Why learning once isn’t enough
E-learning is booming.
But when learning platforms rely on linear click-through courses, the impact fades quickly. The reason? The forgetting curve.
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve: learn, forget, repeat
Back in the late 19th century, psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus studied how quickly we forget new information. His findings were striking: After just 20 minutes, we’ve already forgotten around 40% of what we learned. After one day, nearly 70% is gone. What remains? About 15% — unless we actively intervene.
The key is deliberate repetition. Each time knowledge is consciously revisited, the curve flattens. What we’ve learned stays with us longer.
What does this mean for modern e-learning?
E-learning needs to do more than present information. It must be:
Relevant
What should actually stick in the end?
→ Outcome-first design
Structured
Broken down into small, meaningful units.
→ Learning blocks
Sustainable
Reinforced through repetition, reflection, and application.
→ Learn loops
How we approach this at learn-e
At learn-e, this is exactly where we start. Our digital learning paths aren’t rigid, one-size-fits-all courses. They adapt to roles and target groups — from new interns to experienced leaders. Always with one goal in mind: Learning shouldn’t just be understood. It should be applied.
Designing learning that lasts
Whether it’s compliance training or strategic onboarding, we always begin with one question:
What should actually change in the learners’ knowledge or behaviour?
From there, we design learning paths that:
activate instead of overwhelm
anchor knowledge instead of flooding learners
use learning time effectively
Because good e-learning doesn’t start with a video. It starts with a goal.
Curious to learn more?
learn-e combines didactics and design to create learning experiences that empower — not exhaust. Ready to rethink learning?