Online training refers to education and skill development that takes place over the Internet. It may also be referred to as e-learning, and typically refers to specific job training rather than general education, such as a college education. Generally, people will take online training courses in order to learn a specific skill, or set of skills, required to perform their jobs correctly. Larger corporations are frequently making use of online or in-house computer training because it allows new employees to learn what they need to know without needing to take them away from their jobs to train them. In addition, it ensures that every individual is trained the same way.
Each company may have different software used for online training, depending on the nature of the work and what they want the new or existing workers to learn. It generally features a combination of written instruction, videos, and simulated or actual hands on work to allow people to practice. For instance, someone completing online training in order to become a cashier at a store might practice doing transactions correctly so that when he or she uses the actual register, it is not completely unfamiliar. This type of training is often then supplemented with additional on the job instruction.
Online training is popular because it saves a great deal of money for businesses. Some companies will have a number of computers set up with the training software to allow larger teams of people to train for the job at once. This prevents needing to assign training duties to other employees, which ideally maximizes the cost benefit ratio for that time. In addition, existing employees who need to maintain certifications in certain things will often be able to complete these online now, rather than having to take a formal class or travel somewhere.
Of course, there are a number of online schools that offer online training for people interested in improving their resumes or becoming more qualified for certain jobs. These are often self-paced programs that allow people to complete the work in their own time. These programs may sometimes lead to a degree, but they are often just certificate programs. Popular ones such as transcription or medical coding and billing, for example, often lead to a certificate that may make an individual more likely to get hired at a certain jobs. Online degree programs are typically not referred to as "online training."