Practical, flexible, and often more cost-effective than in-person sessions, e-learning training has attracted many organizations. But while it offers numerous advantages, is it truly suitable for all corporate training programs?
When it comes to software training, this question is particularly relevant. From Microsoft 365, SAP, Oracle, and Smart HR to Salesforce, the range of solutions and features employees need to master is ever-increasing. To properly equip staff, digital tool training must address challenges such as speed, accessibility, personalization, and regular updates.
In this article, Lemon Learning explores the limits of software training via e-learning training and how to overcome them.
E-learning Training: Detached from Software
You wouldn’t learn to cook in your bathroom, would you? The same logic applies to software training—learning how to use software without directly interacting with it can be tricky. Why? Employees may not retain all the information learned during e-learning training. When they try to apply the knowledge to the software later, they often struggle to recall the necessary steps.
For example, an employee might complete e-learning training on Sopra HR but then forget how to request leave in the software days, weeks, or months later. The result? They may have to ask colleagues for help, retake the training module, or contact IT support, leading to wasted time and reduced productivity. How can this be addressed? By integrating software training directly into the software itself!
Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) like Lemon Learning allow you to train employees on software directly within the software itself. How does it work? Employees have access to interactive guides embedded in the software, walking them through various features step-by-step. Whether it’s HR, CRM, ERP, or internal systems, users receive real-time information exactly where they need it. The result? Reduced resistance to digital tools, better software adoption, and improved performance.
E-learning Training: Content Lacks Engagement
Not all employees are naturally motivated or disciplined, especially when it comes to digital tools. While e-learning training promotes flexibility, without the constant presence of a trainer, employees must motivate themselves to stay engaged. This lack of oversight can result in reduced engagement and inefficacy of the training.
Engage Users with Learning by Doing
What if you could actively engage employees in software training? According to the learning pyramid, we retain 90% of what we do versus only 20% of what we hear and 10% of what we read. The takeaway? There’s no better way to learn than through practice.
With Learning by Doing, employees actively engage with software during training. Using Lemon Learning’s in-app support, users learn by completing tasks in real-time, such as creating an order in Ivalua or sending an SMS via Salesforce Marketing Cloud. This method ensures faster, longer-lasting, and simpler learning.
E-learning Training: Difficult to Update
Creating training content can be time-consuming. Though e-learning training offers flexibility, it doesn’t always save time when building training modules. On average, a basic e-learning training module takes 79 hours to develop, compared to 43 hours for an in-person session (Chapman Alliance LLC).
One major limitation of e-learning training is that it’s often static, making it difficult to keep content up-to-date, which is crucial in today’s digital transformation era. So, what’s the solution?
Easily Create, Update, and Modify Training
With Lemon Learning, you no longer need to spend countless hours creating or updating software training modules. Whether you choose off-the-shelf guides or customized content, you can now create and modify training in just a few clicks, with no need for technical expertise.
E-learning Training: Content is Too Generic
One of the biggest drawbacks of e-learning training is its generic nature. Training modules are often too fixed and lack personalization, making them irrelevant to employees’ specific needs. What’s the solution?
Customize Software Training
What if you could personalize your software training to better address your users’ challenges? With Lemon Learning, you can tailor training based on department, role, function, or country. The result? Employees receive effective training with access to the information they truly need.
E-learning Training: Lack of Time for Learning
Even if e-learning training provides flexibility, employees still need to find time in their schedules to dedicate to learning. Unfortunately, the reality is that most employees have very limited time for training. So, what can be done?
Train Users with Micro-learning
Micro-learning is ideal for today’s fast-paced digital environment. The concept? Employees learn through very short training modules, lasting no more than three minutes. The result? A more flexible, quick, and efficient learning experience where employees retain more knowledge thanks to concise content.
In summary, e-learning training—though practical—has limitations when it comes to software training. Detached from tools, often unengaging, hard to update, too generic, and sometimes too flexible, e-learning training alone may not be enough. Digital tools like Digital Adoption Platforms are increasingly relevant for businesses navigating the digital transformation and adopting new software.
