Understanding eLearning: A no-jargon guide

What you need to know before commissioning online training

Welcome! Whether you’re new to eLearning or thinking about blending it with in-person training, this guide gives you a simple, no-nonsense explanation of how it all works. This guide to understanding eLearning covers SCORM, LMSs, authoring tools, hosting and more in plain UK English. I created this because too many great projects get stuck or delayed when the process isn’t clear so we are going to change that.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning means using both online learning (eLearning) and face-to-face sessions to deliver training. It gives people flexibility to learn in their own time while still having space for questions, discussion, and practice in a group setting.


In a nutshell: The best of both worlds.

What is eLearning?

eLearning is training that happens online. It can be:

• Videos and animations
• Slides you click through
• Quizzes
• Voiceover narration
• Scenarios and activities

In a nutshell: Learning that happens anytime, anywhere.

Understanding eLearning

What is an Authoring Tool?

This is the software used to create eLearning content. I use tools like iSpring
They let me add:

• Text, images, and branding
• Audio narration
• Quizzes and knowledge checks

It’s like Microsoft Word but with bells and whistles for building learning, rather
than documents.
In a nutshell: The toolkit used to build your eLearning.

iSpring Suite logo - understanding eLearning

What is SCORM?

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model — but you don’t
need to remember that!
All you need to know is: SCORM is a format that makes your course work inside
a Learning Management System (LMS). It allows:


• Progress tracking
• Quiz scores to be saved
• Completion to be recorded


In a nutshell: SCORM makes your eLearning trackable.

scorm - understanding eLearning

What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?

This is where the course lives. An LMS:


• Hosts the courses
• Tracks who has done them
• Stores certificates
• Allows you to assign training to staff


Popular LMS examples: Moodle, TalentLMS, Thinkific, SCORM Cloud
In a nutshell: It’s your online training centre.

What is Hosting?

Hosting means where your eLearning course is stored online. You have 3 options:


1. Your own LMS – if you already have one
2. Our LMS – this will be in place later this year, so we can host the course for you if that works best.
3. SCORM Cloud or other platform , for small-scale use


In a nutshell: Hosting is about where the course ‘lives’ and who controls access.

Who Does What?

The Author (That’s me):

• Designs and builds the course
• Packages it in SCORM format
• Supports testing and edits

The Host:

• If you use your LMS, you are the host
• If we host it, we are the host

The LMS Provider (That Might Be You):

• Uploads the course
• Assigns learners
• Tracks completions and certificates

 


In a nutshell: We make it. You deliver it, or we can host it for you.

who does what

Which Hosting Option Is Right for You?

If you already have an LMS: Use that! We’ll supply your course as a SCORM file and your system will do the rest.

If you don’t have an LMS, here are simple options:

options - understanding elearning

You don’t need to pick straight away we can help you decide what’s best for your setup and goals.

Optional Extras:

You can also have:


• Certificate of completion
• Voiceover (real or AI)
• Branding in your colours and style

Ready to Get Started?

If you want:


• A free call to talk through your needs
• To ask questions about hosting or access
• To request a quick demo

contact details
Joanne Baker - Director and Founder

Hopefully this guide to understanding eLearning has been useful for you. Below is a short video that explains what each of the different elements of e-Learning are and the process explained above.

To find out more about the services I offer (and I’m not just about eLearning!) view the Our Services page.