The E-Learning Effect

What is e-learning?

Most of us have heard of it, some may have even tried it and more and more of us are considering it an attractive option when deciding on training. E-learning by definition, is learning conducted via electronic media – typically on the Internet. With origins in distance learning, the rise in popularity of e-learning is fast accelerating.

Try browsing on-line courses and you will be staggered with the mind-boggling range available. With topics ranging from card-making to biology and levels of competence from five-minutes of inspiration to a masters degree. With so many choices on offer, a potential user can often find just the right course that meets their budgets, skill requirements and time restrictions. E-learning can be a fantastic new tool for developing and practicing new skills.

Why choose e-learning?

Some of the benefits of learning online are:

1. Convenience – training can take place whenever and wherever convenient – no training room required.
2. Flexibility – learning  can be delivered across visual, kinesthetic and audio methods to accommodate different learning styles
3. Accessibility – 24/7 immediate access.
4. Interaction – the ‘online effect’ of being behind a screen allows all students to interact and discuss on a level field.
5. Rich content – multimedia images can explain and demonstrate concepts and objects in a visually interactive way.
6. Immediate assessment – quizzes and interactive tests give immediate feedback.
7. Reinforcement – the opportunity to practice and apply learnt skills in a virtual or safe environment.
8. Value – choosing specific skills to learn often means training is value for money.
9. Consistency – manuals, guidelines and road-maps are accessible 24/7 to employees – this keeps everyone on the same page.

Combining e-learning with face-to-face learning

Combining e-learning with face-to-face learning provides a very powerful learning experience giving the best of both worlds. The training programme becomes highly tailored, very flexible, synergistic and user-friendly. Participants take the e-learning module which is followed up by a coach or peer mentor who provides additional resources and the opportunity to practice skills. Together, this ensures that learning is applied to consistent standards across the organisation.

BDC launches e-learning

We know that making learning accessible, adding value and ensuring that training incorporates company values and goals is  required for business success. It’s been an exciting, challenging (and at times, overwhelming) journey for us to create a series of e-learning courses. But we are proud to say we have recently completed our first series of e-learning modules. Using HBDI and the Herrmann Whole Brain Thinking model, we have developed a series of videos, together with activities and quizzes to help expand your thinking preferences.

We will be launching the e-learning series on our website in the coming months. Watch this space!

Written by Chantell Bramley

References:
http://floatlearning.com/2010/04/mlearning-is-not-elearning-on-a-mobile-device/