E-learning refers to all forms of learning that use digital media for knowledge transfer – from online courses and webinars to interactive apps. For companies, e-learning offers flexible, cost-efficient training: employees learn regardless of time and location, while HR centrally manages learning progress. According to the E-Learning Study 2024 by the Haufe Academy, 88% of German companies already use digital learning formats.

Definition: What is E-Learning?

E-learning (also: electronic learning or digital learning) encompasses all forms of learning that use electronic or digital media to support learning processes. The term is composed of "electronic" and "learning."

Unlike traditional classroom training, e-learning enables learning independent of time and place. Employees can access learning content via computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone – whether in the office, working from home, or on the go. Content is delivered either via the internet (web-based training) or through local applications.

For learning and development, this means knowledge can be conveyed efficiently and at scale without incurring travel costs, room rentals, or trainer fees. At the same time, learning progress can be digitally captured and analyzed.

E-Learning Formats at a Glance

The digital learning landscape offers a variety of formats. Depending on learning objectives, target audience, and budget, different approaches are suitable.

Web-Based Training (WBT)

Web-based trainings are interactive online courses accessed through a web browser. They combine text, images, videos, and quizzes into structured learning units. WBTs are particularly suitable for standardized training such as compliance courses, product training, or safety briefings.

Webinars and Virtual Classrooms

With webinars and virtual classrooms, learning takes place synchronously – in real time. Trainers deliver content live while participants can interact via chat or voice functions. This format is particularly suitable when exchange and direct questions are important.

Microlearning

Microlearning refers to short learning units lasting 5-15 minutes. These "learning nuggets" can easily be integrated into the workday – for example, during short breaks or while commuting. According to the mmb Trend Monitor Learning Delphi 2024/2025, 87% of surveyed experts consider microlearning to be of central importance for corporate training.

Blended Learning

Blended learning (also: hybrid learning) combines face-to-face events with digital learning elements. For example, employees can acquire basic knowledge in advance through e-learning and then apply what they've learned in a practical workshop. According to the E-Learning Study 2024, 83% of respondents attribute central importance to blended learning.

Mobile Learning

Mobile learning enables learning via smartphones and tablets. Employees can access learning content on the go – for example, during business trips. Forecasts suggest the mobile learning market could reach a volume of $80.1 billion worldwide by 2027.

Benefits of E-Learning for Companies

Digital learning offers companies numerous advantages that traditional classroom training cannot provide.

Flexibility and Scalability

E-learning is independent of location and time. Employees can learn when and where it suits them best. At the same time, content can be reused indefinitely and delivered to any number of participants – without additional effort.

Cost Savings

The elimination of travel costs, room rentals, and trainer fees makes e-learning more cost-efficient than classroom training in the long run. Moreover, once created, content can be easily updated and reused. Studies show that e-learning in companies requires 40-60% less time than traditional learning.

Measurability and Control

Through a Learning Management System (LMS), HR professionals can centrally track the learning progress of all employees. Analytics show who has completed which courses, how participants performed, and where knowledge gaps may exist. This data enables more targeted learning and development.

Challenges and Disadvantages

Despite all its advantages, e-learning also presents challenges that HR professionals should be aware of.

Employee Acceptance

Not all employees are equally tech-savvy or motivated to learn independently. Without adequate support and communication, acceptance can suffer. Targeted change management is required here.

Limitations of Digital Learning

For some learning content – such as practical skills in trades or complex soft skills like leadership behavior – pure e-learning reaches its limits. In such cases, blended learning offers a good compromise.

Technical Requirements

E-learning requires a functioning technical infrastructure: stable internet connection, suitable devices, and ideally a Learning Management System (LMS) for managing content.

Successfully Implementing E-Learning

Introducing e-learning in a company requires careful planning. The following steps have proven effective:

LMS Selection

A Learning Management System (LMS) is the central platform for your e-learning offering. It enables the management of learning content, participants, and certificates, as well as tracking learning progress. When selecting an LMS, you should consider user-friendliness, scalability, GDPR compliance, and integration capabilities.

Change Management

The success of e-learning depends on employee acceptance. Communicate early why digital learning is being introduced and what benefits it offers. Leaders should lead by example and encourage their teams.

Success Measurement (KPIs)

Define from the outset how you want to measure the success of your e-learning initiatives. Relevant metrics include course completion rates, test results, user satisfaction, or – in the long term – the impact on productivity and quality.

2025 Trends: AI and Personalized Learning

The e-learning landscape is evolving rapidly. According to the E-Learning Study 2025, 71% of surveyed organizations plan to further personalize their learning offerings in the future – many of them using AI-powered tools. Additional trends include:

Adaptive Learning: AI-powered systems automatically adjust learning paths to individual knowledge levels. Those who already have prior knowledge skip the basics; those with gaps receive additional exercises.

Immersive Learning with VR/AR: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality enable interactive learning environments – for example, for safety training or complex technical courses. According to the mmb Trend Monitor, the importance of these technologies has risen from 20% (2014) to 59% (2024).

Social Learning: Learning is becoming increasingly collaborative. Platforms integrate forums, discussion groups, and peer feedback to foster exchange between learners.

Frequently Asked Questions About E-Learning

What is E-Learning?

E-learning refers to all forms of learning that use digital media and technologies for knowledge transfer. This includes online courses, webinars, interactive training programs, video tutorials, and mobile learning apps. The goal is to make learning content accessible regardless of time and location.

What E-Learning Formats Exist?

The main formats are: Web-Based Trainings (interactive online courses), webinars and virtual classrooms (live training), microlearning (short learning units of 5-15 minutes), blended learning (mix of in-person and online), mobile learning (learning via smartphone/tablet), and video tutorials and screencasts.

What Are the Benefits of E-Learning?

E-learning offers flexibility (learning anytime and anywhere), cost savings (no travel or venue costs), scalability (unlimited number of participants), individualization (learning at your own pace), and measurability (trackable learning progress).

What is an LMS (Learning Management System)?

A Learning Management System is a digital platform for managing learning content. It enables central organization of courses and participants, tracking of learning progress, and issuing of certificates. Well-known examples include Moodle, Cornerstone, and SAP Litmos.

How Do I Implement E-Learning in My Company?

Implementation ideally follows five steps: 1) Needs analysis (What competencies are lacking?), 2) LMS selection based on requirements, 3) Pilot project with a small group, 4) Change management to increase acceptance, 5) Definition of success metrics (KPIs).

What Are the Disadvantages of E-Learning?

Challenges include: less social interaction than with classroom training, high self-discipline required, not suitable for all learning content (e.g., practical skills), technical requirements needed, and initial setup costs.

What E-Learning Trends Are Important in 2025?

The most important trends are AI-powered personalization of learning paths, adaptive learning (automatic adjustment to knowledge levels), VR/AR for immersive learning, social learning with peer-to-peer exchange, and the continued expansion of microlearning formats.

Conclusion

E-learning has established itself as an integral part of corporate training. The advantages are clear: flexibility, cost savings, and scalability make digital learning attractive for companies of all sizes. However, the key to success is not technology alone, but the right combination of formats, change management, and continuous success measurement.

For HR professionals, e-learning opens up opportunities to develop employees more effectively – provided individual strengths and potential are known. Objective analysis methods can provide valuable insights into which competencies should be developed.

Would you like to better understand your employees' potential before planning e-learning measures? Learn more about data-driven talent development with Aivy

Sources

• E-Learning Study 2024. Haufe Academy, 2024. https://www.haufe-akademie.de/digital-suite/blog/el-elearning-studie
• Learning Delphi 2024/2025 (mmb Trend Monitor). MMB Institute for Media and Competence Research, 2024. https://www.mmb-institut.de
• E-Learning: Future of Education (Statistics). Statista, 2024. https://de.statista.com/themen/1371/e-learning/
• E-Learning Study 2025. WTT CampusONE, 2025. https://wtt-campusone.com/ueber-uns/news/e-learning-studie-2025-wie-digitale-weiterbildung-in-deutschland-wirklich-funktioniert
• E-Learning: Definition, Types, Benefits and Tips. Personio, 2023. https://www.personio.de/hr-lexikon/e-learning/
• KfW Digitalization Report SMEs. KfW Banking Group, 2024. https://www.kfw.de