Recently updated on February 7th, 2025
On the surface, it might not appear that there are many types of eLearning to try out. After all, doesn’t eLearning just involve learners working through a self-paced course at their own pace?
This answer is partially correct, but when you drill into the topic of eLearning, you soon realize that there are quite a few different types you can discover and use to make any eLearning program you’re running more engaging and impactful for your learners.
We’ve put together this handy guide to twelve different types of eLearning you can try out this year, along with some of
Let’s jump in 👇
1. Self-Paced Learning
Ever wanted to learn at 2 AM in your pajamas? Well, that’s exactly what your learners can do with self-paced learning.
The concept simply refers to learners accessing course materials and completing assignments at their own pace, and many of the eLearning modules or courses you offer will fall into this category.
Why does self-paced learning work?
Increases Retention
Studies show that online learners retain 25–60% more material compared to traditional classroom settings, thanks to the ability to revisit content.
Supports Learning Outcomes
According to a report by the Brandon Hall Group, self-paced eLearning requires 40–60% less time than instructor-led training while delivering comparable or better results.
How Can You Create Self-Paced Learning?
Creating self-paced learning requires a clear structure and effective tools.:
- Start by defining specific learning objectives to guide the course design.
- Break content into manageable units, such as 5–10-minute lessons, to improve retention and engagement.
To speed things up, use an eLearning authoring tool, such as Arlo, to create engaging self-paced learning in just a few clicks.

2. Virtual Instructor-Led Training
Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) allows instructors and learners to connect in real-time, offering the immediacy and interaction of a traditional classroom without the need for physical presence.
The format is increasingly popular in corporate and professional training, especially as remote work continues to rise.
As you can see below, many training providers, such as Arlo customer, ICBA offer their courses in person, and in a live online format.
Doing this allows them to tailor the training they provide to the differing needs of their client base, and a learner who is looking to enroll in one of their courses can choose to learn in the format that suits them best.

Why Does Virtual Instructor-Led Training Work?
Improves Learner Engagement
Virtual instructor-led training actively involves learners through real-time interactions, such as group discussions, breakout rooms, and live Q&A sessions.
Unlike pre-recorded content, real-time learning keeps learners focused and engaged by allowing them to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and participate in dynamic, instructor-led activities.
Reinforces Learning Through Instructor Expertise
Nothing beats the expertise of an experienced skilled instructor, and VILT gives learners access to experienced instructors from the comfort of their own home.
And the interactive, real-time format gives learners the benefit of tapping into the benefit of the instructor’s knowledge, the instructor can provide personalized feedback and adapt their teaching methods to the needs of learners.
What Do You Need to Deliver Virtual-Instructor Led Training?
The setup you’ll need to deliver effective VILT includes:
- Video conferencing tools
- Interactive whiteboard tools,
- A training platform like Arlo with features to create, deliver, and manage VILT.
Related Article: 12 Virtual Training Activities and Ideas to Liven up Your Virtual Training
3. Blended Learning
Blended learning means providing course content in a variety of delivery formats; including face-to-face, live online webinar, quizzes, video, podcasts and surveys.
Not only does it provide a richer learning experience than any one format on its own, but it’s also scalable and effective.
The four main delivery methods used in blended learning are: face-to-face learning, live-online webinars, on-demand video and self-paced eLearning.
Why Does Blended Learning Work?
Flexibility to Select the Right Learning Method for the Right Training Topic
Delivering blended learning allows you to tailor training modules to the most effective format for each topic. Certain topics might be more effectively covered in face-to-face sessions, while others are better suited to live virtual settings or self-paced learning.
For example, in a leadership development course, a face-to-face workshop could be used to practice interpersonal communication skills, such as giving and receiving feedback. A live virtual session might focus on discussing leadership theories with an expert, allowing for real-time questions and interaction.
Meanwhile, self-paced modules could cover foundational knowledge, such as an overview of leadership styles, through videos and quizzes.
What Do You Need to Deliver Blended Learning?
Blended learning requires a tech stack similar to what is needed for virtual instructor-led training, including:
- A video conferencing platform like Zoom may be sufficient for scheduling and delivering virtual sessions.
- For large-scale virtual training, consider using a platform such as Arlo or an LMS integrated with Zoom to manage production, registrations and virtual session delivery.
For the eLearning component, you’ll need tools to author and host your eLearning content, such as Arlo or another LMS that can handle both tasks.
For recommendations, check out our roundups of the best learning management systems for training providers for 2025, and our round-up of the best eLearning authoring tools.
4. Microlearning
Microlearning is a teaching and training approach that delivers information in short, focused bursts. It is designed to help learners quickly absorb and retain key concepts, often through videos, quizzes, or other bite-sized content formats.
Why Does Microlearning Work?
Microlearning works because it aligns with how people naturally consume and retain information. It caters to short attention spans, supports just-in-time learning, and encourages better engagement through concise and actionable content.
It’s a great approach for reinforcing knowledge and improving skill retention.
What Do You Need to Deliver Microlearning?
To deliver microlearning effectively, you’ll need:
- A content creation tool to develop concise and engaging modules.
- A platform to host and distribute the content, such as an LMS or microlearning platform.
- Analytics tools to track learner progress and measure effectiveness.
- Mobile-friendly delivery options to allow learners to access materials anytime, anywhere.
Related Article: 8 Types of Virtual Training to Try Out in 2025
5. Gamified Learning
Gamified learning integrates game mechanics, such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges, into educational content to engage and motivate learners.
It transforms the learning experience into a more interactive and enjoyable process, encouraging active participation and knowledge retention.
Why Does Gamified Learning Work?
Gamified learning applies game mechanics directly to specific learning tasks. For example, a cybersecurity training program might use a simulated environment where participants earn points for identifying phishing emails and lose points for overlooking threats. Immediate feedback reinforces correct actions and highlights mistakes in a tangible way.
Leaderboards can encourage competition, such as ranking employees based on their success in a customer service training module. Badges or certificates can be awarded for milestones like completing 10 training scenarios without errors.
Unlocking new levels or modules based on performance—like progressing to advanced coding challenges after mastering basic ones—keeps learners motivated and engaged.
What Do You Need to Deliver Gamified Learning?
You have a few options for gamified learning. Some LMS platforms have built-in gamification elements. You can also look at platforms like Kahoot for crafting gamified content.
Whichever platform you choose, you’ll also want to make sure it contains tracking and reporting capabilities so you can measure the impact any gamified elements are having on your training.

6. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning simply refers to delivering educational content through mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to provide learners with flexible access to training materials.
It’s really a given these days that eLearning content should be accessible across all devices, desktop, mobile and tablet.
Why Does Mobile Learning Work?
Mobile learning is effective because it adapts to the habits and preferences of modern learners. It provides convenience by allowing access to content anywhere and at any time, promoting continuous learning without disrupting daily routines.
Features such as push notifications and gamified elements help keep learners engaged, while mobile-optimized content encourages better interaction and retention.
What Do You Need to Deliver Mobile Learning?
Delivering mobile learning requires a platform that can deliver eLearning, or virtual sessions on any device. Most modern LMS and TMS platforms can do this.
You can see an image below of how an eLearning course created through Arlo looks like on tablet and mobile.

7. Scenario-Based Learning
Scenario-based learning uses realistic, contextual scenarios to teach skills or concepts. It places learners in decision-making situations that simulate real-life challenges, requiring them to apply knowledge and critical thinking to achieve desired outcomes.
Why Does Scenario-Based Learning Work?
Scenario-based learning works because it immerses learners in practical applications, making the learning experience far more relatable and impactful for learners.
With a bit of practice, you can develop the habit of creating new scenarios during the learning design process. When an inquiry comes in, take the time to gather as much key information as possible about the organization making the inquiry.
You can do this by asking questions that delve into who the organization is, what they do, and why they are seeking your services.
Example questions you can consider asking are:
- Why is the organization booking the training?
- Who will be attending (what are their roles and responsibilities, etc.)?
- What is the organization’s current context? For example, where are their customers based, where does the company operate, and what services do they provide?
- Are there any particular topics attendees are interested in?
- Are there any specific challenges they are currently facing>
- What are the organization’s mission, vision, values, aims, objectives, and challenges?
- Are there any particular issues that have caused the organization to start seeking our training (e.g., knowledge gaps or the need to train new employees)?
The answers you get to these questions should start to give you some idea of some relatable scenarios to include.
Related Article: 9 Best Virtual Classroom Software for Online and Virtual Training in 2025
8. Quizzes
Quizzes are assessments used to evaluate a learner’s understanding of specific topics. They can take various forms, including multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, or interactive formats, and are often integrated into eLearning courses to reinforce learning.
Why Do Quizzes Work?
Quizzes work by promoting active recall and the immediate application of knowledge, which are essential for memory retention. They also provide learners with instant feedback, helping them identify knowledge gaps and focus on areas needing improvement.
Quizzes fit into eLearning courses nicely, as they allow you to test learner knowledge as they progress. When you use them, try to make them as interactive as possible. Most eLearning authoring tools have quiz features within them that make it easy to create quizzes on the go.
You can also use AI for quizzes—put a prompt into ChatGPT, and you’ll have quiz questions galore in no time.
What Do You Need to Deliver Quizzes?
To create and deliver quizzes, you’ll need:
- Quiz creation tools, which may be standalone or integrated into an LMS or eLearning authoring platform.
- A variety of question formats to cater to different learning styles.
- Analytics to track performance and identify trends in learner understanding.
- Automated feedback options to guide learners and reinforce concepts.

9. Video-Based Learning
Video-based learning works by engaging both visual and auditory senses, which makes it easier to understand and remember information. It gives learners control over how they consume content—they can pause, rewind, or rewatch sections to better grasp challenging concepts.
Videos are particularly helpful for teaching practical skills. For example, a step-by-step demonstration of a machine repair or a case study explained through storytelling makes the material more relatable and easier to apply in real-world situations.
Adding interactive elements, like quizzes or clickable choices, can turn watching into doing, keeping learners actively involved. On top of that, videos ensure that everyone gets the same clear instructions, no matter where they’re located or when they’re accessing the content.
Why does Video-Based Learning Work?
As noted, using video learning helps training providers make sure their content engages visual learners, and video can also help learners retain information more effectively than other methods.
Check out these enlightening stats about video learning from Research.com:
- Trainees using video simulation games showed 11% higher declarative knowledge and 14% higher procedural knowledge compared to those trained through other methods (Sitzmann, 2011)
- A study with 223 undergraduate nursing students compared the impact of video-based and text-based learning. One group watched a video demonstrating a nursing technique, while the other read identical written content. The video group outperformed the text group by 6.19 points, scoring 42.95 compared to 36.76 (Salina et al., 2012).
What Do You Need to Deliver Video-Based Learning?
To deliver video-based learning effectively, you’ll need:
- Invest in high-quality tools for recording and editing, such as a good camera, microphone, and software like Adobe Premiere Pro to create polished content.
- Use a reliable platform to host and distribute videos, such as a Learning Management System (LMS), YouTube (with private settings), or Vimeo for secure access and branding options.
- Design videos to be visually appealing and focused, incorporating storytelling, real-life examples, and concise formatting. Include captions and transcripts to improve accessibility.
- Utilize analytics and feedback tools to monitor engagement rates, completion metrics, and viewing behavior. Gather learner feedback to improve future content.
- Enhance video lessons with supporting materials like quizzes, downloadable guides, or interactive elements to reinforce learning.

10. Pre-Recorded Webinars
Pre-recorded webinars are previously recorded online seminars or presentations that can be viewed on-demand. They combine video, slides, and narration to deliver content efficiently without requiring live attendance.
They’re a great way to reach learners who can’t make a live training session, and you can also use them as an extra revenue stream by offering them for purchase as standalone products, bundling them into subscription plans, or including them in paid training packages.
This allows you to monetize your expertise and reach a broader audience without the need for relying solely on live sessions.
Why do Pre-Recorded Webinars Work?
Pre-recorded webinars work because they provide flexibility, allowing learners to access content at their convenience. They eliminate the constraints of scheduling and time zones and allow learners to revisit material at any point.
What Do You Need to Deliver Pre-Recorded Webinars?
- Recording and Editing Tools: Use reliable software and equipment to create high-quality content. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams can record sessions, while editing tools such as Camtasia or Adobe Premiere Pro can refine and polish the final product.
- Presentation Tools: Prepare engaging visuals using tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Canva. Combine slides with narration and video to create a dynamic experience.
- Hosting and Selling Platforms: Consider platforms like Vimeo or an LMS for hosting your webinars. If you’re looking to sell your content, tools like Arlo can help by combining hosting capabilities with features for managing registrations, payments, and audience access.
11. Podcasts
Podcasts are audio-based programs or episodes that cover specific topics and can be streamed or downloaded. They are an effective way to deliver educational content, interviews, or discussions in a portable format.
You can include them as part of an eLearning course either as a recommended resource to check out or as a mandatory requirement in a course.
They’re also a great branding activity for growing your brand awareness. In the image below, you can see the web page of the skills leadership podcast Communicast, hosted by Communispond President and Arlo customer Scott D’Amico.
On the podcast, Scott and his guests give their expert advice on communication and leadership skills. Not only is the advice invaluable to the audience, but each episode also serves as a platform to highlight the brand’s expertise in leadership and communication training, effectively reinforcing its authority and providing a practical, engaging way to connect with its audience.

Why Do Podcasts Work?
Podcasts are an effective learning tool because they fit seamlessly into a learner’s daily routine, allowing them to learn while commuting, exercising, or completing other tasks. They provide a hands-free, flexible way to absorb information without needing to sit down at a desk.
The conversational tone of podcasts breaks down complex topics into relatable discussions, making it easier to understand and retain new concepts.
By listening to experts or real-world case studies, you gain practical insights that you can apply directly to a learner. Podcasts cater effectively to diverse learning styles, providing an ideal format for auditory learners who may not engage as deeply with written text or video content.
What Do You Need to Deliver Podcasts?
To create and distribute podcasts, you’ll need:
- Recording equipment, such as a quality microphone and editing software.
- A hosting platform to publish episodes and manage subscriptions.
- Engaging scripts or outlines to maintain focus and structure.
- Marketing tools to promote the podcast and reach your target audience.
For best results make sure your podcast is being delivered by someone with extensive expertise in the subject matter they’re focusing on.
How Arlo can Help You Create, Deliver & Sell eLearning
You might have noticed that a recurring theme in most of the types we’ve looked at is that it requires a platform that has the capability to create them, and that’s where Arlo comes in.
Over the past few months, our development team has been busy squirreling away, designing and developing our new eLearning authoring features, which will give you the capability to create engaging eLearning courses in minutes.
Here’s a run-down of what the key features look like:
Creating eLearning Courses
Through Arlo, you’ll soon be able to easily design and create visually appealing eLearning courses without any coding knowledge. There are three ways to do this:
1. Document to Course – Upload and convert existing documents into interactive courses.
2. Generate a Course – Enter a description of your course into Arlo’s AI assistant, select your tone, style, fonts, colors, and branding, and watch as your course is created before your eyes.
3. Build Your Course from Scratch – Use Arlo’s course and quiz templates to create your course from the ground up.

Here’s how these course creation options work:
Document to Course
Step 1: Find Your Document
Arlo supports a wide range of file formats, including Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs. If your content is stored on an external platform, simply export it as a PDF, and you’re ready to get started!
Step 2: Upload Your Document and Select Your Course Style
Upload your file to Arlo and choose the style that best suits your needs. Whether you want to focus on key information, keep it concise, or add creative flair, you have full control over the tone and design of your course.
Step 3: Watch as Your Course Comes to Life
Sit back as Arlo transforms your document into a fully interactive course. Once it’s ready, you can review it, tweak layouts, make adjustments, or dive right in and start adding more content.
Step 4: Create a Quiz
Test your learners’ understanding by generating a quiz based on your course content with just one click. Arlo makes it quick and easy to create assessments that reinforce key learning points.

Generate a Course with AI
Step 1: Provide Input to Arlo’s AI Assistant
Tell Arlo’s AI assistant exactly what you want your course to cover. The more details you provide, the better and more tailored your course will be.
Step 2: Choose Your Style, Tone, and Theme
Configure your course by selecting from a variety of styles, tones, and themes that match your needs. Finish it off with one of Arlo’s beautifully designed course themes.


Step 3: Watch Your Course Come to Life
See your course take shape as Arlo builds it section by section. Review the content as it is created and make edits or adjustments directly on the go.

Step 4: Add a Quiz to Test Learner Knowledge
Test your learners’ understanding by generating a quiz based on the content of your course. Arlo makes it quick and effortless to add assessments and measure learner outcomes.

Build Your Course from Scratch
Step 1: Design and Structure Your Course
Use Arlo’s intuitive course interface to design interactive and visually appealing courses without requiring any technical skills. Easily structure your content, add multimedia elements, and create engaging assessments such as flashcard challenges, quizzes, training videos, or how-to guides.
Step 2: Customize Your Style and Theme
Tailor your course to reflect your brand and teaching preferences. Arlo offers a library of templates, themes, and multimedia assets. Choose the tone, style, and design that align with your objectives to craft a distinctive learning experience.
Step 3: Generate Quizzes with AI
Create quizzes that align with your course’s learning outcomes effortlessly. Arlo’s AI assistant pulls information directly from your course content, allowing you to generate effective quizzes in seconds.
Step 4: Design Interactive and Memorable Courses
Build courses learners will love by incorporating engaging multimedia elements. Use videos, infographics, and interactive activities to create an enjoyable and impactful learning experience. Arlo’s tools make it simple to craft content that leaves a lasting impression.
Step 5: Cater to All Learning Methods
Whether delivering microlearning, blended learning, or fully virtual sessions, Arlo has you covered. Use its features to create bite-sized modules, host virtual classroom sessions, or seamlessly integrate eLearning elements to meet any training objective.

Kickstart Your eLearning in 2025 with Arlo
For example, you can combine self-paced eLearning with virtual instructor-led training to provide a blended approach that offers both flexibility and real-time interaction.
Microlearning can be incorporated into both formats to deliver quick, focused lessons, while gamification can make the learning process more engaging.
And the best part of all: you can create all of these types of eLearning with our new eLearning authoring features that will be available in the next few months.
To be the first to hear, make sure you sign up for early access below 👇
Want to be first in line to try Arlo’s new eLearning authoring features? Sign up for early access!
We’ll be in touch with details for early access as we get closer to launch. You’ll be contacted first!
Types of eLearning FAQs
The ‘must-have’ platforms for creating eLearning include learning or training management systems (TMS) and eLearning authoring tools.
Educational institutions such as universities, colleges, and schools heavily rely on eLearning, it’s also widely used in corporate environments for employee training, government organizations for compliance and skill-building programs, and healthcare institutions for professional development and certifications.
Common synonyms and terms used in eLearning include:
– Asynchronous learning: Refers to a learning process that allows learners to access content and complete tasks on their own schedule, without real-time interaction.
– Synchronous learning: A learning format where learners and instructors interact in real-time through video conferencing or live sessions.
– Blended learning: Combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components.
– Learning process: Refers to the series of activities, methods, and steps taken by learners to acquire knowledge or develop skills in an eLearning environment.
– Online learning: Synonymous with eLearning, it describes the use of digital platforms to deliver education and training programs remotely.
– Virtual classroom: A digital space where instructors and learners interact in real time, mimicking a physical classroom setting.