e-Learning Blog

First, let's check the basic information about e-learning and e-learning materials.

E-learning is a method of learning that utilizes electronic devices (such as computers, smartphones, and tablets) through an internet connection, and it can also refer to the entire educational system.

Main Features and Benefits of e-Learning
・ Learn at your own pace: Learners can study according to their own learning progress.
・ High flexibility: Learning is possible anytime and anywhere as long as there is an internet connection.
・ Covers diverse learning methods: There are various materials such as texts, videos, and quizzes.
・ Real-time assessment: Administrators can monitor progress in real-time.
・ High cost-effectiveness: No physical space is required, so there are no venue or travel costs.

To implement e-learning, a "system" for delivery and "materials" that serve as content are required.

What is an e-Learning Delivery System e-Learning delivery systems are tools called LMS (Learning Management System) that design, implement, and manage learning programs. They also function as platforms that provide access to learning content, track progress, evaluate, and report.

*Currently, the mainstream is shifting towards a "Talent Management System" that is managed in conjunction with HR information, rather than an LMS specifically focused on education.

●Examples of specific features available in the LMS

・Issue IDs for each learner and record individual histories
・Assign materials to each learner (for administrators, for technical positions, etc.)
・Manage learning status for each material (such as learning time and test scores)
・Set learning periods
・Obtain statistical data such as attendance rates, learning time, and accuracy rates

What is Educational Material as Content
In e-learning, various formats can be utilized, including text and illustrations, as well as videos, animations, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). These formats help learners to understand information more easily through visual and auditory means, thereby enhancing learning effectiveness.

The various formats of e-learning materials will be explained in detail in the next chapter.

The educational materials that make up the content come in various media formats, each with different advantages and suitability. By utilizing different formats, we can provide the optimal learning experience for learners. Below, we will explain the main formats and characteristics of e-learning materials, along with examples of these materials.

●Video and Video Formats

Edit videos shot with camcorders or smartphones. Add subtitles and captions to supplement explanations and create content. Information that is difficult to understand with words alone becomes clear at a glance, making it suitable for learning complex processes and procedures.

(Example of teaching materials) How to operate equipment, how to use tools during construction, etc.

●Animation Format

We will explain using illustrations and animations. This enhances understanding with rich expressiveness and is expected to boost learners' motivation. Additionally, it is advantageous in expressing scenes that are difficult to reproduce with live-action.

(Example of teaching materials) Business procedures, screen operations, case studies of incidents, and examples of harassment-related issues.

●PowerPoint and PDF formats

We utilize materials in PowerPoint and PDF formats as teaching materials. If they are in the same format, we can create them by reusing existing materials as they are or by restructuring them, which helps reduce effort and man-hours. However, since the expression methods are limited, there may be cases where the learning effectiveness and the completion rate of learners decrease.

(Example of teaching materials) Teaching materials related to law with a high frequency of updates, and business procedures expected to be used in a dictionary-like manner.

＞ Related Column: What is iSpring Suite? Introducing Features, Pricing, and Benefits of Implementation

●Simulation Format

This is a simulation video to learn how to operate the system. It can be used in various scenarios, such as experiencing the operation virtually or as a help tool when you do not know how to operate it.

(Example of teaching materials) Learning to operate office software, operation manuals for internal systems, etc.

●Quiz/Test Format

Incorporating quizzes and tests helps to solidify knowledge and measure the effectiveness of training. The addition of interactive elements promotes learners' willingness to participate and motivation to learn, contributing to the improvement of practical skills.

(Example of materials) Compliance training, language learning, etc.

●Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) format

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, we provide learners with real experiences. Abstract information and concepts are also visualized, allowing for practical learning effects. This is suitable for scenes that require advanced simulations.

(Example of teaching materials) Work training in manufacturing and construction industries, customer service training in the service industry, etc.

By combining these formats, the quality of e-learning materials and learning effectiveness can be enhanced, providing an optimal learning experience tailored to the needs of each individual learner.

We have learned that there are various types of e-learning materials, but how can we obtain them? In this chapter, we will introduce methods and tips for acquiring these materials.

How to Obtain.1: Purchase Off-the-Shelf Teaching Materials
This is a method to purchase and utilize pre-made teaching material packages. Since the content is pre-set, it is not possible to add original elements from your company. However, because they are created by professionals, the quality of the teaching materials is considered to be above a certain standard. For general topics such as business etiquette and compliance knowledge, off-the-shelf teaching materials can be sufficiently utilized by many companies.

When purchasing educational materials, the method of purchase will differ depending on whether your company has an LMS or not.

▶If you have an LMS in-house
If the standards of your in-house LMS match the teaching materials, it is possible to register and operate those materials in your in-house LMS. Check the standards and purchase only the teaching materials.

▶If your company does not have an LMS
Let's receive distribution services (cloud services) from vendors (sales companies) that provide teaching materials. Since physical equipment such as servers is not required, it is hassle-free, and the management company will handle security management.

Please note that there may be cases where an LMS is not required, such as when learning management is not specifically conducted, so we ask that you respond according to each situation.

How to Obtain.2: Customize Off-the-Shelf Teaching Materials
This is a method to customize parts of existing teaching material packages to suit your company's content. While covering existing materials to some extent, you can create teaching materials that align with your company's objectives by adding and changing information. It is possible to flexibly adjust by integrating multiple teaching materials or modifying case studies to reflect actual events that occurred within your company.

●Examples of Customization

・Add information to the materials
・Modify case studies for in-house use
・Integrate or split materials
・Change test content
・Add or modify technical terms and expressions for in-house use

How to Obtain.3 Custom-Made Teaching Materials
This is how to order custom-made teaching materials from a vendor. One of the significant advantages is the ability to create unique teaching materials from scratch with professional support. Companies that are unsure about what kind of teaching materials to create or are considering converting their proprietary know-how into e-learning may want to consider custom-made options.

The general production process is as follows.

(1) Information Gathering
(2) Determination of Overview Specifications
(3) Determination of Detailed Specifications
(4) Content Production for Teaching Materials (creating materials such as manuscripts, storyboards, NA, and illustrations)
(5) Authoring*
(6) Review and Revisions
(7) Completion of e-Learning Materials

* Creating a single digital content by combining text, images, audio, video, etc. Without authoring, it cannot be delivered from the LMS.

How to Obtain.4: Create Original Teaching Materials In-House
This is a method for producing teaching materials in-house. There are two cases: one where all processes are carried out, and another where a teaching material creation tool is used, with the latter being easier.
The teaching material creation tool automates the authoring process. You can prepare the materials using PowerPoint or Excel. It is also possible to incorporate audio and video files. The advantage is that there is no need to hire a professional, which helps to reduce costs.
If you have the skills and know-how to create e-learning materials in-house, considering in-house production is one option.

If you choose to adopt materials other than off-the-shelf products, the next step is to keep in mind the points for creating "high-quality materials." By paying attention to the following aspects, you can promote ease of learning and improve learning effectiveness, providing beneficial materials for learners.

Point 1: Envision what kind of teaching materials you want and concretize your ideas
First, it is important to envision what kind of teaching materials you want and set your goals. By imagining the ideal state of learners after the course, the direction and purpose of the materials become clear.
Next, consider the content and creation methods of the materials, and start organizing the framework. Develop the structure of learning and the curriculum, and examine how the materials will progress and how learners should advance.
The more specific these aspects are, the higher quality teaching materials you can create. This also leads to a reduction in the time required to complete them.

Point 2: Choose the Optimal Format According to the Theme of the Teaching Material
As explained in Chapter 2, there are various formats for e-learning materials. Since each format excels in different areas, such as text for compact information delivery, videos and illustrations for effective visual communication, and simulations for immersive experiences, it is important to select a format that suits the theme of the teaching material. Of course, combining multiple formats can also be effective.

Point 3: Focus on clear content for learners
When creating e-learning materials, it is common to overload them with information. Materials that contain too much information can make it difficult to grasp the main points and increase the risk of diminishing learners' motivation and concentration.
What we should focus on is whether the material is clear content for learners. To avoid deviating from the initial goals set for the materials or becoming scattered, we should aim for simple and clear content. It is also recommended to use illustrations, images, and videos to supplement the information.
However, in cases where learners have very high motivation, and the knowledge is essential for obtaining a certain qualification, and the amount is vast, the priority of clarity may be lower.

Point 4: Incorporating mechanisms to enhance learning motivation and effectiveness into educational materials
E-learning, which allows for learning anytime and anywhere, is appealing because it can be progressed at one's own pace; however, it can also be challenging to maintain concentration and motivation. Therefore, it is important to add mechanisms that enhance learning motivation and effectiveness to e-learning materials.
For example, by incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes, games, exercises, and mock tests, learners can enjoy the learning process, which can also lead to increased completion rates and motivation.

This time, we focused on e-learning "materials" and provided an explanation.
The most important processes for creating e-learning materials are the conception and design of the materials.
While it can be done in-house, receiving support from vendors with accumulated know-how can lead to the creation of more effective and engaging e-learning materials.

One of those vendors, Human Science, has produced over 2,700 e-learning materials since the start of its services in 2000. We respond flexibly to customer requests, including planning and design, mobile compatibility through videos and HTML5, and content migration related to LMS replacements. If you are considering implementing e-learning or have inquiries about educational materials, please contact Human Science.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for educational materials that utilize animation, and in Human Science, we are also selling and providing production services for the animation production tool "Vyond." Please feel free to consult us about animation educational materials.

Please refer to the e-learning site of Human Science Co., Ltd.
＞ e-learning content production
＞ Vyond (animation production) sales
＞ Animation teaching material production agency