The Top 5 Questions E-Learning Newbies Have—and the Answers

If you’ve never created online training before, you probably have a lot of  questions. Like, what exactly is e-learning, anyway? How do I get started? Where can I find help if I need it? And while these questions might feel a little overwhelming, don’t worry! You’re in the right place. We’ve got the answers to all these and more below. 

 1. What is e-learning?

E-learning is just a fancy word for training or education that’s delivered electronically. Whether that’s on a smartphone, a computer, or a tablet, if it’s delivered via a device—instead of by an instructor in a classroom—then it’s e-learning. It’s as simple as that!

For a more detailed explanation, check out this article: What Is E-Learning?

2. How do you create e-learning?

Creating e-learning basically involves defining learning objectives, compiling content that helps learners achieve those objectives, and organizing that content in a structured way on slides or pages using a course creation app. 

In sum, to create e-learning you need a few things:

• Instructional design skills to help you define learning objectives, determine which content you need to achieve them, and how to structure that content. Get to know the basics in this article: Instructional Design Basics for E-Learning Development.
• A course creation app—like Articulate 360—so you can take raw content and turn it into a course. Here’s an article that’ll help you decide which one to use: Top 9 Considerations for Choosing the Right E-Learning Authoring App

That might be a bit of an oversimplification, but it gives you the general idea.

Now that you understand how it’s done conceptually, head over to this article for a step-by-step walkthrough of the creation process: 8 Simple Steps for Creating Online Training. 

3. How do you share your course with learners?

There are a few different ways to share your course with learners. Let’s take a look at the most common options.

• A web server. If you don’t need to control access to your courses or track learner activity, you could simply upload them to your website using a web server. Learn more about how to do that here: How to Get an E-Learning Course Online.

• A Learning Management System (LMS). LMSs are the most common option for sharing courses that require tracking. In many cases, they don’t include robust authoring capabilities. So you need to create your courses with a separate authoring app and upload them to your LMS before you can share them with learners. Some LMSs, though, have integrations with specific authoring apps—such as Reach 360 and Articulate 360—which can make it easier to get courses into your LMS and ensure they communicate clearly with each other. Learn more here: An Introduction to LMSs.

For more information on these options as well as a few additional ones, check out the article: How to Share E-Learning Courses with Learners.

 4. Where can you find help?

There are tons of great resources out there if you’re struggling. And the good news is that it looks like you’ve already found one of them—E-Learning Heroes! With over one million members, it’s the world’s largest online e-learning community and a great place to go for help.

For example, you can:

• Ask questions in the Building Better Courses forums
• Read product tutorials and get help using Articulate software in our product forums
• Dive into instructional design articles, e-learning how-tos, and career tips
• Download free templates and design assets
• Share your work and get valuable feedback in the weekly E-Learning Challenges

5. How do you grow your e-learning career?

As you’re getting started, it’s normal to think about your career path. How will you get from e-learning newbie to seasoned pro? The answer is simple: by growing both your skills and your personal brand. Below you’ll find some articles that help with exactly that!

• 6 Ways to Improve Your E-Learning Skills
• 5 Tips for Landing Your Next E-Learning Job
• Boost Your E-Learning Career by Building Your Personal Brand

And if you’re looking for open e-learning positions and gigs, be sure to check out this job board.

Wrap-Up

Hopefully this article answered your main questions around e-learning. But if you still have some left, just put them in the comments below! 

And if you’re feeling excited and ready to learn more about the basics of e-learning and course creation, check out these articles:  

• 3 Types of E-Learning Course Creation Apps
• Practical Instructional Design Basics
• Follow These 5 Steps to Create E-Learning with No Experience
• How to Plan E-Learning Courses Like a Pro

Want to try something you learned here, but don’t have Articulate 360? Start a free 30-day trial, and come back to E-Learning Heroes regularly for more helpful advice on everything related to e-learning. If you have any questions, please share them in the comments.