How eLearning Saves More Time than ILT? [5 Proven Ways Explained]

There are constant debates and questions about the best training format. Whether it is ILT (Instructor-led Training) or eLearning. And the answer is, it depends on your training requirements. Every format of training has its own pros and cons, and no training is a one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, providing a conclusive answer won’t be possible. However, I can offer you an insight into the various benefits of choosing eLearning. So without any delay, let’s take a look at the 5 ways eLearning can help you save time against ILT.

→ Download Now: Instructional Design Strategies to Design Engaging eLearning Courses

Table of Contents

How Does eLearning Help Save More Time than ILT?

• Offers Flexibility
• Reusability of Content
• Reinforcement and Performance Support
• Real-time Access
• Focus on ‘Need to Know’ Content

How Does eLearning Help Save More Time than ILT?

Now let’s take a close look at the 5 effective ways.

1. Offers Flexibility

At one point or the other, all of us have experienced lengthy classroom training sessions that didn’t seem to end. As eLearning courses are not time or place-bound, learners do not have to sit in one place to complete the courses. Also, when learners are struggling with tight deadlines and urgent tasks, spending a significant amount of time away from work is not so viable. Therefore, eLearning is a fantastic option as it gives learners much-needed flexibility, thereby boosting their performance.

Here are a few ways in which eLearning saves time:

1. With eLearning, learners get to learn at their own pace, rather than moving with the pace of the classroom. So quicker learners are not held back by the group.
2. With eLearning, there is no travel involved, to and from the training venue.
3. There is no scope for tangential discussions that sometimes derail classroom sessions.

Instructional Design Strategies to Design Engaging eLearning Courses

Design Learner-Centric eLearning

• Importance of ID Strategies in eLearning
• Parameters to Select the Right ID Strategy
• ID Strategies for Effective Results
• Case Studies

Download eBook

2. Reusability of Content

At times, eLearning course developers have to develop content from scratch. However, quite often, they can reuse the content from existing training material that can be repurposed to suit the needs of the current training. Repurposing saves a lot of time for organizations as they can roll out training programs quickly.

You can interactive eLearning courses by repurposing content to develop elements like quizzes, simulations, scenarios, or games around “regular” content. For instance, if you have text-based content, you can team it up with animations, branching, and interactive elements to transform it into an immersive eLearning scenario.

With rapid eLearning authoring tools that are available in the market, content repurposing has become easier than ever, saving significant time and effort without compromising the quality. That being said, you can’t use the content from classroom training as it is. You need to ensure that it is aligned with the digital mode of delivery.

3. Reinforcement and Performance Support

If someone were to ask you how the breakfast you had this morning was, you would instantly share your experience. At the same time, if they were to ask you about the dessert you tasted months ago, you may not even remember the dessert. Similarly, when it comes to learning, learners forget what was taught within a few days of learning.

There is a constant need to refresh what is being taught. There are certain portions of any training that are to be remembered at all times, in other words, they have to be internalized and applied. This is where performance support aids knowledge reinforcement as it:

• Empowers learners: They enable learners to learn on their own, at the time of need.
• Saves time: Instead of reading manuals or waiting for the instructor’s help, learners can quickly access the required information online.
• Helps improve assimilation: This helps learners apply the skills on-the-job, as performance support tools are designed to meet a specific need.
• Provides just-in-time updates: They help in disseminating new features or upgrades, or changes in the organization.

4. Real-Time Access

The problem with traditional classroom training programs or live learning events is that they require the participants to align their schedules according to the training calendar. However, this is not the case with eLearning, as learners can access courses anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need for strict schedules.

This saves a lot of time as learners can take up the eLearning training courses at their own convenience and learn at their own pace. Moreover, in the Instructor-led Training (ILT), learners need to take notes to get the needed information. In eLearning, however, at the press of a button, learners can access the resources needed to refresh their memory.

Watch this video to learn how you can create high-quality, accessible eLearning courses to ensure continuous learning for your employees.

5. Focus on ‘Need to Know’ Content

There are a lot of activities or content that are included in a classroom, that may not really add value to learning. The content could be “nice to know”; however, it may not necessarily be “need to know”. In an eLearning course, the core content can be restricted to what is absolutely necessary in the training context.

Learning objectives for eLearning courses play a major role in ensuring the content is in line with the learning outcomes of the course. When learners are given what is necessary, a lot of time is saved. Also, when relevant content is presented to learners, the course is uncluttered, making it more appealing.

In The End!

eLearning offers a clear advantage over traditional Instructor-led Training when it comes to time efficiency. From eliminating travel and scheduling hassles to empowering learners to progress at their own pace, eLearning frees up valuable time for both employees and trainers. eLearning training programs allow organizations to optimize their resources, empower their workforce, and achieve better results. Moving ahead with eLearning and wish to create high-impact, engaging eLearning courses? Check out our eBook on instructional design strategies now.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on July 16, 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.