Every organization needs to train its employees properly in order to keep them abreast of latest trends in the market. As the learning process is continuous, it is important that it does not get tedious with the course of time. Traditional learning process involves considerable use of paper and continuous explanation by moderators. The process is tiresome, and the overall output is less. However, with the advent of Internet, everything has been digitized, including the training and learning processes.
In e-learning, everything used in the traditional process has been converted to the digital format and made more interesting with the use of graphics, music, games and other add-ons. Moreover, the process has become more industry specific and the job more role specific, thus giving it an edge over its traditional counterpart. The content is, now, developed in accordance with the need of the industry, which has made the learning process simple and captivating. The learning process has become more flexible with inclusion of e-learning content along with ongoing on-the-job training activities.
The e-learning process or the Learning Management System (LMS) is quite expensive to install; therefore, many of the smaller organizations hesitate to opt for it. With the solution-as-a-service model or SaaS, companies of all sizes are given flexibility to pay the cost of the software in installments and avail the solution on hosted basis. Setting up LMS has, therefore, become easier for all types of organizations. Thus, deployment via SaaS has enhanced the reach of LMS to many big and small firms.
Technology is evolving by leaps and bounds and so are the means of e-learning process. Social media, game based learning and mobile learning are few of the most popular modes of e-learning. The concept of game based learning has attracted the attention of many individuals. In this method, training of the employees is done with the help of different types of games. Different types of challenges are given to the individuals, where they are required to solve the problems and meet the goals within the estimated time limit. Game based learning is highly motivating and interesting as it generates a sense of competition among participants. The built-in learning process of the system makes the learning process very easy for the individuals.
Another prominent learning method is mobile based learning, which has revolutionized the process by converting the use of paper by small apps, which can be accessed on-the-go via mobile devices. This convenient method is considered to be most effective learning process due to tailor made and interactive learning content. More and more companies are using digital media to pass on their learning modules. The basic use of the mobile, which was restricted to calling and receiving, changed with the advent and wider availability of high-tech software in the market. Mobile based learning is carried out with the help of Smartphones and tablet computers, which can be used for coaching, evaluations, assessments and feedback.
With such interactive learning solutions at hand, corporate firms can make their remote learning modules fun for the users while simultaneously ensuring that the skills of the personnel are enhanced. Service providers make sure that the mobile and game based learning solutions are easily accessible to all learners and work on all platforms, such as Apple, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry and Symbian devices equally well.
Gireesh Sharma is an author writing on Human Resource Management. His expertise includes Game based learning, Mobile learning and other Learning & Development matters.