In recent years, eLearning has increased in prevalence within New Zealand as an approach to gaining educational and vocational training. The introduction of technology and the internet has made online learning more attainable and accessible for people and companies.
A primary advantage that eLearning offers is convenience. Individuals can access learning material and take part in virtual classes from any place and anytime. This adaptability allows people to complete their educational or personal development goals while also managing their job and personal commitments. A survey conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority reported that almost 70% of businesses in New Zealand are currently utilizing eLearning or are planning to in the future (1).
Another advantage of eLearning is its affordability. Electronic instruction has a tendency to involve lower expenses for both the student and the company, without the need for physical teaching areas. This can be especially useful for small companies and startups, which may have restricted funds for personnel training and development. According to a study conducted by the New Zealand government, eLearning can reduce training expenses by up to 40% (2).
Data indicates an impressive upsurge in eLearning usage in New Zealand. The Ministry of Education’s report (1) reveals more than 50% of employees now take part in some form of online training. Additionally, a survey conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (3), discovered that most students entering the workforce expect some form of online-based training.
eLearning provides a more personalized and self-directed learning experience. With the use of online resources and tools, learners are able to progress through their courses according to their individual pace and can tailor their learning experiences to suit their needs and learning preferences. This has been proven to be a more successful and effective way of learning and is especially beneficial for businesses looking to improve the skills of their staff.
Additionally, eLearning has the added advantage of being able to be scaled up or down in size. Digital courses are able to adjust to the varying needs of a growing business and can be accessed by workers in remote or widely dispersed areas. This can help companies to cultivate a workforce with more knowledge and skill, regardless of the geographical locations of their staff.
To sum it up, eLearning has a lot of advantages, such as being convenient, economical, able to be scaled up, and customizable. As eLearning is becoming more popular in New Zealand, and companies are making use of digital learning materials, it is evident that eLearning is an effective and precious element of education and professional growth. Businesses should consider changing to web-based learning resources to stay ahead and help their staff members upgrade their skills.
References:
- New Zealand Qualifications Authority. (2022). Improving Relevance and Responsiveness: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Rationale for Micro-credentials. https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/publications/ insights/aotearoa-new-zealands-rationale-for-micro-credentials
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. (2019). The benefits of e-learning. Retrieved from https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1361-the-benefits-of-e-learning
- Ministry of Education. (2020.). Distance Online Delivery. Retrieved from https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/Providers-and-partners/Registration-and-accreditation/distance-online-delivery.pdf