Whether micro-learning, WBT or video training: e-learning is on the rise in the further education sector! The large variety of digital learning methods often leads to confusion. We have compared the 7 most important e-learning methods and provide you with a complete overview in this article!
“Is this topic available as e-learning?” – Perhaps you have already heard this question from a potential customer. It is even very likely that you have come into contact with the topic of e-learning in some way or another. According to a recent study by the platform for vocational adult education, 68% of all companies today use digital learning methods in further education.
This not only means a change for companies but also for trainers who are supposed to implement such digital measures. If the trend continues to be this strong, “digital learning” will be an offering that you as a trainer must provide to your customers in a few years.
It gets tricky when looking at the plethora of different learning methods. It is often not entirely clear which form of e-learning the customer actually desires: blended learning, microlearning, video training or WBT? As a trainer, to make the optimal decision here, you need to know:
what the terms actually mean,
where the differences between the methods lie and
for which purpose each is best suited.
Therefore, we provide you with a brief overview of the most important digital learning methods for adult education:
The “who is who” of digital learning methods
The basic method: E-Learning
According to definition, e-learning, in short, means “all forms of learning (...), where electronic or digital media (...) are used.” E-learning is not a digital learning method in itself, but the umbrella term for many different learning methods.
For this reason, it is important to distinguish the individual methods more clearly. Each digital form of learning has its own strengths and is suitable for different learning goals, target groups, or learning situations. Knowing the differences allows for more targeted planning and successful implementation of further training offerings.
Learning method 1: Blended Learning
In blended learning, you complement face-to-face events with online courses. Strictly speaking, blended learning is not a pure e-learning method, but a combination of analog and digital learning methods.
Blended learning does not mean that you conduct a face-to-face training and offer the same content digitally in the online course. Rather, you sensibly divide the content: Theoretical knowledge is best conveyed in the online course. You then utilize the often limited face-to-face time extensively for practical transfer.
Learning method 2: M-Learning
In the article "What the hell is M-Learning?", colleague Corinna has recently dealt with the term and shown: The modern term M-Learning is just the short form of “mobile learning”.
Learning content in mobile learning is accessed on a smartphone or tablet. Mobile learning and e-learning are often differentiated, but by definition, M-learning is clearly an e-learning method – just not on a PC, but on a mobile device.
Learning method 3: Microlearning
In microlearning, you divide all the knowledge from your training into as small, easily digestible learning nuggets as possible. This avoids overwhelming your participants and supports long-term learning effects.
Digitally, you can, for example, offer small learning units every day without being present daily. Micro-learning is a versatile approach among e-learning methods and can be perfectly combined with blended learning or m-learning. How to do this best can be read in the article "3 Rules for Creating Learning Nuggets."
Learning method 4: Video Training
A video training is an e-learning method that consists mainly or entirely of learning videos. The videos are available online for participants. This way, they can learn at their own pace and from any location.
Video trainings give you the opportunity to present even complex learning content simply and repetitively. Furthermore, videos are authentic and much more motivating than texts or other “silent” learning media. And for you as a trainer, learning videos are also easy to produce – if you avoid some common mistakes in learning videos!
Learning method 5: WBT
Web-based training (WBT) is probably what most customers envision under the term e-learning: You provide learning content on a learning platform or in a program via the Internet.
Unlike mobile learning, the content of a WBT does not have to be available on mobile devices. The duration of the learning units is also not fundamentally predetermined. A WBT is essentially the basic form of e-learning, which can be specifically complemented by other methods.
Learning method 6: Webinar
In a webinar, you give a presentation to a virtual group of participants. This can be done live or via a recording that is available online at any time.
Webinars are particularly well suited when you have very large groups of participants who are not gathered in one place – making a face-to-face event impossible. You can integrate recordings into a WBT and offer a complete training in the digital space with supplementary online content.
Learning method 7: Virtual Reality
Using a special fully digital headset, participants can practice important processes and situations in real-time within a virtual space. The trick: participants can influence the events themselves!
This digital learning method is probably the newest among those mentioned. However, virtual reality is already being successfully used by some large companies like Deutsche Bahn and Stihl (here is a report). There are still only a few projects, but it is possible that this technology will spread further in the coming years.
Overview: The 7 most important e-learning methods
Many terms, much information! The following table should help you choose the right e-learning method for your training and the wishes of your respective customer.
It is important to differentiate between synchronous (s) and asynchronous (a) learning methods: This way, you know whether you must be present on-site for the respective method or if your participants can learn spatially independent of you.
Conclusion: Not every digital learning method fits every training!
E-learning is not a single learning format, but a collective term for many different digital learning methods, each with its own strengths.
For this reason, it is important to carefully consider the goals and framework of further education before selecting a method. Microlearning, video training, web-based training, or blended learning pursue different didactic approaches and are each suitable for different learning goals.
Those who consider the participants' requirements, the existing technology, and the desired learning outcomes can choose the appropriate format from the variety of digital learning methods. Only then does e-learning unleash its full potential in further education.
For many trainers, blended learning is an especially good entry into the world of digital learning methods. By combining face-to-face training and online learning, a flexible learning concept emerges that sensibly connects theory, practice, and digital knowledge transfer.
Updated on 06.03.2026
