10 types of e-learning: Which one works for you?

With the advancement of technology, e-learning has become an essential tool for organizations to train their employees. And it’s not surprising, given the array of benefits it brings, ranging from learning flexibility and cost-effectiveness to improved learning outcomes.

In this article, we’ll look at the different types of e-learning that every training manager should know about.

What is e-learning, and why is it important?

E-learning is a modern approach to training that uses digital platforms to deliver content and lessons. As a manager, you’ll find it an effective way to equip your team with new skills, all while allowing them to learn at their own pace.

This method breaks down barriers of time and location, making it easier for employees to access valuable resources whenever they need them. When you incorporate e-learning into your training strategy, you create opportunities for continuous development.

Plus, it helps your team stay updated with industry trends and best practices. This flexibility leads to a more knowledgeable and adaptable workforce, ready to tackle challenges head-on.

1. Asynchronous online learning

Asynchronous online learning is one of the most common types of online learning. It refers to a self-paced learning environment where learners can access the course material and complete their assignments at any time and from anywhere. It may come in the form of pre-recorded lectures, discussion forums, and other learning resources on a learning management system (LMS) or online platform, without having to participate in live sessions.

Conduct your asynchronous learning using the best type of e-learning platform – Mitti (by SafetyCulture). This powerful tool has a lot of training solutions that can help you create and deliver custom courses with ease.

One of its best features is the course creator tool. Thanks to its drag-and-drop method and template-based design, you can quickly build interactive courses that suit your team's needs.

Assigning courses to your team is also a breeze with Mitti. Your team can access their training at their convenience, using the device of their choice.

Start creating beautiful and engaging e-learning courses. Join Mitti today!

2. Synchronous online learning

Next on the list of online learning methods is synchronous online learning which allows learners to interact with their instructors and peers in a virtual learning environment, regardless of location. Unlike the asynchronous learning method, it requires participation at the same time as everyone else. Web conferencing tools and online chats are commonly used to facilitate this type of learning.

Synchronous online learning pushes for live discussions, immediate feedback, and real-time collaboration. This makes it a great option for employee training that involves group activities and engagement and requires timely feedback.

Mitti has features that can support not only your asynchronous online training but also your synchronous training needs. Its Discussion feature allows you to start peer-to-peer or peer-to-admin conversations in a forum-style setting. This way, you can engage your learners in real time and keep them invested in the discussion, promoting active learning.

3. Blended learning

Blended learning, in its most basic form, combines face-to-face and online learning. It offers the best of these two types of e-learning, such as the flexibility of online learning and the interactive nature of face-to-face learning. It’s a great fit for employees who prefer self-study with a bit of real-time guidance.

This e learning type has a positive impact on the learning process and retention of employees. By providing a mix of learning opportunities, they’re more engaged and can retain information better, leading to improved performance in the workplace.

A blended learning feature that you might find useful is Mitti's Practical Assessments. This feature lets you verify the success of your digital training and see if your team’s applying what they've learned to their actual work. You can also easily track your team members' learning progress and make sure they're getting the most out of their training.

4. Mobile learning

Mobile learning is like sending learning materials to your learner's pocket. They can use their smartphone or tablets to access their training on the go, whether they’re on a training or waiting in line at the grocery stores. No need to sit in a boring classroom or wait for the next training session - they can learn at their own pace, whenever is convenient for them.

If you have your e-learning courses built with Mitti, then you’d be pleased to know that these learning materials can be easily accessed by your team through their mobile devices.

5. Gamification

Gamification, as it’s called, involves the use of game elements in the learning process. These game elements can be anything like leaderboards, point systems, rewards, and more. The primary goal of this type of e-learning is to overcome the mental barrier commonly associated with learning and make the learning journey more fun and engaging for your team. Corporate gamification is perfect for learners who thrive better in an engaging and immersive learning environment.

Create a fun and competitive learning environment for your learners with Mitti’s gamification features! With features like in-built game templates and fun quizzes, your team members can have fun while learning and improving their skills. Plus, you'll be able to track their progress and see how well they're doing using the app’s powerful analytics suite!

6. Microlearning

Microlearning is an example of e learning that’s all about giving your learners just bite-sized modules of information. This approach lets learners absorb information more effectively, as they can focus on one specific topic at a time. It's like snacking on information nuggets instead of trying to swallow a whole meal in one go. On average, microlearning only lasts around 2-4 minutes, making it a good fit for busy learners who barely have time to learn or hone their skills.

Mitti's course creator tool comes with a range of beautifully-designed templates that are based on the science of microlearning. Here, you can easily set up your microlearning courses in the morning, and distribute them in the afternoon.

And if you're short on time, you can browse through Mitti's course library for ready-made microlearning courses that you can share with your team instantly. Plus, these courses are designed to be responsive on almost any device, giving your team the flexibility to learn on their preferred device.

7. Virtual reality learning

Virtual learning is an innovative type of e-learning that lets learners practice and apply their new knowledge and skills in a simulated or virtual environment. By using advanced technologies like virtual reality or video conferencing, learners can engage in realistic scenarios and receive feedback without the risks associated with real-world practice. This makes virtual learning an effective way to enhance learner performance and confidence, making it an excellent choice for helping your team develop new skills and improve their performance.

8. Video-based learning

Video-based learning, as its name implies, uses videos to deliver learning content. It's a great way to visually explain or demonstrate complex topics since learners can see and hear the content being presented. This type of e-learning is especially beneficial for training visual and hands-on learners who prefer a more interactive and engaging learning approach.

9. Podcasts

A podcast is a type of e-learning that uses digital audio to inform your employees about new topics or equip them with new strategies and techniques. It's perfect for online training because people can listen while they're doing other things, like walking or exercising. Podcasts can cover lots of topics, like how to sell or how to stay safe at work. They're also quicker to produce, and easier to share with your team since audio files can be played conveniently using almost any device.

10. Social learning

Social learning is all about learning through social interactions and collaborations. In the context of e-learning, it typically takes place through online forums, chat rooms, and other social media channels where learners can interact with each other and with instructors to exchange ideas, ask questions, and discuss course content.

Looking to create a collaborative and engaging workplace learning experience? Look no further than Mitti's Discussion and Assignment features, your learners will have the opportunity to interact with each other in real time and feel like they are part of a community. This not only motivates them to stay committed to the course but also helps them retain the information they're learning.

11. Interactive simulations

Interactive simulations are a powerful type of e-learning that allows your team to engage in realistic scenarios relevant to their roles. You can utilize these simulations to create immersive training experiences where employees can practice skills and make decisions in a safe environment.

This hands-on approach helps them learn from their mistakes without real-world consequences, boosting their confidence and competence. By incorporating interactive simulations into your training programs, you encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, making learning more dynamic and effective.

12. Digital flashcards

Digital flashcards are a fun and effective way to reinforce learning in the workplace. As a manager, you can encourage your team to use them for quick reviews of essential concepts, terminology, or procedures. These interactive cards allow employees to test their knowledge on the go, making training sessions more engaging and less tedious.

They can easily flip through cards on their mobile devices during breaks or downtime, turning spare moments into productive learning opportunities. In this way, you can integrate digital flashcards into your training strategy and help your team retain information in a more enjoyable way.

Discover the best e-learning strategies for your team. Join Mitti today!