Online Training: The New Normal in Building Learning Organizations

Organizations need to learn continuously in order to keep growing. However, traditional boardroom training can be an expensive and disruptive affair. This is the reason why major organizations have fully embraced the concept of online training to meet their learning needs. Online learning (or e-learning) provides a world of opportunities not previously available with traditional methods. This article explores why this approach is the new normal in building learning organizations.

The corporate world today has become extremely competitive. Survival in this environment is heavily dependent on how well organizations are able and willing to innovate. The pressure to provide goods and services at the cheapest cost has never been higher. This makes learning a critical component in the work environment, as it ensures organizations remain relevant in the marketplace.

With the current technological advancement, many things have changed—including how we learn. From sitting in a library to a few taps on your phone, access to knowledge is easier than ever. Research shows that mobile internet penetration has grown from 29% in 2013 to 52% in 2019, and is projected to reach 61% by 2025. That means 1.74 billion new users coming online—most in emerging markets where mobile is the only way to connect. This presents a unique opportunity for organizations to adopt online learning as a cheap and effective solution.

Why Online Training Works

Cost Effective

Traditional training comes with heavy costs—travel, accommodation, meals, materials. Online training removes these expenses, allowing organizations to train more staff, more often, at a fraction of the budget.

Minimal Disruption to Operations

With online training, staff don’t have to leave their workstations for days. Just an hour or two a day is enough, allowing learning without disrupting productivity.

Assessment and Feedback

Modern learning platforms like the one used by Vantage Africa School of Leadership integrate assessments and quizzes at every step. Staff can test themselves repeatedly until mastery is achieved, ensuring real learning takes place.

Peer Learning

Built-in discussion forums enable staff to share insights, comment on each other’s learnings, and apply lessons together—making peer learning richer than in most boardroom settings.

Flexibility

Self-paced learning allows staff to study when their minds are most active—early morning, evenings, weekends, or even during commutes. This personalization boosts effectiveness significantly.

Learner Involvement

Unlike boardroom training where some participants may disengage, online platforms track every learner’s progress, participation, and outcomes. Engagement is higher and measurable.

Building a Learning Culture

Learning shouldn’t be occasional; it should be continuous. Online learning embeds a culture of daily growth, helping organizations thrive in competitive markets.

How Vantage Africa Supports Organizations

Not every organization can build a robust e-learning platform. That’s where Vantage Africa School of Leadership comes in—providing effective learning management systems, expert-designed content, and follow-up mechanisms to ensure real behavioral change. SMEs and corporates alike can benefit from world-class trainers and tools designed to embed a strong learning culture.