e-Learning Blog

When choosing the best e-learning platform for your company, it is essential to first understand what kind of system it is.

In a business context, the term "platform" refers to the foundation necessary for operating systems, meaning that several programs can run on the same foundation.
e-learning platforms (LMS: Learning Management System) can manage and compile necessary information for human resource development, such as materials needed for e-learning, learning progress, and participant grades.

What is e-Learning?
"e-Learning" broadly refers to an educational system that utilizes IT technologies centered around computers and the internet.

In other words, reading materials through e-learning platforms, watching videos on video sharing sites or websites, and solving problems with dedicated learning apps are all considered "e-learning." With an internet connection and available devices, you can learn at your own pace, regardless of time or place.

The Necessity of e-Learning Platforms
e-learning platforms are gaining attention as a foundation for human resource development that aligns with new working styles such as telecommuting. Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the working-age population is decreasing, leading to a shortage of talent across various industries. Companies must consider building workplace environments that reflect workforce diversity and adopting methods for human resource development.

With an e-learning platform, you can utilize the progress management features to streamline e-learning management, such as creating tests and distributing surveys, based on the accumulated data. Even during telework, you can implement the PDCA cycle for employee training, allowing for talent development tailored to the characteristics of each individual's work style.

The e-learning platform is equipped with various features beyond just learning management. Let me briefly introduce what features it has.

e-Learning Delivery Function
The e-learning platform has the capability to deliver e-learning materials to learners. It can distribute files such as the following as educational materials.

●PDF documents
●Word
●Excel
●Video files

To distribute teaching materials, first set up a specific course and upload the files that will serve as the teaching materials. It is also possible to embed the URLs of video content published on external sites in link format.

In addition, many e-learning platforms can be comfortably accessed on smartphones. Learners can directly view and watch the materials delivered by the system, making it convenient for studying materials that require regular updates, such as those related to law.
An environment that allows for the downloading of materials and resources can also be created. Considering the content of the learning, the frequency of material updates, and the devices used by participants, let's consider a delivery style that suits the purpose.

Participant Information Management & Learning Progress Management
The e-learning platform allows you to manage participant registration information and learning progress. Participant information includes name, department, email address, and employee number, and you can set the registration items according to your needs. When registering a large number of participants at once, it is convenient to use a CSV file. Therefore, whether the e-learning platform has a CSV file import function is also a key point.

Additionally, a platform that allows for customization, such as icon displays according to learning progress levels, can make management tasks easier and more efficient. Furthermore, with easier management, more time can be dedicated to supporting learners and conducting appropriate evaluation activities.

Test and Survey Implementation Function
The e-learning platform allows for the creation of tests tailored to the understanding level of participants and the implementation of surveys to check learning progress. The understanding level of each participant can be assessed through assignments and reports submitted during daily learning, allowing for customization for each individual.

By analyzing the data recorded from learning activities, we can create courses optimized for participants based on whether they are properly engaging with the assignments. Even if they drop out of the course, it is possible to support participants and work on problem-solving, such as by conducting surveys.

Group Training Management
The group training management function is a feature that allows for centralized management of tasks necessary for training management, such as participation applications from attendees and distribution of materials. When conducting group training, the following tasks can be managed consistently.

●Participation application from participants
●Attendance management of participants
●Distribution of materials
●Issuance of completion certificates

Dividing the training curriculum into courses based on the target audience and objectives makes it easier to manage progress.

Organizational Management
In the e-learning platform, participants can be registered by hierarchy. By utilizing this registration method to set up the corporate organizational chart, it will help in extracting learners by department or division.

If the settings are configured to reflect the departments registered by the participants, the management side does not need to set it manually. At the necessary timing for development, the target individuals can be extracted, and the entire organization's human resource development curriculum can be executed from the announcement of training to implementation and testing.

Social Features
Some e-learning platforms have communication features similar to a dedicated SNS for participants. Unlike general SNS platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook, it is also possible to create threads based on assignments and objectives. Participants can create an interactive learning style while sharing each other's knowledge.

Social features can also be used by instructors, allowing them to check participants' questions and provide guidance. This can also help address common e-learning challenges such as "participants' feelings of isolation" and "lack of communication."

The basic operations and case studies of the world-standard LMS "Moodle" for efficient e-learning are explained in detail below. Please use it as a reference.
> [Moodle Basic Course] What can the e-learning management system Moodle do?

E-learning platforms can be classified into "on-premises" and "cloud-based" depending on the implementation method. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, we recommend evaluating an e-learning platform that suits your company's environment.

On-Premises
"On-Premises" refers to the method of installing and operating an e-learning platform system on the company's own servers. This is a traditional system implementation method that has been used in many IT tools and system implementations.
The advantages and disadvantages are as follows.

・Benefits
●Customizable
●Enhanced security measures
●Specialized in in-house production

The "on-premises type" has the advantage of being customizable to fit the company's needs, as the system is built on the company's own servers. Additionally, it can be restricted to only the company's network environment, allowing for the establishment of a highly secure environment.

Since maintenance and operations can be handled in-house, it can be said that this is a beneficial implementation method if resources for operations and development can be secured.

・Disadvantages
●Cost of owning an in-house server
●Cost and time required for development and operation
●Requires VPN configuration for external access

The disadvantages of on-premises systems include the time required for development before they can actually be operational. Additionally, costs for personnel involved in system construction and server maintenance are also necessary.

Regular maintenance and system updates will also be necessary, so a certain budget and resources must be secured for implementation.

In addition, to access the company server from outside, it is necessary to establish a dedicated line such as a VPN for security reasons. Especially when implementing e-learning for employees working remotely, consider setting up a VPN connection.

Cloud-based
"Cloud-based" e-learning platforms utilize a virtual environment in the cloud via an internet connection instead of physical servers. "Cloud-based" has been adopted in various systems and services in recent years. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of "Cloud-based".

・Benefits
●Reduced initial costs
●No need for in-house system development
●No operational hassle

"Cloud-based" solutions do not require you to install servers on your premises, allowing you to start with lower initial costs in a short period. The costs at the time of implementation are predetermined, and there are no costs for design or development. Additionally, maintenance is handled by the service provider, which reduces the effort and costs associated with development and operation.

・Disadvantages
●Difficult to customize
●Need to strengthen security measures
●Costs incurred continuously during operation

The disadvantage of cloud-based solutions is that there are limitations on the extent of customization. There are cases where it is difficult to realize your company's specific preferences, such as how to present learning content and the methods of collecting various data.

Additionally, the "cloud-based" system is essentially always connected to the internet. Since the storage location for the materials is also a cloud server, this means that the risks of cyber attacks and information leaks are relatively high. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen security measures.

Additionally, there are disadvantages to consider in terms of long-term operation. In the case of cloud-based services, fees are always incurred on a monthly or annual basis during the usage period. Therefore, operational costs are ongoing. Furthermore, if the pricing plans vary based on the scale of implementation, the costs will increase as the scale becomes larger. Even if initial costs can be reduced, it is important to be cautious as the total may exceed the budget.

By utilizing an e-learning platform, you can create a system that encourages employees to actively engage in learning.

Real-time Progress Tracking
Let's consider a case where internal training and study sessions for certification are conducted for employees scattered across the country.
When managing manually or on paper, there can be time lags regarding submission dates, but with an e-learning platform, you can check the learners' progress in real-time.

If the goal of the study session is to obtain a certification, the participants' learning level must be improved to the certification threshold by the exam date. In such cases, if there are any uncompleted units during progress checks, comments can be sent to the relevant employees to encourage their learning.

Tests can be conducted based on learning progress and the strengths and weaknesses of the participants
In the e-learning platform, AI can quantitatively grasp each participant's learning data, such as their learning level and strengths and weaknesses in specific areas. Additionally, tests tailored to their learning level can also be conducted.

Participants can grasp their understanding, making it easier to set milestones toward achieving their goals. Based on the test results, they can actively tackle areas of difficulty, which can also lead to increased motivation.

Useful for individual training and follow-up
There are individual differences in comprehension. If questions and uncertainties are left unaddressed, the gap will only widen. Additionally, some learners may struggle with motivation when studying alone. However, providing individual follow-up for each learner requires significant effort and time.

The e-learning platform allows for the management of each learner's progress, making it suitable for personalized training based on their learning levels. If you engage with learners regularly through social features, you can quickly follow up when needed.

Increased Understanding and Learning Effectiveness
Some e-learning platforms allow for the addition of subtitles to video content, making it easier to understand. Additionally, the playback speed can be adjusted, providing the benefit of being able to learn repeatedly at one's own pace.

Repetitive learning helps in memory retention. Furthermore, since e-learning platforms allow learners to confirm the results of repetitive learning, learners become aware of their deepening understanding, which promotes their motivation to learn.

Maintaining Learner Motivation
Maintaining motivation is one of the important factors in continuing learning. E-learning has the disadvantage of being difficult to maintain motivation as it involves working on tasks alone.

The e-learning platform allows learners to understand their current learning level, including their progress and strengths and weaknesses in various subjects. Additionally, after completing the course, there are features to present a certificate of completion and a ranking system, which can be utilized to enhance the motivation of the learners.

Additionally, as the difficulty of learning increases, some participants may stop learning. In such cases, it is possible to respond by reaching out through social features or conducting individual tests.

An e-learning platform, also known as a Learning Management System (LMS), is a system equipped with features that can streamline the necessary tasks for human resource development. There are two types: "on-premises" and "cloud-based," each with different cost breakdowns and development/operation methods.

If you are considering the implementation of an e-learning platform, we recommend consulting with a vendor who has specialized knowledge to help you choose a service that is suitable for your company's environment and resources.

Human Science is an official partner of LMS 'Moodle'
At Human Science, we provide implementation support and operational services as an official partner of 'Moodle'. Developed in Australia, 'Moodle' is open-source software that supports 246 countries and 120 languages worldwide. Since there are no licensing fees, we can flexibly accommodate changes in the number of participants.

We also support the production and translation of e-learning materials, and we can assist in creating educational curricula aimed at global talent development.
For details on each service, please see below.

＞ Moodle Implementation Support and Operations
＞ e-Learning Material Production
＞ e-Learning Material Translation (Multilingual Support, Localization)

Introduction of Achievements | Tokyo University of Science
Human Science has extensive experience in supporting the implementation of 'Moodle' in domestic universities. Here, we will introduce our support for the implementation at Tokyo University of Science.

・Significant reduction in inquiry response time
\n\tAt Tokyo University of Science, although 'Moodle' was introduced in 2011, the resources for responding to inquiries from first-time users among faculty members became insufficient, leading to our consultation for help desk support.
\n\t●Reduction in the number of inquiries
\n\t●Usage seminars
\n\t●Improvement and translation of manuals
\n\t●Production of video manuals
\n\tAs a result of providing support for Moodle operations, we were able to significantly reduce the response time to inquiries to one-tenth, greatly alleviating the burden.

We provide a detailed introduction to the case study of Tokyo University of Science in the article below. Please take a look.
> Case Study on Moodle Help Desk Support and Manual Production for Faculty: "Response Time Reduced to One-Tenth"

In recent years, e-learning platforms have gained attention as a learning method that accommodates new ways of working. They can begin to solve the challenges of human resource development brought about by the introduction of telework and improve operational efficiency.
At Human Science, we offer Moodle implementation support and operational support services as an official Moodle partner. Additionally, we assist in your human resource development with a one-stop service from e-learning material production to translation.
For inquiries regarding employee training and e-learning, please feel free to contact us below.

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