ST.PAUL, Minn.- According to Securian Financial Network National Program Management Consultant Cindy Maag, although the "e" in e-learning technically stands for "electronic," it could also mean "economical" or "effective." A Brandon-Hall study finds that the cost to train individuals across all industries during the past five years is $760 for traditional face-to-face training and $106 for e-learning. In addition, a 2003 IBM white paper reports that employees learn 25 to 40% faster using e-learning. Maag says Securian's e-learning programs are not only saving money but they are also helping financial institutions sell more products. According to Maag, e-learning allows staffers to receive training on their own timetables without leaving their workstations. The three year-old division now offers nine custom interactive training modules, ranging from Payment Protection, which teaches credit union employees how to sell Minnesota Life credit insurance, to Investigating Member Needs. All e-learning training modules are a free service for Securian's financial institution clients. "While I believe we will always offer face-to-face training, the use of e-learning will continue to grow," said Maag.