Online training takes off across the globe

The barriers to leveraging technology are getting smaller and smaller. Hardware and equipment is growing more versatile and at less cost, which means any business can afford devices such as computers and smartphones. Additionally, communication channels such as the internet are also evolving, with users able to communicate in real-time and download information instantly. Finally, access to computer software is improving, with many vendors designing programs that are cost-efficient, highly valuable and easy to use.

These three factors combined to drive widespread adoption of online education and training. Companies across the globe are now utilizing the web to create, execute and review internet-based training courses that are designed to bring new employees up to speed and teach existing workers the skills and insights needed to do better at their current jobs or in new positions.

Online training is most commonly used in developed countries, such as the United States and Japan, but even emerging economies are getting in on the action, highlighting the value of web-based educational courses. For example, the online training market in China was worth nearly $10 million last year, according to data from Report Linker. That figure is expected to crest $11 million this year and shows no signs of slowing down.

“The government has regarded online education as an important means to promote the development of China society, and domestic enterprises also pay more and more attention to the application of online education and training,” the report notes. “More than 75 percent of the workers are under various degrees of continued training; more than 50 percent of enterprises managers … participate in professional learning and training.”

What online training brings to the table

Online training is unique in a number of ways and is a strong part of any educational programs. Companies should look to integrate online training when and where it makes sense with respect to the broader goals of businesses' onboarding initiatives.

First and foremost is cost. Training people, whether they are new employees or workers who have been recently promoted, costs money. Some companies go as far as hiring management experts to host seminars or send their employees to remote locations to learn how to do their jobs. Online training is very cost-efficient in that it can be delivered anywhere there is a computer. Additionally, once a course has been created, it can be used multiple times, which saves money when it comes to training subsequent employees.

Another factor leading to the recent surge in online training is the engagement it can provide. Businesses have traditionally taken a number of approaches to onboarding, utilizing a variety of media ranging from videos and books to discussion forums and one-on-one coaching. Online training can effectively combine all these different mediums into one cohesive training experience, ensuring businesses keep the attention of new hires and bolster engagement throughout the training period.

Online training is gaining prominence in a number of industries due to both its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Given the constraints the rocky economic climate has placed on many businesses, web-based educational courses have set themselves apart as being some of the most effective ways of onboarding new employees and teaching additional skills to experienced workers.