBOX for training for new employees and simulate practical work experience. This is what has changed by using learningBOX! The learningBOX has improved my work! We have collected some of the happy comments after the introduction of learningBOX, such as 1. In response to the new normal society, online examinations can now be taken at home! 2. Flexibility to respond immediately to our requests and support was excellent! When implementing e-learning, it is essential to install a server. LearningBOX offers a full range of functions necessary for e-learning, such as creating teaching materials, creating questions and tests, and grading and grade management, yet it is available at one-tenth the market price. It is recommended for companies that want to conduct e-learning training and learning with a small number of people in any location. We, of course, also use learningBOX for training, but most of our teaching materials are created in-house. LearningBOX can be used for up to 10 accounts for an unlimited period of time, free of charge. Please try our easy-to-use system, which can be used without any instruction manual!

My name is Takadaoka, and I’m on the marketing team. In this article, I’ll introduce how to use “online certification exams and online tests” with learningBOX, our e-learning system. learningBOX is used for certification and testing functions across all industries and fields, and it offers all the features required for online certification exams and tests. To companies struggling with the inability to hold scheduled certification or qualification exams due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, and to associations and organizations that administer these exams: Our e-learning system is an LMS designed with a focus on ease of use and affordability. We hope you will consider using our system after reading this article. E-learning allows you to administer certification and qualification exams online. E-learning is a form of learning that utilizes the internet. By using electronic devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets, along with IT networks, it is a revolutionary learning style that allows you to improve your skills at your own pace, regardless of location, time, or subject matter. In addition to certification and qualification exams, e-learning allows you to administer new graduate recruitment exams and written tests from the comfort of your home computer, free from the constraints of time and location. All time-consuming tasks—such as distributing and printing materials, grading exam questions, and arranging test venues—can be handled entirely online. What Is a Learning Management System (LMS) That Supports e-Learning? A Learning Management System (LMS) is a system that integrates and manages the distribution of learning materials and the tracking of grades—all of which are necessary for implementing e-learning. An LMS is a critical component, often referred to as the “operating system” of e-learning, and is a management system equipped with the functions necessary for operating e-learning programs. LMSs generally include the following functions: Registration, modification, and deletion of learners; registration of learning materials (content) and assignment of materials to learners; management of learners, individual learning histories, learning progress, and grades; grade tabulation; statistical analysis functions Setting up bulletin boards for information sharing and sending emails to learners Return to Table of Contents Successive Cancellations and Postponements of “Certification and Qualification Exams” Due to the Novel Coronavirus [FY 2020] Information on the Cancellation and Postponement of Certification and Qualification Exams Due to the Spread of COVID-19 Postponed Due to COVID-19… Bar Exam Date Set | From Nippon TV NEWS24 Foreign Language Proficiency Tests Face Existence Crisis: Hit Hard by COVID-19, Some Organizations See Zero Revenue | From Asahi Shimbun Digital Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, certification and qualification exams have been significantly postponed or canceled. It is likely that an increasing number of organizations will face a crisis of survival in the future, as they are unable to hold exams due to circumstances such as being unable to rent venues, and consequently cannot collect examination fees—which account for the majority of their revenue. Measures Regarding Certification Exams Amid the Spread of COVID-19 On June 4, 2020, the “Guidelines for COVID-19 Countermeasures in the Conduct of Private Certification Exams, etc.” were announced. Even in regions where the outbreak has temporarily subsided, test venues remain places prone to the “Three Cs” (closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings), and certification providers must give full consideration to the scale and format of their exams. It is necessary to develop measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among test takers and exam staff at the venue and in the surrounding area. We understand that organizers of qualifications and certification exams are facing significant challenges, particularly regarding simultaneous exams, as holding such events may currently be impossible. Return to Table of Contents Creating Online Certifications and Exams with learningBOX learningBOX is an LMS (Learning Management System) developed from QuizGenerator, a quiz creation service. As for examples of how our e-learning platform is used, while we certainly recommend its features for so-called “e-learning” purposes—such as new employee orientation, in-house training, talent development, and corporate education—it also offers a comprehensive set of features specifically designed for “online certifications and exams.”  You can easily create online exams using the test creation feature. You can easily set the number of attempts allowed and the date and time when the test is made available—all necessary for administering tests. You can also choose to show or hide participants’ scores during the test, depending on your specific use case. Please see this article for more details: learningBOX Features. With learningBOX’s quiz creation form, you can easily create exams and tests by simply entering question text, answers, and explanations according to the specified format. Even those who are not familiar with computers or lack IT knowledge can create questions in just a few minutes. A Wide Variety of Question Types: learningBOX offers more than 13 different question formats—including single-choice, multiple-choice, essay, reordering, and fill-in-the-blank—allowing you to create questions tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You can also divide questions into several sections (groups) and assign a specified number of questions from each section. You can also manage test takers and check their learning progress—such as who is studying, when, and how far they’ve progressed. You can even send individual email notifications based on a test taker’s learning status or scores. Compatible with PCs, smartphones, and tablets: Exams can be taken seamlessly from any device with an internet connection. With learningBOX, you can configure questions to include automated voice narration, images, videos, and YouTube videos. Question creators can also set the system to automatically shuffle and present questions to test takers each time. You can easily configure settings such as time limits, point allocation, and the option to hide answers from test takers. You can also set limits on the duration of the course or the number of attempts allowed. Click here to view detailed instructions on how to use learningBOX.  Back to Table of Contents: Conducting Certification and Qualification Exams via CBT Using learningBOX learningBOX partners with companies that provide CBT testing centers, so candidates can take certification exams or promotion tests created with learningBOX at dedicated testing centers. If you need to administer computer-based certification or qualification exams but are unable to secure a venue in-house, we recommend conducting them at a venue-based test center that supports CBT (Computer-Based Testing). What is CBT? CBT stands for Computer-Based Testing. It refers to testing conducted on computers. By taking the test on a computer instead of using paper materials such as test booklets or answer sheets, you can significantly reduce the time and cost required for grading, score calculation, and result notification. Additionally, since the test is taken on a computer, questions that incorporate audio or video can be included. Click here for CBT features: Test-takers can choose the date, time, and location that best suits them! CBT exams are more convenient than paper-based exams, and test-takers can receive their results immediately after the exam. There is no anxiety or delay while waiting for results. Exam creators and certifying bodies can configure question formats and response methods unique to Wwb exams! It is also possible to include questions that are difficult to implement in paper-based exams, such as those using audio or video. The collection, evaluation, and notification of results are automated, reducing the effort and costs associated with printing and distributing materials compared to paper-based exams. Nationwide Test Center Coverage: With 150 test centers across 109 districts in all 47 prefectures, this service is ideal for companies with offices nationwide that need to administer promotion exams, or for certification exams with candidates located throughout the country that require on-site testing. Key Points: Dedicated staff are stationed at every venue, and all venues are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and equipment for administering web-based exams and online certifications. At every venue, dedicated staff will handle identity verification for users (examinees), provide pre-exam briefings, distribute materials, and offer technical support on your company’s behalf. Each venue is fully equipped with a reception desk, waiting room, lockers, computers (tablets), desks, chairs, and interview equipment (cameras, headsets, and lights). Back to Table of Contents Summary In this article, we introduced how to utilize online certification exams and online tests using learningBOX, our e-learning learning management system. learningBOX is used for certification and testing functions across all industries and fields, and it offers all the features required for online certification exams and tests. If you are interested in “moving your online certifications and qualification exams to the web,” please feel free to contact us. Additionally, learningBOX offers sample web-based certification questions. We invite you to start by trying our free plan. ▼ You Might Also Like! Related Articles Return to Table of Contents

If you’re considering implementing or switching to an e-learning system, you’re probably not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available and unsure of which one to choose. In recent years, many e-learning systems have emerged, each with different features and pricing structures. When comparing and evaluating these services, cost is naturally a major concern. In this article, we’ll cover the pricing of e-learning systems—the information HR and training managers are most interested in. We hope this serves as a helpful reference as you select an e-learning system. Table of Contents 01 Types and Costs of E-Learning Systems Types of E-Learning Systems E-Learning System Pricing 02 Key Points for Comparing E-Learning Systems Features Usability Support System Implementation Track Record 03 Price Comparison of Cloud-Based E-Learning Systems Types of E-Learning Services Price Comparison of the Top 5 Providers 04 If You Want to Try an E-Learning System , We Recommend learningBOX 05 Summary Types and Costs of E-Learning Systems While the term “e-learning system” covers a wide range of solutions, their delivery models and pricing structures vary significantly. Here, we’ll first examine the types of e-learning systems and their typical costs. Types of E-Learning Systems E-learning systems can be broadly categorized into two types. One is the “on-premises” type, which is built on the company’s own servers, and the other is the “cloud-based” type, which utilizes systems hosted on the service provider’s servers. Development and setup costs for on-premises systems are said to run into the millions of yen, and cloud-based systems have now become the mainstream. E-Learning System Pricing Here, let’s look at the costs of cloud-based e-learning systems. First, regarding initial costs, amounts ranging from 0 yen to around 200,000 yen are common. Recently, many services with zero initial costs have emerged, which is a point to consider when comparing options. The cost structure for e-learning systems is typically based on monthly or annual fees, depending on the service details and number of users offered by each provider. For example, the most common price range seems to be around 30,000 to 60,000 yen per month for up to 100 users, and around 50,000 to 80,000 yen per month for 200 users. Calculated per user, this comes out to 250 to 600 yen per month. Back to Table of Contents Key Points for Comparing e-Learning Systems While cost is important when comparing e-learning systems, there are several other points you should consider. Let’s go through them one by one. Features Depending on your implementation goals, if you plan to use the system for new employee training, you’ll need features such as progress tracking and communication tools like chat for easy Q&A. Additionally, if you plan to use it for compliance training, you should check whether it includes features like notification emails and surveys. By clearly defining your implementation goals, you can identify exactly which features your company needs. Usability If the system is complex or difficult to understand, it places a significant burden on both users and administrators, which can lead to decreased motivation. It is also important to ensure the system supports multiple devices so it can be used on tablets and smartphones. By choosing a user-friendly system that even those with limited IT literacy can use easily, you can lower the barriers to implementing an e-learning system. Support System It is crucial to ensure that adequate support is available should any questions or issues arise, from implementation through to operation. Be sure to verify what specific items are covered by the support, as well as the methods of contact, such as phone or email. Implementation Track Record: When comparing options, you may want to refer to metrics such as the “number of client companies” or “number of users” published by each provider. Some providers showcase actual implementation case studies; reviewing examples from companies in the same industry or facing similar challenges can help you find the service best suited for your organization. Back to Table of Contents: Cloud-Based e-Learning Price Comparison We’ve covered the key points for comparing e-learning services. Here, we’ll introduce the types and detailed costs of cloud-based e-learning services, which are currently the mainstream option. It’s best to choose a service that suits your company after carefully comparing your options. Types of e-Learning Services Cloud-based e-learning services can be broadly divided into two categories: subscription-based services, where you pay a monthly fee to access pre-prepared training content, and services that provide only an LMS platform, allowing you to use your own original training materials. For subscription-based services, prices typically range from around 500 to 1,500 yen per user, while for services that provide only the LMS platform, prices typically range from around 200 to 600 yen per user. Price Comparison of the Top 5 Providers Here, let’s compare the prices of various companies that actually provide e-learning systems. Since each company has its own areas of expertise, please use this as a reference to identify the service that best suits your company. *Based on the Standard Plan (annual contract). This comparison covers Companies A and B (subscription-based) versus Companies C and D (LMS platform only). Even when comparing just these five, you can see that their features differ. E-commerce functionality refers to the ability to sell and manage learning content created within the e-learning system. Back to Table of Contents If you want to try an e-learning system, we recommend learningBOX. In this section, we’ll introduce the pricing for our e-learning system, “learningBOX,” which is frequently asked about. learningBOX offers six standard licensing plans. The most affordable Standard Plan costs 33,000 yen per year for 100 accounts (27.5 yen per user). The popular Standard Plan costs 99,000 yen per year for 100 accounts (82.5 yen per user). We also offer a Free Plan that lets you try the same features as our paid plans at no cost (up to 10 accounts, no time limit, excluding paid optional features), so please give it a try. Click here for details on our pricing plans. Additionally, learningBOX’s content distribution service, “learningBOX ON,” provides access to corporate training content supervised by experts (such as harassment prevention and compliance training). With free content available, you can reduce the cost and effort of creating your own training materials. Back to Table of Contents Summary Since there are many types of e-learning systems, it is important to consider various factors—not just cost—when comparing different providers’ services. It is advisable to clarify your company’s objectives for implementation and compare specific e-learning systems while considering each provider’s features, based on key points such as what specific functions are required, whether off-the-shelf course content is needed, and cost considerations. We hope this article helps you select the service that best suits your company. ▼Recommended! Related Articles Return to Table of Contents