E-Learning has been around for quite some time, and today it is used more than ever. But is it leaving us wanting something “more” from our training programs?

Most everyone knows the benefits of teaching using e-learning.

Companies use it because the cost savings are so huge and they are able to standardized their content delivery.

Entrepreneurs choose online courses because they can sell them over-and-over again without requiring any additional time investment.

Consumers choose e-learning because it gives them unparalleled flexibility as to when and where they learn.

Everything is actually going quite well with e-learning, it will never change, right?

I think it might…

“Humanizing” Online Learning

I am not going to sit here and say something drastic like “e-learning is dead” – that’s clearly not the case here.

What I do see happening in this industry is that there may be an increase in demand for a “human element” to e-learning programs. Sure, there is interaction in forums and discussion groups but I am specifically referring to the instructor interactions.

I am starting to seeing this to some degree already in popular learning programs where there are live office hours, or even weekly group coaching calls.

These virtual instructor-led training opportunities are seen as valuable because people have come to respect that putting them on means the instructor is giving up their time to be there with them. They are showing that they care and want to connect.

For anyone selling courses this very strategy alone could be a tremendous differentiation factor (not to mention it will give you the ability to increase your course price).

If you have a training program then I would encourage you to incorporate some form of live training, such as a webinar on a certain topic.

Just try it out to see how people react – it won’t cost you anything since you can sign-up for a 30 day free trial of GoToWebinar. I think you’ll be surprised at how many people make a point to attend.