The continuous improvement and convenience of e-Learning technology has significantly helped the growth of online learning, and the initial doubts of its effectiveness as a learning method have weakened in the face of evidence showing that online CPD learning can be just as effective as face-to-face methods. Working professionals with limited available time have found many benefits to the flexibility provided by online CPD. This article outlines some of the obvious benefits and advantages that e-Learning CPD can offer to both the learner and the CPD provider.
Advantages of online CPD
Online CPD courses can be comparatively low cost, and a more affordable option than traditional learning methodologies. There are no commuting costs for delegates or the trainer, and often course materials such as textbooks and hand-outs can be made available for free online, a significant advantage for those trying to learn on a budget. Online CPD courses can be delivered time and time again with relatively low ongoing operating expense once the initial e-Learning has been created. Many of the elements of online CPD courses can be automated to streamline the process and reduce time wastage.
Another benefit of online CPD is that it can provide a more comfortable learning environment for many delegates. There are no physical classrooms and learning materials can be electronically sent to professionals, who will then read them in their own comfort. Many of the stresses around learning are removed, such as leaving work early, fighting traffic, finding parking spaces, and missing any work deadlines for projects. Online courses enable shyer and more introvert individuals to participate in class discussions or chats with more comfort than face-to-face class sessions, and concentration can be improved as there are less distractions from others in the training classroom.
Online CPD courses provide flexibility and convenience, allowing an individual to plan their learning around their other work priorities, instead of the other way around. Professionals can study at their personal optimum time, whether early in the morning or late at night. Course material is always accessible online through a log-in portal, and so there is less need to schedule 9-5 time to learning. Online CPD learning has great benefits to those professionals who need to balance their work and family commitments more rigorously.
Providing online CPD can also benefit commercial organisations by allowing them to reach a more national or international market of professionals quickly and easily. Through effective online marketing, email communications and advertising, more professionals from different areas of the country can understand your brand and your expertise. Online CPD allows the flow of knowledge to be transferred without the constraints of geographical locations. More and more universities, colleges, training providers and corporate entities are making both traditional and online CPD available to cater for the varied preferences and locations of their increased-sized target audience.
The advantages of the technology involved in online CPD allows both delegate and provider to immediately see results of tests, grades and certificates of learning. Evaluation techniques can be optimised and feedback loops built into the training to improve the online course, which can be automated in order to provide a full and professional user experience.