Whether it's micro-learning, WBT, or video training: E-learning is on the rise in the continuing education industry! However, the wide variety of digital learning methods often causes confusion. We have compared the 7 most important e-learning methods with each other and give you a full overview in this article!
"Is this topic also available as e-learning?" – Perhaps you too have already heard this question from a potential client. It is even very likely that you have already come into contact with the topic of e-learning in some way or another. According to a recent study by the platform for professional adult education, as many as 68% of all companies today already use digital learning methods in continuing education.
This represents a transition not only for companies, but also for the trainers who are expected to implement such digital measures. If the trend remains this strong, "digital learning" will be an offering that you, as a trainer, must provide to your clients in a few years.
The whole thing only becomes difficult when looking at the abundance of different learning methods. Often, it is not entirely clear which form of e-learning the client actually wants: Blended learning, microlearning, video training, or WBT? In order to make the optimal decision here as a trainer, you need to know:
what the terms actually mean,
where the differences between the methods lie, and
what purpose they are each best suited for.
In the following, we therefore provide you with a brief overview of the most important digital learning methods for adult education:
The "who's who" of digital learning methods
The basic method: E-learning
According to the definition, e-learning, in short, encompasses "all forms of learning (...) in which electronic or digital media (...) are used." E-learning is therefore not a digital learning method in itself, but the umbrella term for many different learning methods.
This is precisely why it is important to distinguish between the individual methods in more detail. Each digital learning format has its own strengths and is suitable for different learning objectives, target groups, or learning situations. Anyone who knows the differences can plan continuing education offerings more systematically and implement them more successfully.
Learning method 1: Blended learning
With blended learning, you supplement face-to-face sessions 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 exact same content digitally in the online course. Rather, you divide the content sensibly: theoretical knowledge is best conveyed in the online course. You then use 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 recently tackled the term and showed: the modern term M-learning is simply the short form of "mobile learning".
With mobile learning, learning content is accessed on a smartphone or tablet. Mobile learning and e-learning are often distinguished from one another, but by definition, M-learning is clearly an e-learning method – just on a mobile device rather than a PC.
Learning method 3: Microlearning
With microlearning, you divide the entire knowledge of your training into the smallest, easily digestible learning nuggets possible. This avoids overwhelming your participants and supports the long-term learning effect.
Digitally, for example, you can offer small learning units every day without being present daily. Micro-learning is an all-rounder among e-learning methods and can be perfectly combined with blended learning or M-learning. You can read about how this works best in the article "3 rules for creating learning nuggets".
Learning method 4: Video training
Video training is an e-learning method that consists predominantly or entirely of learning videos. The videos are available online for the participants. This allows them to learn at their own pace and regardless of location.
Video training gives you the opportunity to offer even complex learning content easily and repeatably. In addition, videos are authentic and significantly 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 a few classic mistakes in learning videos!
Learning method 5: WBT
Web-Based Training (WBT) is probably what most clients imagine under the term e-learning: You provide learning content on a learning platform or in a program via the internet.
In contrast to mobile learning, the content of a WBT does not necessarily have to be available on mobile devices. The length of the learning units is also basically not fixed. A WBT is virtually the basic form of an e-learning course, which can be systematically supplemented by the other methods.
Learning method 6: Webinar
In a webinar, you deliver a lecture to a virtual group of participants. This is possible both live and via a recording that is available online independently of time.
Webinars are very suitable when you have very large groups of participants who are not sitting together in one place – meaning a face-to-face event is not possible. You can, for example, integrate recordings into a WBT and offer a complete training program in the digital space with supplementary online content.
Learning method 7: Virtual Reality
Through special fully digital glasses, participants can practice important procedures and situations in real time in a virtual room. The highlight: the participants can influence the events themselves!
This digital learning method is probably the newest among those mentioned. However, virtual reality is already being used successfully by several large companies such as Deutsche Bahn and Stihl (here is a report). There are still only a few projects – but it is possible that the technology will spread further in the coming years.
Overview: The 7 most important e-learning methods
Many terms, lots of information! The following table is intended to help you choose the right e-learning method for your training and the wishes of your respective client.
The distinction between synchronous (s) and asynchronous (a) learning methods is important: this lets you know whether you need to be present on site for the respective method, or whether your participants learn independently of you in space.
Conclusion: Not every digital learning method fits every training course!
E-learning is not a single learning format, but a collective term for many different digital learning methods, each with its own strengths.
That is precisely why it is important to look closely at the objectives and boundary conditions of the continuing education before choosing a method. Microlearning, video training, web-based training, or blended learning pursue different didactic approaches and are each suitable for different learning objectives.
Anyone who takes the participants' requirements, the available technology, and the desired learning success into account can select the appropriate format from the variety of digital learning methods. Only then does e-learning unfold its full potential in continuing education.
For many trainers, blended learning is a particularly good entry point into the world of digital learning methods. Combining face-to-face training and online learning creates a flexible learning concept that sensibly links theory, practice, and digital knowledge transfer.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the difference between e-learning and blended learning?
E-learning is the umbrella term for digital forms of learning. Blended learning combines digital learning methods systematically with face-to-face sessions, thus merging the advantages of both formats.
Which digital learning method is best suited for companies?
That depends on the learning objectives. Often, companies achieve the best results when they combine several methods, such as microlearning, video training, and web-based training, within a blended learning concept.
What is web-based training (WBT)?
Web-based training provides learning content via the internet on a learning platform. Depending on the structure, it can contain texts, videos, quizzes, or other interactive elements.
Why are there so many different e-learning methods?
Different learning objectives require different didactic approaches. While webinars promote direct exchange, microlearning or video training are particularly well suited for self-directed learning and knowledge transfer.
