In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, eLearning has become a go-to solution for training and development across industries. But is eLearning always the best approach? Knowing when to use eLearning—and when not to—can make all the difference in achieving meaningful results and aligning with business goals.

In this blog, we’ll explore the ideal scenarios for using eLearning for maximum impact, why it works in these contexts, and how to determine if it’s the right fit for your training needs. Armed with these insights, L&D and business leaders can make smarter, data-backed decisions on when to deploy eLearning to maximise its impact.

Why Choose eLearning?

Before we dive into the specific use cases, let’s briefly cover why eLearning has become so popular. eLearning offers flexibility, scalability, and accessibility that traditional classroom training often lacks. With eLearning, learners can engage with content at their own pace, access courses from anywhere, and revisit materials as needed. A 2020 study from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) found that organisations using eLearning experienced up to 60% time savings compared to traditional training methods, without sacrificing effectiveness.

But despite its advantages, eLearning isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s explore when eLearning truly shines.

1. When You Need to Train a Large or Dispersed Workforce

For organisations with employees spread across different locations or time zones, eLearning provides a practical, scalable solution. By creating online courses, you can deliver consistent training to a large workforce without the logistical hurdles of in-person sessions.

A case study from IBM showed that moving to eLearning for its global workforce saved the company $200 million annually, primarily by reducing travel and venue costs. eLearning also allows learners to access content at a time that suits them, making it easier for companies to train a diverse, global team.

Best For: Compliance training, product training, onboarding, or skills development for large or international teams.

2. When Consistency is Essential

eLearning is ideal when you need to ensure that every learner receives the same high-quality content. Traditional training can vary depending on the instructor, setting, or group dynamics, but eLearning provides a standardised experience for all.

In the healthcare industry, for instance, Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S., used eLearning to streamline compliance training across its widespread workforce. By implementing a consistent, centralised eLearning program, Kaiser Permanente achieved a 30% improvement in compliance training completion rates, ensuring that employees across all locations received the same critical information. This contributed to a reduction in compliance-related incidents and improved overall adherence to healthcare regulations.

Best For: Compliance training, safety protocols, regulatory training, and company policy training.

3. When Flexibility is a Priority

eLearning allows learners to complete training at their own pace, making it an excellent choice for busy professionals or shift workers. Unlike scheduled in-person sessions, eLearning lets employees choose when and where to engage with content. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in industries where workers have irregular schedules, such as retail or healthcare.

A report from the U.S. Department of Education found that flexible learning models, including eLearning, led to improved learning outcomes as learners could engage with materials at times when they were most receptive.

Best For: Microlearning, refresher courses, or any training that benefits from self-paced modules.

4. When Onboarding New Employees

Onboarding can be overwhelming, especially for new hires joining large organisations. eLearning offers a streamlined, consistent way to introduce employees to company policies, culture, and job-specific skills. With eLearning, new hires can go through onboarding modules at their own pace, reducing information overload.

A survey by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) revealed that companies with structured onboarding eLearning saw a 50% higher retention rate among new employees compared to those relying solely on traditional onboarding.

Best For: Orientation programs, introduction to company culture, product or service training, and role-specific skill development.

5. When Training Needs Frequent Updates

Industries like tech, finance, and healthcare are constantly evolving, and the skills employees need to stay competitive can change rapidly. eLearning makes it easy to update training materials without the cost or logistics of retraining in person. This adaptability ensures that your team always has the latest information.

For example, a Harvard Business Review case study showed that companies in fast-evolving industries were able to upskill employees 30% faster through eLearning, thanks to its adaptability and ease of updating content.

Best For: Product updates, industry changes, regulatory shifts, and continuous skills development.

6. When You Want to Track and Measure Training Effectiveness

One of eLearning’s standout features is the ability to track learner progress and engagement in real-time. With Learning Management Systems (LMS) and analytics tools, organisations can monitor completion rates, quiz scores, time spent on modules, and more. This data-driven approach allows L&D teams to refine courses for greater effectiveness and demonstrate ROI.

A 2021 study by Brandon Hall Group found that companies using data insights from eLearning programs were able to improve training outcomes by 20%, as they could quickly identify and address learning gaps.

Best For: Compliance tracking, performance assessments, skills tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.

7. When Traditional Training is Too Costly

For organisations facing budget constraints, eLearning offers a cost-effective alternative to in-person training. Once an eLearning course is developed, it can be reused and scaled with minimal additional cost, making it ideal for organisations looking to maximise their L&D budget.

A study by the Brandon Hall Group highlighted that eLearning typically reduces training costs by 50% while achieving the same, if not better, results than traditional methods.

Best For: Mandatory training, soft skills development, and technical skill-building for a large workforce.

When eLearning May Not Be the Best Choice

While eLearning has a wealth of advantages, it’s not ideal for every training scenario. Here are situations where a different approach might be more effective:

• High-Skill, Hands-On Training: For technical skills that require hands-on practice (e.g., surgical techniques, machine operation), in-person or blended learning is often more effective.

• Complex or Sensitive Topics: For topics that require deep discussions, like leadership development or mental health training, face-to-face interactions may provide a more supportive environment.

• Networking and Team Building: In-person events are usually better for fostering relationships, building trust, and creating a sense of community among employees.

Making the Decision: Is eLearning Right for Your Needs?

Deciding when to use eLearning should be a strategic choice, aligned with your business goals, workforce needs, and available resources. Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision:

• Is your workforce geographically dispersed?

• Is it essential that all learners receive the same content?

• Does the content need to be updated frequently?

• Is flexibility important for your learners?

• Do you need to track learning outcomes and engagement?

• Is budget a significant consideration?

If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, eLearning could be an ideal solution for your training program.

Final Thoughts

eLearning is a powerful tool with numerous benefits, but like any tool, it’s most effective when used in the right context. By understanding when to use eLearning, business and L&D leaders can maximise its impact, achieving cost savings, scalability, and flexibility that empower employees to learn and grow in their roles.

At Popcorn Learning Agency, we specialise in designing bespoke eLearning solutions that align with your strategic goals. Whether you’re looking to improve onboarding, streamline compliance, or upskill your team, we’re here to help you create engaging, results-driven learning experiences.

Want to learn more about how to make eLearning work for your organisation? Hit the Contact Us button now!