With so many advantages, e-learning has never been more popular. In fact, many top Fortune 500 companies find that implementing an e-learning strategy helps reach productivity goals. In 2011, 77% of American corporations started using online training to improve employee performance and career development.

It’s no mystery why people are switching from traditional learning methods to online classes. Here are a few reasons why you should be using online training courses:

Low Cost

The price of online learning is a fraction of climbing tuition costs or the cost to attend and travel to training conferences.

There are a lot of excess costs that come along with a traditional education that we often don’t think about—like that train ride into the city or a plane ride and hotel stay. Commuting can be a large expense that factors into education, not to mention the hundreds of dollars on textbooks or reading materials per course. With e-learning, most materials are included or can be found for free online.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Everyone has a busy schedule, and we don’t all have the freedom to commit our days to learning.

According to a Brandon-Hall Study, learning through e-learning typically requires 40% to 60% less employee time than learning the same material in a traditional classroom setting.

You can learn when you want, where you want, and how you want. There’s a reason all the online college commercials show people in their pajamas, because it’s THAT easy. As for accessibility, all you need is a Wi-Fi connection. Courses can be taken from any table or mobile device. So why not learn with all that time already spent on your iPhone?

Specialization

Nowadays, there are so many skills we could use to further our careers that universities don’t directly offer. You may want to learn a digital marketing skill, but many schools may require you to take a basic pre-requisite course first.

Online classes cut to the chase and give you the most information in your field of interest. This way, you only take the classes you’re interested in, and cut out the ones you aren’t. With the e-learning route, you can get the most useful tools for your specialized field, and many even offer a full certification.

Instant Feedback

You will never again have to wait weeks for that huge test to be graded. Perhaps one of the best perks to online learning is the immediate feedback. Seconds after you submit an assignment or quiz, you’re given the results. This not only helps your mind rest easy, but also helps you truly learn.

It’s so easy to forget how you answered questions weeks ago or whether they were correct, which can be puzzling and lead to lower learning retention. But with online quizzes, you know the right answers seconds after you submit them—further driving that knowledge into your brain.

Up-To-Date Content & Cutting-Edge Technology

In a digital world, traditional schools can often fall behind on cutting-edge technology. Within a few years, textbooks become outdated and the information is not as valuable. With online courses, there are little-to-no materials required, and the content is constantly updated as knowledge of the subjects increase.

Also, due to the available technology, online courses can use rich multimedia to provide a highly interactive and engaging learning experience.

Through the Internet, you have the ability to reach experts on your subject and learn from virtually any professional. This opens up a larger world of opportunity to elevate your knowledge. Why settle for out-of-date content?

Help the World by Going Greener

With no printed handouts or written papers to hand in, you can decrease your environmental footprint. In addition to the cost savings of not needing to travel, you also cut down on travel pollution. A study by Open University found e-learning courses consume an average of 90% less energy and produce 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than conventional training and educational programs.

If you’re ready to explore the world of e-learning, check out the certification programs in the PCG Learning Center to get started.

About the Author

As a Digital Strategist and Head of Training, Kristen enjoys adapting to the role of whatever the day calls for. In her personal time, she can be found at the gym working out or spending quality time with her daughter and friends at the beach or on the dance floor.