E-learning systems: An LMS with content as a path to the future of learning

Definition: What is e-learning?

E-learning is the digital way of learning. These are learning processes that use digital or electronic tools, such as computers, videos or webinars. The term e-learning is therefore very central to the technological aspect: transfer of knowledge in the age of digitization. Continuing education is highly relevant today in order to keep pace with the latest developments, for example when it comes to technical innovations. Relevant knowledge is therefore available at any time — digitally retrievable and updated. Because that is exactly what will become an economic success factor tomorrow, even more so than today.  

Modern learning — the special thing about e-learning

E-learning expands traditional learning. It combines various approaches and technologies and enables learners, for example, to access educational content and develop regardless of their physical location.

A) E-learning can either synchronously his, i.e. teacher and learner, come together virtually in real time, for example in digital training rooms or online meetings.

B) However, e-learning can also asynchronous be, with learners independently and without real-time communication with the teacher with the content‍

What are the benefits of e-learning?

• Learning today is individual and flexible: Asynchronous e-learning in particular has different previous knowledge and Learning speeds Invoice. If necessary, learners can skip content, give themselves more time, or even repeat content. Depending on their time capacity and interest, they decide for themselves when, where and for how long they learn. This is not only possible during working hours. If you have a long way home, you can listen to a professional podcast in the meantime, for example.

• E-learning has lower costs and is scalable: Once e-learnings have been purchased or created, they can be available to all employees. Learning phases are equalized and Arrival and departure are omitted, so that there are hardly any more travel expenses.

• Knowledge is more easily available: E-learning usually only requires a digital device and Internet access. Depending on the e-learning format, all learning materials are digitally available and therefore available anytime, anywhere. Anyone who wants to learn can access the content directly and is not dependent on the physical presence of learning materials.

• Employer attractiveness is increased: A diverse e-learning program increases employer attractiveness and signals appreciation to employees. This contributes to satisfaction. Because it is important for many employees today that they can expand their knowledge and remain professionally up-to-date.

Examples of different types of e-learning

The range of e-learning materials and methods that can be available in systems and on platforms is wide. Whether podcasts, social learning or “learning snacks,” in the form of microlearnings: If time is scarce in everyday life, learning units can still be used. There are many ways to learn digitally despite a lack of time.

Here is an overview:

• Social learning: Learners and experts exchange ideas on topics, work on them together or enter into discourse. This is how they share their Experience and knowledge with each other. This happens, for example, in online communities, on e-learning platforms or on social media. Of course, social learning also takes place in the analog world.

• Microlearning: As the name says — this is about very small learning units. They are compact in terms of content and focus on the essentials of a topic. Learners can quickly consume the learning bits and pieces and understand them easily. This is important because there is often no time to take advantage of learning opportunities. This is usually interactive exercises, infographics, quizzes, or videos.

• Blended learning (hybrid learning): This method combines the advantages of digital learning and traditional face-to-face teaching. In doing so, On-site and online learning units combined with each other. Learners benefit from personal support and personal exchange — in addition, they can access digital learning resources at any time.

• gamification: Learning content becomes playful and entertaining mediated, e.g. with quizzes, points and rewards. Such interactive elements motivate and support learners to better understand and internalize the content, for example by testing their knowledge or recognizing achievements.

• Video tutorials: Experts' knowledge is saved as a video and is available at any time. The format is suitable for many different learning content: for example, certain Technical topics to explain, to show detailed solution instructions or to present products or target groups.

In order to put e-learning of all types on a solid foundation, companies usually choose the professional path and opt for an e-learning system or a learning management system (LMS). Because an LMS in particular is a far-sighted and long-term investment in a company's learning infrastructure.

What is an e-learning system?

An e-learning system forms the technological basis for digital learning and describes a platform or software. It is a professional technical infrastructure to provide learning opportunities or courses cost-saving and efficient to collect, disseminate and manage. This gives companies the opportunity to offer continuing education clearly and centrally. In an e-learning system, multimedia learning offers are collected as digitally retrievable content, such as digitized books, podcasts or PDFs.

Key features of an e-learning system:

• content management: Learning materials are stored centrally in one place, in the form of various media formats (texts, videos, quizzes), which can be integrated in different ways. The content can be easily updated.

• user management: Assigning roles and authorizations (e.g. learners, trainers, administrators) requires just a few clicks.

• Course/learning management: Access rights, deadlines and data evaluation enable the courses to be professionally managed.

• Easily accessible: An LMS is easily accessible to personnel and users: automatically and with one click, without having to enter additional login data. An LMS becomes a central gateway to a company's learning environment.

Differences in e-learning systems: Two types of e-learning platforms

There are a number of well-known e-learning platforms, such as systems that consumers use to learn languages. However, these differ significantly from e-learning systems, which are designed for companies.

1. e-learning platforms, so-called Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), offer continuing education for everyone. These are open online courses on a platform. They work like online marketplaces. Teachers and institutions offer various learning courses there. These are often broadly based on topics and have no admission restrictions.

2. A frequently used e-learning system for companies is a Learning Management System (LMS). It is a professional digital platform or software that is used to manage, deliver, and track online learning activities. It is mostly used in companies or educational institutions.

Distinction: What is the difference between learning management systems and e-learning?

The central difference between LMS and e-learning is that e-learnings are aimed more at the content, the method and thus the path of learning and learners. On the other hand, an LMS to manage offers and learning materials.

LMS e-learning system: Managing and making learning measurable in companies

More and more HR departments rely on a learning management system (LMS) — for professional and systematic qualification and development of employees. Filled with appropriate content and materials, it forms a good basis for successful digital learning in companies. Here, female personnel manage learning resources, create content, assign courses or check the level of learning. As a rule, there are reports and dashboards in LMS that enable learning progress monitoring, but also protect personal data. Good LMS are designed in such a way that they take into account the concerns of the works council.

Why is a combination of LMS and e-learning important?

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A constantly changing world of work requires comprehensive, professional and legally secure learning opportunities. Hardly any company is questioning this anymore. Nevertheless, a recent survey shows that less than 20 percent of L&D teams are convinced that they are already investing enough in skill development (see “Digital Learning Realities” survey, 2023). Training on long-running topics such as compliance, sustainability and GDPR is essential, and trends such as artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) require new knowledge. Quite apart from other competencies that technological progress will require in the future. That is why the combination of LMS and e-learning is particularly important today. With digital learning formats, companies promote the acquisition of knowledge among their employees flexibly, effectively and in a way that saves time and money. E-learnings, for example, are suitable as topic blocks that are provided via interfaces.

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The benefits of a learning management system

Learning management systems are efficient tools for companies that want to professionally and strategically address the issue of continuing education. With the help of the learning platform, learning successes can be seen and measured, for example in the form of certificates. However, the software also enables reporting and recognizes when content needs to be repeated because the score has not been achieved. HR professionals are relieved because an LMS automatically recognizes deadlines and sends out reminder emails directly. In this way, learners do not miss any deadlines for outstanding certificates. In addition, there is no additional work in the HR department.

Specially designed learning paths release content for specific target groups, such as accountants or employees in laboratories/factories, or training courses are assigned to employees. This is particularly useful for training courses required by law or company law — they can thus be optimally delivered in accordance with the target group and implemented in accordance with the law.

LMS offer many benefits:

• An LMS facilitates access, optimizes, controls and centralizes learning.

• The learning platform offers analyses and reports and thus provides a well-founded basis for strategic and number-based decisions.

• Topic-specific learning paths enable both short-term and long-term continuing education for many qualification occasions, such as onboarding or for prospective managers.

• With an LMS, compulsory training can also be carried out and documented efficiently.

• The software helps employees learn flexibly and independently, for example independently of time or using flexible micro-content in between.

• Modern LMS support the learning process through gamification elements, usability and aesthetics.

• Automated allocation increases the speed of training offerings in the organization.