You are sitting on the train, watching a short learning video on your mobile phone, and clicking "Start Quiz" at the end. At this moment, you are already in the middle of e-learning. Digital education has long been a part of our everyday lives – in companies, academies, and even during private learning. But what exactly is behind it? And why is e-learning so much more than just a modern trend?
In this article, you will learn what e-learning really means, what formats exist, and why digital learning is a win-win for both companies and learners alike. (You can find more basics in our guide Basics of E-Learning.)
What does e-learning actually mean?
The term e-learning stands for Electronic Learning, meaning learning with digital media. This can include many things: a complete online course, a webinar, a learning app or a short video on YouTube. At its core, it is about knowledge being conveyed digitally – regardless of time, place, or fixed schedules.
This means: You decide yourself when and where you learn. In the morning with your coffee, on the train, or between two appointments at the office. Content is available anytime, can be repeated, and can be structured in a way that perfectly fits into your everyday life.
E-learning is therefore not a fixed format but a flexible concept that makes learning easier, more individual, and more accessible.
Here you can find out how, for example, the Education Portal Saxony explains the term "e-learning".
The most important forms of e-learning
E-learning has many faces: from structured online courses to short learning tidbits for in between – everything is possible. (Here you can find out how companies use learning platforms in practice.) The most important formats:
1. Online courses
Online courses are the classic in digital learning. They usually consist of chapters or modules with videos, texts, PDFs, and small tests.
Participants work through the content at their own pace and can jump back or repeat topics at any time. This makes online courses ideal for internal training, product training, or continuing education that needs to be regularly updated.
2. Blended learning
Blended learning combines the best of both worlds: online phases and personal meetings.
In practice, this means, for example: You prepare digitally for a topic and later deepen it in a presence phase – that is, in a joint workshop, seminar, or team meeting. This combination is particularly effective because knowledge is conveyed digitally but is reinforced in direct interaction with people.
3. Webinars and live sessions
Here, learning takes place in real-time. Trainers or coaches explain topics live, answer questions, and respond individually to the participants.
The big advantage: Even those who are not on-site can actively participate – ideal for teams at different locations or for spontaneous training where exchange is needed.
4. Microlearning
Microlearning represents learning in small, easily digestible units – for example, a short video or a learning card with a single message.
This method is perfect for everyone who has little time or wants to refresh their knowledge in between. Regularly applied, microlearning ensures sustainable learning success because the brain stores information better when it is conveyed in small portions.
5. Mobile learning
In mobile learning, the learning process takes place directly on the smartphone or tablet.
This allows you to take knowledge anywhere – on the train, in a café, or on a business trip. Mobile learning makes learning flexible and practical, and is therefore an important part of modern education concepts.
6. Social learning
Learning works best through exchange. Social learning leverages this: Participants comment on content, discuss in forums, or share their own experiences.
This creates a vibrant learning culture in which knowledge grows together – digitally, interactively, and motivatingly.
Why e-learning is becoming increasingly important
The world of work is changing rapidly: new technologies, a lack of skilled workers, and an increasing need for further education make lifelong learning indispensable. Traditional seminars often reach their limits: high costs, long travel times, and much organization.
E-learning offers clear advantages here. Content can be updated quickly and delivered simultaneously to many people. Learners decide for themselves when and how they learn – without interrupting their workday. Companies save costs, and knowledge remains up-to-date.
Another plus: E-learning is more sustainable than traditional training. No travel, no paper, no energy expenditure for rooms. Those who learn digitally conserve resources and the environment.
More on the topic: The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports the German education system with a digital education initiative.
Advantages of e-learning at a glance
E-learning impresses with flexibility and measurable success. Especially for beginners, it is worth taking a closer look at the main benefits:
Learning without time and location constraints
You can learn whenever it fits – whether early in the morning, during the lunch break, or in the evening on the couch. This finally makes further education practical.
Individual learning pace
Everyone learns differently. With e-learning, you can repeat, pause, or skip content – however it works best for you.
Cost efficiency
No travel costs, no room reservations, no printouts. Companies save time and money, and learners can focus on what matters: the content.
Easy updates
New products, laws, or processes? No problem. Content can be adjusted in minutes and made immediately available – without complicated logistics.
Sustainability
Digital courses save resources, avoid business trips, and reduce CO₂ emissions. This is not only good for the environment but also for the corporate image.
Measurable learning success
Progress, participation rates, and results can be directly evaluated. This way, trainers and learners can see what works – and where there is still potential.
More on the topic: Mittelstand-Digital emphasizes the importance of digital education.
What prerequisites are needed for successful e-learning?
For e-learning to work, it takes more than good content: Successful digital learning arises from a combination of didactics, motivation, and technology.
Didactically well-thought-out learning concepts
Good courses are not a product of chance. They follow a red thread, build logically upon each other, and activate learners with varied methods, such as through videos, quizzes, or reflection tasks.
Simple, intuitive platforms
A good learning platform makes learning easy. Learners should find their way around immediately, without training or manuals. When technology remains in the background, learning takes center stage, and that is exactly how it should be.
Motivation and support
Digital learning processes also need human accompaniment. Course leaders can maintain motivation through feedback, discussions, or small challenges. Those who notice someone else is learning along or is interested in progress tend to stay engaged.
Clear learning objectives and measuring success
No goals mean no success. Defined learning objectives help to structure content and make learning success measurable. This way, all involved know what has been achieved – and what is still missing.
How e-learning is applied in practice
E-learning is no longer just a concept for the future; it has already been actively used in many areas for some time. Companies use it, for example, to train new employees, educate about products, or perform mandatory training digitally.
A presence phase refers to the part of a training where learners and trainers meet in person, for example, for group exercises, discussions, or practical applications. When these phases are combined with online sections, it is referred to as blended learning.
Academies and educational institutions also benefit: they can flexibly support learners, adjust courses, and automatically issue certificates.
Even freelancers and coaches find e-learning appealing: they can prepare knowledge once and offer it repeatedly, regardless of location and time.
This creates learning processes that are efficient, individual, and sustainable – while remaining motivating.
More on the topic: The DIHK on the practical implementation of further education and learning in the digital world of work.
E-learning with blink.it: Simple, effective, and human
If you want to implement digital learning in your company or academy, you don’t need a complicated IT structure: With blink.it, you design learning processes intuitively – from the first course to the certificate.
Learners experience a clear structure, motivating content, and easy access, whether on a PC or smartphone.
Course leaders always have an overview of progress, feedback, and communication – all in one place, compliant with GDPR, and securely hosted on German servers.
This way, digital learning is not only technically possible but also truly effective and human. Book your online demo now and let us show you how you can train and educate with blink.it.
Conclusion
E-learning today is more than just an alternative to the traditional seminar room: it is the key to a modern learning culture. It combines flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability with the freedom to acquire knowledge exactly when it is needed.
Especially for those who are just starting out, it quickly becomes clear: digital learning is not rocket science. With the right tools, clear goals, and a dash of curiosity, further education becomes not only simpler but genuinely exciting. You can find more tips and practical examples in the guide Digital Learning in Practice.
And that’s what makes e-learning so successful – for companies, trainers, and learners alike.
