The 10 best elearning method

The 10 best eLearning
methods and formats

Drs. Masyhur, M.Ed

Introduction

Be it video training, mobile learning, podcasts or MOOCs—digital learning that you can
undertake wherever you are offers countless advantages if you have a busy professional life.

However, the multitude of learning methods can quickly become confusing. We present the
10 most effective eLearning methods and explain the type of content to which each is best
suited. This overview guarantees you’ll find the right eLearning format for teaching methods!

Synchronous
&
asynchronous
learning

eLearning methods can basically be

divided into synchronous and

asynchronous formats.

Where learning can be undertaken at

any time and in any location, it is
known as asynchronous learning.

However, digital learning formats

occasionally require participants to be
present at least at the same time—in
other words, live. This is referred to as

synchronous learning.

Web-based
training courses
eLearning
method #1

•Web-based training is the
“classical” model, so to speak, and
also what most people think of
when they hear the term
“eLearning”. As the term suggests,
this involves making learning
content available via an Internet-
based platform.

•This method usually forms the
basis for digital knowledge
transfer and can be
complemented by other methods.
Ideally, your learning software will
also offer other formats to allow
you to vary the learning on your
courses.

•Benefits: Web-based training
provides an easy introduction to
eLearning and can be easily
combined with other methods.

• eLearning method #1

Blended
learning
eLearning
method #2

• Strictly speaking, blended learning is not purely eLearning.

Instead, blended learning combines analog face-to-face
sessions with online courses. However, the content of face-
to-face sessions is not repeated online; instead, all learning
is divided between the face-to-face session and the online
course. This method is therefore particularly suitable when
time is short and complex theoretical and practical content
needs to be conveyed, because it enables you to offer
theoretical knowledge online and focus on practical
learning in your face-to-face session. Of course, whether
you schedule the online course before or after the in-
person session depends on the content and is your
decision.

• Benefits: Face-to-face sessions allow more time for key

content that is best explained in person.

• Suggested reading: Blended learning: Benefits, applications

and software required

Mobile learning
eLearning method #3

• Mobile learning simply means eLearning undertaken

on a mobile device instead of a desktop PC. It enables
learners even more flexibility than “classic” eLearning
to learn at any time, wherever they are. However,
with the right software, you don’t have to choose
between PCs and smartphones. With a fully
responsive display, mobile learning can also be used
as an extension—for example, to make use of
downtime, such as morning train journeys, or to
transmit knowledge in specifically selected
environments.

• Benefits: Mobile learning enables unrestricted

learning, anywhere and at any time.

• Suggested reading: Mobile learning for your company

Podcasts
eLearning method #4

Benefits: Podcasts offer maximum flexibility, allowing people to learn while

performing everyday tasks that require little concentration, such as cleaning or

going for a walk.

Podcasts are on trend! You can listen to them online, but unlike individual audio
files, they are serialized so you can subscribe to them. Podcasts are often devoted
to a selected overarching theme. For example, there are entertainment podcasts,

political podcasts or anti-stress and time management podcasts. Of course,

podcasts are also an excellent way of imparting knowledge on a regular basis, at
any time and wherever your listeners are. Depending on the platform, you can

also make your podcast available to a closed group.

Video

training

eLearning

method #5

• Like podcasts, videos have the advantage that they are

far more motivating for learners than texts; they also
appeal both to auditory and to visual learners. In
particular, they make it easier to present complex topics
in ways that learners can understand. But it’s essential to
ensure the sound quality is good. Although viewers are
generally happy to tolerate poor image quality, poor
sound brings learning to a crashing halt. External
microphones cost less than €100 and are usually all you
need to record good-quality sound without
interference.

• Benefits: Videos are motivating and their audiovisual

presentation of information makes them memorable.

Microlearning
eLearning
method #6

• Microlearning breaks down the total knowledge

to be delivered into learning units that are as
small as possible. We like to refer to this as
“snackable content”, because it comes in small,
easily digestible bites. This method avoids
overwhelming learners and enables you to
bolster long-term learning by providing tidbits
regularly and at short intervals. It is highly
effective when combined with classic eLearning
and mobile learning, and is also particularly
suitable if your employees regularly work from
home rather than coming into the office every
day.

• Benefits: Microlearning can be combined with

many other types of learning and helps to avoid
overwhelming participants.

Online

seminars
eLearning

method #7

•Online seminars are digital
versions of seminars—in other
words, lectures in front of groups
of participants. In contrast to
video training, an online seminar
is held live, enabling direct
interaction between the lecturer
and the participants. This method
is therefore particularly suitable
for large groups of participants
where it is not possible to hold a
face-to-face session. As well as
enabling learners to attend
wherever they are, the key
advantage of online seminars it
that they can be recorded and
made available to learners later,
allowing them to watch again and
consolidate their knowledge.

•Benefits: Online seminars are
ideal for large groups of
participants that are not able to
gather in one location.

Virtual classrooms
eLearning method #8

• Virtual classrooms are probably the most complex method of

eLearning. They do more than impart knowledge through individual
courses; they provide a virtual learning environment with all the
opportunities of an analog one. A virtual classroom thus combines
webinars, video and text chats, data sharing and interactive
whiteboards. You can also choose between different modes, which
either give all participants equal rights (which you need for group
discussions, for example), or assign the lecturer privileged rights, as
would normally be the case in the classroom. This method is useful
both for schools and other educational institutions and for
companies wanting to conduct digital training courses over several
days, for example.

• Benefits: Virtual classrooms provide learners with a realistic

approximation of an analog learning environment, wherever they are.

MOOCs
eLearning method #9

• MOOC stands for “massive open online course”, meaning a free and publicly

accessible online course. MOOCs are offered on appropriate platforms and can
generally be started at any time. The duration of the course depends on the
complexity of the content and the resources of the individual learners. During the
course, participants listen to online lectures, undertake assignments, exchange ideas
with other learners and take tests. The biggest advantage of a MOOC for your
employees is that they can decide for themselves when to start the course and how
much time to devote to learning each week, adapting it to their work circumstances
and living environment.

• Benefits: MOOCs allow learners to learn at their own speed.

• approximation of an analog learning environment, wherever they are.

Virtual
reality
eLearning
method #10

• Virtual reality is probably the newest learning

method mentioned here, and you may even have
had some experience of it already yourself. As
with gaming, the participants wear special
glasses that enable them to enter a virtual room
where they can move around and even influence
what’s going on. There are currently only a few
such projects, but examples include Deutsche
Bahn and chainsaw manufacturer Stihl, who have
already successfully used virtual reality for in-
house training—it’s a trend that’s definitely worth
keeping an eye on!

• Benefits: VR content is particularly easy to

remember because the learning environment is
realistic and involves multiple senses.

Multiple Choice

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?

• a

  Synchronous learning is self-paced, while asynchronous learning happens in real time.

• Synchronous learning happens in real time, while asynchronous learning is self-paced.

• Synchronous learning is only available offline, while asynchronous learning is only available online.

• Synchronous learning is more expensive than asynchronous learning.

Multiple Choice

What is blended learning?

• A type of eLearning that is optimized for mobile devices.

• A combination of online and offline learning.

• A type of eLearning that uses game elements to motivate learners.

• A type of eLearning that leverages the power of social media and networks.

Multiple Choice

What is microlearning?

• A type of eLearning that delivers short and focused lessons or activities.

• A type of eLearning that is optimized for mobile devices.

• A type of eLearning that uses game elements to motivate learners

• A type of eLearning that leverages the power of social media and networks.

Multiple Choice

What are online seminars?

• Recorded online sessions that can involve presentations, discussions, or Q&A with experts or instructors.

• Live online sessions that can involve presentations, discussions, or Q&A with experts or instructors.

• Short and focused lessons or activities.

• Audio files that can be downloaded or streamed online.

Multiple Choice

What is gamified learning?

• A type of eLearning that delivers short and focused lessons or activities.

• A type of eLearning that is optimized for mobile devices.

• A type of eLearning that uses game elements to motivate and engage learners.

• A type of eLearning that leverages the power of social media and networks.

Multiple Choice

What is social learning?

• A type of eLearning that delivers short and focused lessons or activities.

• type of eLearning that is optimized for mobile devices.

• c

  A type of eLearning that uses game elements to motivate and engage learners.

• A type of eLearning that leverages the power of social media and networks.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the text?

• To provide a comprehensive list of eLearning methods and formats.

• To promote a specific eLearning platform.

• To

  criticize traditional classroom learning.d

• To discuss the history of eLearning.