Well-trained employees are essential to an organization’s success. Unfortunately, many small, budget-conscious teams shy away from investing in e-learning (short for “electronic learning”).
Common concerns include the perceived cost of creating and hosting self-paced courses. When financial, human, and training resources are limited, a new training system can feel out of reach.
Fortunately, e-learning may be more affordable than you think. More importantly, it delivers measurable, lasting benefits. While some advanced solutions are expensive, creative teams can combine lower-cost tools and smart design to produce effective web-based training.
First, establish a training program budget
According to Training magazine’s 2024 Training Industry Report, U.S. companies spent an average of $774 per learner in 2024 (down from $954 in 2023). While budgets vary, allocating 1–5% of total payroll to employee training is a common baseline.
Before you set a budget, assess your organization’s needs. Are skill gaps affecting performance and quality? Do you need to migrate teams to new software or improve customer support?
Align spending with real needs to maximize impact. Once you understand priorities and constraints, you can choose delivery methods that fit your goals and resources.
In today’s connected workplace, you have many options beyond classroom-based instructor-led training (ILT). An online learning platform can give employees on-demand access to course materials anywhere.
What is e-learning?
E-learning is any training delivered online through a browser, app, or learning platform. Content can take many formats:
- Videos and screencasts
- Webinars and podcasts
- Gamified activities
- Virtual instructor-led training
- Mobile app modules (iOS, Android)
We’ll answer the budget question next.
Is e-learning expensive?
It depends on the level of interactivity. When you plan a course, one of the biggest cost drivers is how interactive you want the experience to be. Many teams plan using three broad levels.
Level 1 interactivity
Often called “click and read.” Learners advance through slides, read short text, and watch simple media. Knowledge checks are basic and ungraded.
Level 2 interactivity
Built from slide content but with richer engagement. Expect light branching, scenario prompts, and more robust quizzes. This tier often adapts former ILT decks for online use.
Level 3 interactivity
The most advanced, and most costly. Courses include complex branching, simulations, and non-linear navigation that immerse learners in realistic decisions.
The in-between
Many programs mix levels. Some modules are quick microlearning. Others add decision points to “click and read” screens. Blended learning—pairing e-learning with ILT or video—can balance cost, quality, and speed.
Multimedia delivery of training materials
Text is necessary, but too much text hurts engagement. Long paragraphs on slides split attention and reduce retention.
Use short sentences, clear bullets, and purposeful visuals. Prioritize diagrams, screenshots, and short clips that support the task at hand. People remember images more than blocks of text.
Tip: Screencasts are fast to produce with low-cost tools and make step-by-step training easier to follow.
Video blends narration, motion, and on-screen cues, which makes complex steps easier to learn. Screencasts are ideal for software walkthroughs and quick SME knowledge shares.
Consider your e-learning authoring tools
PowerPoint remains a common starting point. It’s easy to use and works online or offline. Many teams storyboard in slides, then convert to e-learning.
Authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate add interaction, quizzes, and publishing options. Many LMS platforms also include built-in authoring features for simple modules.
Do I need a learning management system (LMS)?
An LMS is the most efficient way to deliver online training. It:
- Hosts your courses,
- Tracks learner enrollment and progress, and
- Reports metrics through SCORM or similar standards.
SCORM (“Sharable Content Object Reference Model”) is the common standard that lets an LMS track starts, completions, scores, and time on task.
If you already have an LMS, you’re ready to start. If you’re evaluating platforms, browse our LMS series for practical comparisons. In the meantime, you can also share learning content through your intranet, SharePoint, WordPress, or messaging tools.
Leverage your content and initiate social learning
Informal learning happens every day—answers in chat, quick demos, and peer coaching. Scale that by capturing SME know-how and turning it into short, reusable assets.
Identify knowledgeable, communicative SMEs and train them to contribute. You’ll build skills internally, reduce costs, and speed delivery.
Roll out content in the channels that fit your culture. Webinars, forums, group discussions, case studies, and mentoring programs all support social learning.
Who can help me develop affordable e-learning?
ProEdit can help. Even with budget-friendly tools, successful e-learning takes planning, instructional design, and testing. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective approach for your goals.
If you want to build in-house skills, we can deliver an e-learning overview course for your team.
Contact us to discuss a practical plan for creating custom e-learning materials that fit your budget and timeline.