Online learning or eLeaning, has come a long way since its early days and results from several studies indicate that students have greater learning gains and higher content retention from online learning classes. These studies revealed that a combination of four factors led to these gains:
1. Individualization,
2. Immediate constructive feedback,
3. Active learner involvement, and
4. Appeal to multiple senses.
Some academic leaders even suggest that online learning will become superior to face-to-face instruction in the next few years. The term "online learning" can encompass a number of different techniques, including interactive courses on the Internet, video conferencing, multi-media CDs, and a company's own intranet. There are numerous benefits to online learning and the flexibility and affordability of online learning cannot be overstated, as constant retraining is essential in today’s competitive marketplace. A degree obtained five years ago may not be as relevant without keeping up to date on changes in your area of certification.
Online learning is geared toward lifelong learning where participants have access to enriched course material that is current in a world where technology is changing rapidly. Students are encouraged to learn and find information on their own and at their own pace, fostering self-motivated learning while allowing them to schedule classes and assignments based on their “real-life” schedules.
Today's changing technology often requires that employees receive training quickly. As soon as it is developed, the course can then be put on a company intranet or a trainer can run an online class. Many times, employees only have an hour or two at a time to devote to training. Online training can allow them to access the training as their schedule permits. The just-in-time delivery allows employees to be trained in company changes or new products rapidly.
Using this kind of training is cost-effective when there is a need to get training to a global work force. It also allows the company to fill skill gaps when they are identified. Online learning can cut training costs one-third to one-half through savings, not only in travel costs, but also in trainers' and students' time. Sometimes it is necessary to get whole new training programs to large groups of individuals in scattered locations. With traditional training, the trainers would spend weeks traveling from location to location, spending lots of time on the road. This would mean scheduling around airline flights and many nights spent in hotel rooms.
With online learning an organization can meet short deadlines and get everyone trained in a very short period. Not only will there be savings from travel costs, but organizations will see savings in time and productivity. Along with improved employee performance, there will be higher quality work and better customer satisfaction.
A number of surveys have indicated that workers prefer online learning compared to a traditional classroom setting. In addition, it's been found that those who have taken online courses retain as much or more as those taught in a traditional classroom. Using attributes such as music, animation, and video can draw the students into the training.
Another positive to come from online learning is the attention now given to instructional design. There is a new emphasis on setting goals and using various methods to help students achieve these goals. This also allows trainers to take their new web-based instructional designs and it to on-site training.
The success of online learning is influenced by what each participant brings to the class. This requires a greater amount of dedication, focus and understanding. Depending on the type of online course, there may not be traditional classroom discussions; therefore, the participants must make an additional effort to absorb the subject matter.
Benchmark Consulting Services Ltd offers a wide range of courses for individual professionals who may want to enhance their skill sets and remain current, or for the corporate entity where training is essential for organization and employee development. So much of corporate training is mandatory, but many employees are not interested in the training subjects. Benchmark’s approach is to work with the corporate client in order to prepare courses and/or materials and understand any specific challenges they may wish to have addressed. This allows Benchmark to develop a course that will make best use of the various online formats that will get the students involved.
If the online training is done using video conferencing or other types of real-time training, we ensure that the online class is interactive. This will motivate the students more and the training can also be tailored to different learning styles. Online learning doesn't have to be passive, it can be extremely dynamic. If the training is done using a company intranet, CD, or other asynchronous format, the course should include activities and be energetic. The lecture format should be kept to a minimum and various learning styles should be incorporated.
In its various forms, online learning has found its place. Besides the cost savings, flexibility, travel and time spent away from the office; there is the opportunity to train more people in less time. It is easier to present specialized training and it is possible for employees to take the training when it fits their schedules. The fact that some studies indicate that trainees get as much or more from the courses and that they prefer on-line training is another plus. If the ultimate goal of training is to enhance performance, then online training can be an exceptional alternative to traditional classroom training.
In the end, online training when used effectively ensures participants stay current and are able to manage their busy schedules without sacrificing the ability to enhance their professional portfolio. In the 21st century, the way we learn has changed, and so has the methods used to deliver rich, yet comprehensive and convenient learning experiences.
