You are sitting on the train, watching a short learning video on your phone, and clicking "Start Quiz" at the end. In that moment, you are already in the middle of E-Learning. Digital training has long been a part of our everyday lives – in companies, academies, and even in 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 benefit for both companies and learners alike. (You can find more basics in our guide E-Learning Basics.)
What does E-Learning actually mean?
The term E-Learning stands for Electronic Learning, meaning learning with digital media. This can be many things: a complete online course, a webinar, a learning app, or a short video on YouTube. At its core, it is about transmitting knowledge digitally – regardless of time, place, or fixed dates.
This means: You decide for yourself when and where you learn. In the morning with coffee, on the train, or between two appointments in the office. Content is available anytime, repeatable, and can be structured in a way that fits perfectly into your daily routine.
E-Learning is therefore not a fixed format, but a flexible concept that makes learning easier, more individualized, and 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 bites for in between – anything is possible. (Here you can learn how companies use learning platforms.) 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 two worlds: online phases and personal meetings.
In practice, this means, for example: You prepare digitally for a topic and then deepen it in a presence phase – that is, in a joint workshop, seminar, or team meeting. This combination is particularly effective because knowledge is transmitted digitally but solidified 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 address participants individually.
The big advantage: Even those who are not on-site can actively participate – ideal for teams at various locations or for spontaneous training sessions where exchange is required.
4. Microlearning
Microlearning stands for learning in small, easily digestible units – for example, a short video or a learning card with a single message.
This method is perfect for anyone who has little time or wants to refresh their knowledge in between. Regularly applied, microlearning leads to sustainable learning success because the brain retains information better when it is presented in small portions.
5. Mobile Learning
In Mobile Learning, the learning process takes place directly on a smartphone or tablet.
This allows you to take knowledge with you anywhere – on the train, to the café, or on a business trip. Mobile Learning makes learning flexible and practical for everyday life and is therefore an important part of modern training concepts.
6. Social Learning
Learning works best through exchange. Social Learning utilizes just that: 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 motivating.
Why E-Learning is becoming increasingly important
The working world is changing rapidly: New technologies, skilled labor shortages, and an increasing demand for further education make lifelong learning indispensable. Classic seminars often reach their limits: high costs, long travel times, and much organization.
E-Learning offers clear advantages here. Content can be quickly updated and distributed to many people simultaneously. Learners decide for themselves when and how they learn – without interrupting their workday. Companies save costs, and knowledge remains up to date.
Another advantage: E-Learning is more sustainable than analog training. No travel, no paper, no energy expenditure for rooms. Those who learn digitally conserve resources and the environment.
More on the subject: The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports the German education system with a digital education offensive.
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 most important advantages:
Learning without time and location constraints
You can learn whenever it suits you – whether early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evening on the sofa. This finally makes further education practical for everyday life.
Individual learning pace
Everyone learns differently. With E-Learning, you can repeat, pause, or skip content – whatever works best for you.
Cost efficiency
No travel expenses, no room reservations, no printing. 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 provided immediately – 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 company's image.
Measurable learning success
Progress, participation rates, and results can be evaluated directly. This way, trainers and learners can see what works – and where there is still potential.
More on the subject: Mittelstand-Digital highlights the importance of digital further education.
What prerequisites are needed for successful E-Learning?
For E-Learning to work, more than good content is needed: 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 on each other, and activate learners with varied methods, such as 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 stays in the background, learning takes center stage, and that's how it should be.
Motivation and support
Digital learning processes also require human support. Course leaders can maintain motivation through feedback, discussions, or small challenges. Those who notice that someone is learning along or is interested in progress are more likely to stay engaged.
Clear learning objectives and success measurement
No goal, no success. Defined learning objectives help structure content and make learning success measurable. This way, all parties involved know what has been achieved – and what is still missing.
How E-Learning is used in practice
E-Learning is no longer just a thing of the future; it has already been actively used in many areas for some time. Companies, for example, use it to onboard new employees, train products, or conduct mandatory briefs 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 support learners flexibly, adjust courses, and automate the awarding of certificates.
Even for freelancers or coaches, E-Learning is interesting: They can prepare knowledge once and offer it again and again, regardless of location and time.
This results in learning processes that are efficient, individualized, and sustainable – while also remaining motivating.
More on the topic: The DIHK on the practical use of further education and learning in the digital working world.
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 can intuitively design learning processes – 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 keep track of progress, feedback, and communication at all times – everything in one place, GDPR compliant and securely on German servers.
This way, digital learning becomes not only technically possible but 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 is more than just an alternative to the classic seminar room today: it is rather 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 starting anew, it will quickly become clear: Digital learning is not rocket science. With the right tools, clear goals, and a pinch of curiosity, further education becomes not only easier but also really exciting. You can find more tips and practical examples in the guide Digital Learning in Practice.
And that is precisely what makes E-Learning so successful – for companies, trainers, and learners alike.
