This article is written for managers who are thinking about using eLearning in their company but are not sure how to go about deciding whether to go, or how far to go.

1. Is eLearning really cheaper?

eLearning is a flexible training tool, and how you use it determines the value you get. In general, eLearning will provide you with more training for less.

2. Is online Learning better ?

eLearning is very flexible, it allows your learners to take training 24 hours a day from anywhere they have Internet access. Also, if you have a workforce that is spread between different offices eLearning is for you.

However it is not a magic wand, you still need face to face training and physical skills assessments.

3. Why do people continue to use eLearning?

In a recent survey* (May 2009) 165 training managers, across a wide range of industries, were asked what they thought of the eLearning they have used and here is what they replied:

• 94% found it to be flexible to use.
• 93% found eLearning to be average or better value.
• 73% said it was popular with their learners.
• 84% said it was effective.
• 92% found eLearning provided quality learning.

Most of those surveyed are select speed of delivery as the driving factor for continued use, followed by financial reasons. 42.9% of respondents saw an increased use of eLearning due the economic downturn.

4. We have an in-house trainer, so eLearning is just extra right?

Your in-house trainer can be made more efficient using eLearning.

If your organisation gets all of their training done through your in-house trainer and you cannot reallocate their time onto something else eLearning is not for your company.

But if you would like to use some of your trainers time on something else, or you have more than one trainer or you would benefit from more training then the “extra” is well worthwhile.

5. If you use eLearning you don’t need a trainer

No. You will need your trainer, but you can use their time more efficiently and you can reach a wider audience if you use eLearning.

Talk to EazySafe about blended learning programmes in the Learning Centre.

6. I can get all the information I need using a Google search

Information is not the same as training. There are web sites that provide information but to train your staff you need to have trusted information, and you need to know that your staff are competent.

eLearning is generally developed by instructional designers who ensure that the course contains all required information and is presented in a way that reinforces understanding and in a way that is appropriate for a different peoples’ learning styles.

7. eLearning is cheaper, but cheaper means lower quality right?

Some trainers say that eLearning is not as good as face to face training. eLearning is fixed, it can’t dynamically change to suit the audience or workplace.

For someone getting started is best to just agree with this understanding of eLearning and provide face to face training for all but the provision of information and simple assessment.

But once you have completed your first project you should investigate virtual classrooms as they can provide team building or communications exercises.

Discussion threads can be used to provide a forum for ideas and evolving thoughts on a topic, but these need to be active, monitored with care and provide instructor feedback to work well.

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The EazySafe Learning Centre provides all you need to get started in eLearning.

8. To get the benefits of eLearning you need to have a big training budget

In a 2009 survey*, 38.5% of respondents had less than £25,000 as their annual training budget. They found eLearning to be flexible to use, average or better value, popular with their learners, effective, and provided quality learning.

9. Is there a particular technology I should use?

No. If fact focusing on technology is one of the common pitfalls for people getting started in eLearning.

10. What is an LMS?

A Learning Management System (LMS) sometimes referred to as a Learning Portal is the software that allows your staff to take their training. The LMS also allows you to control who gets what training and to report on how your learners are progressing through their courses. The EazySafe Learning Centre is a Learning Management System.

11. What is SCORM?

SCORM is a way for eLearning to operate on different Learning Management Systems. The SCORM specification was developed by Advanced Distributed Learning, and is based on a specification by Aviation Industry CBT Committee (AICC).

The EazySafe Learning Centre is a SCORM and AICC compliant Learning Management System.

Further Information

ADL Advanced Distributed Learning http://www.adlnet.org
AICC Aviation Industry CBT Committee http://www.aicc.org