There isn’t really one clear definition for online training and there are even more names for it: online learning, computer based training, eLearning, mLearning, distance learning, self-paced learning, asynchronous training, and the list goes on… What we do agree on, is it happens online.

The type of online training that we’re talking about is a form of instruction that involves the creation of learning content focused around a specific topic which is then assembled in to a variety of multimedia elements such as presentations, interactive content, graphics, audio, and video which form a course. This content is then uploaded in to a delivery tool known as a Learning Management System (LMS) and courses are made available to trainees and accessed via a web browser.

Trainee Requirements

• Access to a computer
• Connection to the Internet
• Basic knowledge of computers

How Can Online Training Courses Help?

Online training courses are designed to guide people through information and coursework, or help trainees to better perform in specific tasks. Some of these courses may even be a workplace requirement by law. As well as presenting course material and content, online training gives students the opportunity for live interactions and real-time feedback for things like quizzes, tests and surveys. Interactions between instructors and students are also conducted via an online medium through chat or email.

The Litmos system offers training professionals the opportunity to provide an asynchronous or self-paced training experience. In this type of learning, the trainer assigns courses for completion and trainees can do the work gradually, or in one go. Self-paced learning is proven to work well especially when the online equivalent of some elements of classroom-based or instructor-led training are replicated such as: collaboration, feedback and interactive content.

4 Benefits of Using an Online Training System

• Lower Training Costs: An online training system considerably reduces the travel, venue hire and catering costs that are associated with classroom-based training sessions, while subsequently increasing employee productivity.
• Improved performance: A 12-year meta-analysis of research by the U.S. Department of Education published in June 2009, found that higher education students in online learning generally performed better than those in face-to-face courses.
• Convenience and flexibility to learners: This is a self-paced style of learning because everyone absorbs information at a different rate. The courses are available to learners for completion at a time that’s convenient for them, 24×7.
• Increased access: Online learning opens up opportunities for students who may not previously have been able to access these resources and instructors due to geographical, physical, political or economic constraints.

Deploying Litmos is fast and easy, but to truly understand and appreciate how easy it is, start your free trial of Litmos LMS today.