e-Learning Blog

First, let's take a look at e-learning.

e-learning is an educational system that utilizes IT technology.

e-learning refers to the general use of computers, tablets, and smartphones through internet connections for learning methods and entire education systems.

eLearning, which is said to have started with "CAI (Computer Aided Instruction)", a computer-based support education developed and researched mainly in the United States in the 1950s. In the 1990s, it evolved into "CBT (Computer Based Training)" where exams were conducted on computers. After that, it developed into "WBT (Web Based Training)" where materials were distributed on the internet. It was not until the 2000s that it came to be called "eLearning".

In general, learning is done by watching video content or solving problems using dedicated learning apps.

In particular, video materials are widely used in corporate in-house training. In video materials, screens composed of photos, illustrations, animations, etc. are displayed, so you can learn while listening to the explanation audio or watching subtitles. Video format is highly compatible with smartphones and easy to learn, so recently there has been an increasing demand for short video materials that summarize only the key points in about 1-2 minutes.

Learning management of students is possible on the e-learning platform

As e-learning becomes more widespread, learning materials are not only distributed, but learning management systems (LMS) are also used by many companies and organizations to manage learning progress. LMS, also known as e-learning platforms, can centrally manage multiple materials and educational information.

On the e-learning platform, you can conduct tests based on the learning level and surveys to help solve assignments. Therefore, you can also provide support to maintain each individual's learning motivation.

For more information on e-learning platforms, please refer to the following article.
＞What is the best e-learning platform for your company? Explanation of functions, types, and benefits of use!

By introducing e-learning, companies can promote employee learning and provide equal opportunities for skill improvement. Additionally, unlike group training, it can reduce costs such as travel expenses for instructors and participants, and venue setup.

Employees can receive learning opportunities regardless of time or location.

By introducing e-learning, we can provide employees with a wide range of learning opportunities. In group training, participants may need to adjust their schedules and gather at a designated location.

However, with e-learning, there are no time or location constraints, so you can study at a convenient time. For example, with short video materials, you can watch them during your commute or other work-related activities, allowing you to efficiently absorb knowledge.

Can standardize education

In e-learning, providing the same educational content to all learners leads to standardization of education.

If you are a restaurant with multiple locations, you must ensure the quality of your service and food. Therefore, as e-learning materials, we will distribute service manuals, cooking methods, recipes, etc. to each store. Even without distributing materials or sending instructors to each store, all staff members can check them at the necessary timing.

In addition, by having different instructors, it is possible to eliminate differences that may arise due to the content and teaching methods, making it possible to educate all staff with the same content.
When conducting tests, the exact same questions are given, leading to fair evaluations and providing employees with a sense of satisfaction.

Leads to cost reduction for instructors, venue fees, and transportation expenses.

e-Learning allows for learning to take place online, reducing the need for instructors, venue fees, and travel expenses for participants.

When conducting training by inviting instructors to the actual venue, the quality of the training tends to be influenced by the experience and knowledge of the instructor. Typically, if you choose a reputable instructor, a considerable budget is required. By the way, it has been reported that the cost is about four times higher compared to e-learning .

In addition, we must also consider the cost for the learners.
For example, if we were to conduct a group training for employees at a certain level in a company with branches nationwide, the number of participants would likely be significant.
First, we would need to secure a venue that can accommodate the number of participants.
And there may also be expenses for transportation to the venue and, in some cases, accommodation.
With e-learning, there is no cost for instructors, venues, or transportation, making it possible to reduce costs.

Can centrally manage learning progress

By using an e-learning platform (LMS), you can manage the progress of your learning. Additionally, it has a system that allows for follow-up even with differences in understanding.
For example, by conducting tests and surveys based on the data accumulated on the e-learning platform, you can provide each individual learner with the most suitable education.

At Human Science Co., Ltd., we offer e-learning material production tailored to the needs of our corporate clients. We also provide support for LMS implementation and operation.
We also distribute useful materials that can be downloaded for free. In addition, you can also view case studies of e-learning service implementation, so we hope you will refer to them when considering e-learning implementation.
＞Download Case Studies and Useful Materials for e-Learning Service Implementation

What is necessary to actually introduce e-learning?
Generally, the following steps are necessary.

1. Clarify the purpose of introduction
2. Clarify the target audience
3. Establish a management and operation system
4. Select an e-learning platform
5. Prepare the system and environment
6. Start the introduction and operation

Let's take a look at each one.

1. Clarify the purpose of introduction

First, clarify the purpose of introducing e-learning by asking "Why do you want to introduce e-learning?"
For example, the following are some possible reasons.

●Human Resource Development
●Promotion of Skill Enhancement
●Reduction of Education Costs

The purpose of implementation is important to decide based on management issues. By considering what knowledge and skills employees should acquire, you can come up with what kind of teaching materials to provide, so you can make a detailed plan. In addition, by taking the course, employees can acquire skills that can be utilized in their work, which increases motivation for learning and ultimately leads to personal skill improvement as well as company's step up.

For example, let's say a company has set its introduction purpose as "to optimize internal organization and functions."
In this company, we are considering establishing an inside sales department to promote "business segmentation" in our sales strategy. We have decided to have our employees learn the basics of inside sales through e-learning.
In this case, by incorporating the usage of the upcoming sales support system and the telephone manual as teaching materials, we can expect to achieve our introduction purpose.

Human Science Co., Ltd. has created over 2,600 custom e-learning materials based on our track record. We can create materials tailored to your company's needs, such as translation and localization support.
You can request materials for free from the following link. Please feel free to contact us.
＞Click here for the inquiry form

2. Clarify the target audience

Next, we will determine the target audience for e-learning. This includes whether it will be for all employees, new employees, or specific departments.
It is similar to an internal education plan.

After introducing the e-learning platform, you can change the materials provided and the combination of materials depending on the target audience.
In the e-learning platform, you register the information of the learners and perform user registration. At that time, decide on the item that can determine who will be the target of education and make sure to register it without fail.
For example, the following items are common.

●Name and Date of Birth
●Affiliated Organization
●Occupation
●Employment Type
●Year of Joining the Company

By entering this information, it will be easier to narrow down the target audience and always provide the most suitable teaching materials, even when adding new materials.

3. Establishing an Administration and Operation System

Establishing an appropriate management and operation system is also important for achieving the purpose of introducing e-learning. Especially in the initial stages of implementation, there is a high likelihood of problems such as "unable to log in to the platform" or "unable to view materials". It is recommended to consider setting up a help desk to quickly respond and maintain the momentum of learning without any hindrance.

In addition, regular system updates are necessary for e-learning platforms. The roles of the management responsible and the workflow will also be determined in advance.
Let's build a smooth management and operation system.

4. Select an e-learning platform

e-learning platforms vary in terms of services, features, and support systems depending on the provider, so we recommend choosing one with a trial (demo) period. Try multiple e-learning platforms during the trial and select the one that is most user-friendly.

There are two types of e-learning platforms: "on-premise" which is installed on the company's server, and "cloud-based" which is accessed through the internet. Additionally, the system construction methods vary depending on the service.

For systems such as full scratch development, developing from scratch, it is possible to build a system without any excess or deficiency by customizing it, but it takes time and effort, so the introduction cost is relatively high. With open source type, you can use basic functions while keeping the introduction cost down, and there is also the advantage of being able to customize as needed.

Human Science Co., Ltd. supports the introduction of the open source learning management system "Moodle". We can provide support from the introduction to operation. In the following article, we introduce the basic usage of "Moodle".
＞[Moodle Basic Course] What can Moodle, an e-learning learning management system, do?

5. Prepare the system and environment

Once the e-learning platform is decided, we will prepare the environment by building the system. The method of setting up the environment will vary depending on whether the platform is "on-premise" or "cloud-based".

If it is an open source type, it can be implemented in-house once the system is in place. However, if there are errors in security settings or communication environment during installation, there is a risk of trouble at the start of the course. Therefore, when introducing it for the first time, it is recommended to receive support from a specialist for initial settings, etc.
Also, even with open source type, some providers may not only provide support during installation, but also take on support for a certain period of time.

6. Start Implementation and Operation

Once the environment is set up, it's finally time to start operations, but there are some important preparations here as well.
Let's set a trial period before going live. By conducting necessary tests during the trial period, we can reduce the occurrence rate of troubles after the start of operations.

In addition, let's create manuals for all participants and promote understanding and awareness. Furthermore, even after the operation starts, we will conduct surveys for participants to identify issues. It is important to operate while making necessary modifications and improvements as needed.

Introducing 5 points for successfully achieving e-learning and reaching your goals.

1. Choose the best e-learning platform

e-Learning platforms play an important role in achieving goals. First, gather information including case studies and user reviews. Once you have narrowed down your options, conduct a trial as mentioned above. Even during the trial period, actively confirm and resolve any concerns, no matter how small they may be.

We recommend trying multiple e-learning platforms if possible, and selecting one after evaluating various factors such as purpose, compatibility with your company's environment, budget, and cost-effectiveness.

2. Choose a service with operational support

After implementation, it is necessary to consider operational support in case of any trouble. Depending on the scale and content of the trouble, there may be cases where prompt response is required, making operational support essential.
Creating a comfortable learning environment without any trouble can also help maintain the motivation of learners.

We recommend service providers that not only provide implementation, but also accompany you for the long term after operation begins.

3. Select or create materials suitable for our company

There are also points to consider when providing e-learning materials to learners.
Possible methods for obtaining materials include purchasing existing materials, customizing existing materials, and creating original materials. Purchasing existing materials is the most convenient, but even if only partially, the content may not be suitable for the company's education. Therefore, it is useful to be able to customize materials by incorporating original elements and editing them as needed.

If you are implementing your own education, there are two ways to do it: either create it in-house or outsource it to a specialist. It is recommended to check in advance if your existing materials can be useful for creating educational materials.

For information on how to create teaching materials, please refer to the following article. If you are considering teaching materials, please take a look.
＞How to Create e-Learning Materials Part 1: Advantages and Disadvantages by Type
＞[Animation Materials] How to Create e-Learning Materials Part 2

4. Incorporating Gamification into Teaching Materials

If you are struggling with "employees not actively learning", try incorporating gamification. By adding elements such as quizzes or RPG-style games, you can maintain the motivation of learners without boring them.
However, it is important to adjust the difficulty level according to the learners' understanding, as it can have the opposite effect if it is too difficult. It is also recommended to incorporate a ranking system, such as awarding medals or certificates upon completing the game (displayed on the screen) or leveling up. Additionally, visualizing the learning progress of other learners can also be an effective way to promote proactive learning.

5. Emphasizing the community function among participants

Creating a community where learners can interact with each other can be helpful in maintaining motivation. Learning through e-learning is primarily done individually. While there may be individual differences, the feeling of isolation in learning is said to be a major factor in dropping out, so it is necessary to prevent it.
Therefore, it is important to have a community where learners can interact with each other.
If the e-learning platform has community features, it is recommended to utilize them.

In the community, learners can exchange and share information, which can lead to reducing feelings of loneliness and promoting motivation for learning. It can also be helpful in creating an environment where learners can learn from each other by obtaining hints for learning and solving unclear points together through interaction.

By introducing e-learning, it is possible to standardize education and reduce costs.
E-learning platforms, being systems that utilize computers and internet connections, cannot completely eliminate the possibility of trouble. Therefore, when introducing an e-learning platform, it is important to choose a provider that can support you from construction and initial setup to operation.

Before implementation, be sure to gather information, set a trial period, and if possible, compare multiple services to choose the best e-learning platform for your company.

Introduction support for LMS "Moodle" is available at Human Science Co., Ltd.
Human Science Co., Ltd. provides support for the introduction and operation of LMS (Learning Management System) "Moodle". "Moodle" is an open source software, so there is no need for license fees, making it possible to reduce construction costs.

In addition, we also offer e-learning material production and translation services, supporting our clients in creating the most suitable educational curriculum for talent development.

You can view more detailed service information below.

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

The Open University of Japan｜Achieving Business Efficiency through Moodle Tool Development (Introduction of Achievements)
The Open University of Japan had been manually setting up approximately 250 courses for submissions from 8,500 students, and consulted us for streamlining their operations. To prevent any potential oversights, we proposed a tool for bulk setting various items, resulting in improved business efficiency and prevention of oversights.

In addition, we have taken care of system updates on behalf of many busy personnel. Specifically, we are updating middleware and Moodle.

For more information on case studies from The Open University of Japan, please see the following article.
＞Moodle Operation Support Case Study: Open University Web Learning System and Distance Learning

Human Science Co., Ltd. is an official partner of "Moodle" and offers Moodle implementation and operation support services. If you are considering introducing e-learning, please feel free to contact us.

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