7 eLearning Myths Debunked
In the past few years, the world has recorded significant adjustments in learning and training. This is because of the shifting from the four walls learning environment to the eLearning platforms. It has changed the whole concept of learning and training as it has innovative experiences and demonstrates unmatched convenience.
However, despite the numerous merits that eLearning management systems bring to the table, there are still numerous doubts and myths about it. This may be because it is a fresh concept as well as the usual myths that people have on new technologies such as virtual learning. Below are some of the most prominent myths surrounding the inception of eLearning.
Myth 1: eLearning Management Is Not Favorable for My Employees
It is a common thing that employees do not like attending training sessions. Making them stare at a computer all day can worsen the situation. But the problem does not lie on the employees but also the employers. They think that implementing eLearning concepts in their organizations will not please their employees.
But you should note that most employees like using eLearning platforms in training and discovering more about their industries. This is because it helps them get answers to any questions on the screen, limits the time constraints that come along with face-to-face training, and helps them work at their own pace.
Another great attribute about eLearning is that employees can attend the training anytime, wherever they are. This promotes convenience and can help employees advance in their careers and skillsets.
eLearning also mitigates the conflicts with employees’ work schedules as there is minimal contact during the learning sessions. This makes the training easier and more productive as the employee will have peace of mind. The flexibility offered by eLearning training software allows the employees to execute and complete the training off-site.
Best Learning Management System
Powering learning for 2K+ world leading brands
400+ integrations to bring your learning activities together 
Award-winning LMS software
Trusted by 1,500+ customers 
Proudly trusted by 6,000+ global organizations
Personalized for learners Myth 2: It is a Learning System for the Millennials
eLearning involves the use of recent internet innovations, and that’s why most people associate it with millennials. The millennials are deemed to be well conversant with the internet, and that’s why this myth is lingering in most people’s minds. But this is not true as eLearning is for everybody.
Though the young generation has a better understanding of smartphones, laptops among other devices used in eLearning, folks can also be part of virtual learning. In fact, eLearning is more conversant for anyone as it is an easy and straightforward method of learning and training.
most employees like using eLearning platforms in training and discovering more about their industries
Incorporating such learning software in workplaces helps people accomplish their tasks efficiently. It also makes access to knowledge easier as digital courses provide more enlightening than conventional learning methods.
Currently, eLearning is categorized as the most effective training strategy for many reasons. This is because it utilizes advanced digital technologies that make it easy to create and deliver digital learning. In addition, eLearning has proven to be a cost-effective training strategy, and you can access it from anywhere.
Myth 3: eLearning is Not Compatible With All Types of Learners
Different types of learners and learning styles have influenced this perception. This is because some people believe that digital learning is designated for people who can absorb information at first glance. They also believe that this type of learning is for people who can understand information on the screen without having to be explained by anyone. But this is not true as eLearning is an effective training method for all types of learners.
People have had certain learning styles since they were tender, which makes people think that eLearning does not support all types of learning styles. Such learning styles enable one to grasp concepts better and get the best from the learning activity. Nonetheless, there is no affiliation between perceived learning styles and how best a learner will retain the training.
eLearning can serve numerous types of learners as it utilizes learning styles such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic methods, naming a few. When evaluating what will make learners get the best out of the training, you should consider learning materials used, spacing of the learning sessions, occasional knowledge checks, and engaging and interactive learning practices.
Myth 4: All eLearning Platforms Use Similar Tactics
Since the inception of eLearning, numerous transformations have been conducted to improve its efficiency. This is especially after the rise of the Covid pandemic, which provided numerous alternatives as almost everyone participated in learning activities while at home.
People have had certain learning styles since they were tender, which makes people think that eLearning does not support all types of learning styles.
However, as an instructional designer, you should evaluate the following factors to ensure that you practice effective eLearning:
- Research on the target audience. This will help you ensure that the content matches the needs of the audience.
- Explain the learning goals and outcomes.
- Make sure to incorporate numerous interactions to help the learners remain engaged and enhance retention.
- Execute the learning using phases that have evaluations and tests. It will help in gauging whether the learners are benefiting from the learning.
The above measures are useful in ensuring that learners are engaged and get the learning experiences that align with their needs. There are instances where instructional designers incorporate ineffective tactics such as explosive graphics, meaningless interactions, and animations that have no value to the learning.
Using different tactics that resonate with the learner ensures that you deliver the best learning experiences. Checking on the type of audience is also vital. For example, adult content should relate to how they will excel in life and jobs, while young kids’ content should be based on how they will establish a foundation for their lives.
Myth 5: The More the Interaction, the More Engaged Learning Becomes
eLearning has a different learning atmosphere compared to a classroom one. This is because learners spend most of their time on screens compared to in-person classroom learning. Nonetheless, this does not summarize that the limited interaction in eLearning reciprocates to less engagement.
Though eLearning cannot match the interaction present in a classroom environment, digital learning has less distracting interaction. Some instructors organize small interaction groups to ensure that learners break the boredom of staring at the screen. In addition, instructors follow up on all students’ progress, providing some form of interaction. In some cases, instructors track student activities and recommend them to interact with their peers to enhance engaged learning.
But the main factor that measures the effectiveness of learning is not the interaction but helping learners develop a deeper understanding. Providing facts, examples, and other related concepts will help the learner experience the situation and learn better.
Related Articles
Myth 6: LMS is Expensive
The first impression about eLearning is the use of high-end devices and technologies. Yes, this is true, but every training requires investment. When we compare eLearning with conventional forms of learning, digital learning is a more cost-effective technique.
Though eLearning cannot match the interaction present in a classroom environment, digital learning has less distracting interaction.
Traditional forms of learning require employing an investor, investing in a venue, and other related costs such as travel expenses, overtime, and allowances. For eLearning, you will only make the first investment which involves the purchase of the required apparatus to execute the training.
There will be no need for travel which ensures that the instructor and learners can engage in learning activities wherever they are. This also promotes faster learning, and learners can take more courses and gain certifications and training-gap closures. In addition, the instructors and other pioneers will gain substantial returns on their digital learning investment.
Myth 7: Modules Are complex and Exhausting to Create
eLearning requires training content such as videos, images, slides, reviews, among others. Most people think that developing digital learning content is a tedious process, especially because it involves the use of modern technologies.
Nonetheless, creating modules and digital learning content is easier than you think. This is because there are tons of information available on the internet. You can find pre-created modules that fit in your needs and utilize them in training. In addition, you can edit them and incorporate more information on the modules to make the training more effective.
If you do not have pre-created modules, you can research and have the know-how on how to create your original ones. This allows you to fit in your existing materials that align with the needs of your learning experiences. After having the format and basic setup, you can now use it in other future learning needs without digging in much information on the internet.
Conclusion
Nowadays, technology has touched every scope of the world’s day-to-day activities, and learning follows suit. eLearning is growing day by day, but not everyone has fully embraced it. This is mainly due to the myths and misconceptions that are lingering in most people.
The underlying factor behind these myths is being used in conventional forms of learning and the perceptions that people have of new technologies. The most common myths are not being favorable for employees, it is an expensive system, it works best with millennials, all platforms use similar tactics, it has limited interaction, not compatible with all types of learners, and modules are expensive to create. Despite all these myths about eLearning, digital learning is spreading quickly and providing substantial learning and training results.
