What impact does e-learning have on employment and existing jobs?

Online learning, online working, chatting online with a robot that can create anything for you: the possibilities are endless.

Yet, resistance is also emerging. People fear that robots will take over their jobs. That they will never study "live" again. That we will lose our social connection with one another.

Are these concerns justified?

In this blog, we share our perspective on the impact of e-learning (the technology we focus on) on employment, the opportunities and threats that exist, and how we can make the most of this development for companies and their employees.

What are the benefits of e-learning for employment and existing jobs?

1. Flexibility and accessibility

With e-learning, people can learn at their own pace and at a time that suits them best. This offers new opportunities for people who might otherwise be limited in their learning experience.

It therefore becomes more accessible for a larger part of the population to maintain or improve their knowledge and skills, which in turn leads to better opportunities in the labor market.

2. Improved skills and professional development

Hand in hand with this is the fact that employees already working at an organization or company can take targeted training to learn or brush up on specific skills.

This increases their value in the labor market and leads to better career opportunities.

3. Increasing demand for e-learning professionals

Because the demand for e-learning platforms and professionals has increased exponentially, especially since the start of the Covid pandemic, the e-learning industry itself also offers many job opportunities. "Traditional" teachers were challenged to take on a new online role, and many other experts are now taking on roles such as online trainer or course material developer.

4. The opportunity to share expertise while generating income

Due to the increase in the number of affordable and easily accessible e-learning platforms, it has become very easy for any (aspiring) entrepreneur to develop an online course, put it online, and sell it (automatically).

Pluvo is a fantastic example of this!

We, too, have been able to welcome many new (and established) course creators during the Covid period (and both before and after).

5. Increase in freelance and remote employment in the e-learning sector

Because learning takes place online, this offers many opportunities to onboard prospective employees online and train existing employees online.

This means that employees don't have to be in one location to use their full potential for the company, and that recruitment and training can take place all over the world. So much more talent to choose from!

In addition, companies often hire external e-learning experts to help them develop online training programs or manage their e-learning platforms. This creates new opportunities for professionals who want to work flexibly or independently of location.

What are the drawbacks and threats of e-learning for employment and existing jobs?

1. Automation of traditional training roles

With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, certain aspects of training can be automated, which reduces the need for physical trainers/teachers who were previously responsible for delivering classroom training.

Computers and AI can now offer personalized learning paths and automated assessments, for example, which means the human aspect of teaching and assessing is largely automated.

2. Changes in demand for skills and expertise

E-learning also brings changes in the skills and expertise that teachers and trainers need.

There is a shift toward the specific digital and technical skills needed to manage e-learning platforms, develop online courses and deliver effective virtual training.

Professionals who do not have these skills may see their competitive position in the labor market decline.

3. Less demand for venues

Indirectly, employment at the venues that were previously used as training locations can also be affected by the growing popularity of e-learning. If venues are no longer booked, fewer staff are needed; no catering, no reception, etc. 

In short, e-learning creates both new opportunities and threats in terms of employment. It is important for (prospective) employees to adapt and upskill to stay relevant. 

Curious how you can use e-learning as effectively and sustainably as possible within your company or organization? Contact us via the chat and we'll gladly tell you about the possibilities!