[Training] 10 Myths of E-Learning

Have you been hearing about eLearning? Online learning? Web-based training? These are learning activities done through a network, such as the Internet, that support other instructional activities. The idea of using computers to help people learn has been around since the advent of computers. About 10 years ago, eLearning started to take its current shape. Universities, various government entities and companies across the world have realized the advantages of training large numbers of geographically dispersed people via the Internet. One huge advantage of eLearning is that a learner can learn when he or she wants to learn, not when a teacher says it is time to learn.

I was conversing about some myths and realities of eLearning with Jon Aleckson (see author’s note on page 104). Using technology to teach employees and customers about products and services has been common since the days of 16 mm film loops and slide shows. Educators are now looking to the Internet to provide "anytime, anywhere" training programs. At the end of 2003, the U.S. eLearning industry was around $4 billion and growing. In the pest control industry, there are companies moving forward with this new learning technology. Prevailing myths about eLearning, however, have deterred others. I’ll explore 10 reasons why some companies may be hesitant to use this powerful electronic medium. Some of these reasons are myths, some are reality and some are a little of both.

#1 It’s too expensive

Costs are in the eye of the beholder. Tallying up the expenses related to classroom training, such as travel and employee downtime, may justify an eLearning initiative for your company. Corporate trainers have justified the launching of an eLearning program with savings achieved through distance learning. However, if one considers the Internet as a tool for delivering training, the cost of eLearning is further reduced. Today, many trainers are convinced that multiple delivery methods, including classroom and field exercises, are necessary to accomplish successful overall learning.

#2 It takes a long time to develop

Learning content management systems can reduce development time of eCourses from a number of months to a few "focused" weeks. Content is usually king but delivery is certainly queen. The majority of eCourse development resources are in the upfront costs of organizing the material. Good instructional designers know the importance of this pre-development phase. Teaming up with course developers who use special software following a formal development process can significantly speed eLearning to the market. Rather than "re-inventing the wheel," look around. The subject you want to build might be available for a small usage fee elsewhere.

#3 It needs significant internal technology resources

Certainly, it would be advantageous if the information technology folks were able to support eLearning development, but outsourcing is often a cost effective and fast route. Hosting, development and learning content management system software (authoring and tracking tools) can be licensed via an application service provider model. The beauty of the Internet is you can outsource these services anywhere in the world. Fortunately there are many good companies specializing in eLearning right here in the good old U.S.A.

#4 It’s limited by Internet bandwidth

Some course content delivery (e.g., video streaming) does have bandwidth limitations. But high-speed Internet is becoming available virtually everywhere. Cable modem and DSL have recently made significant increases in market share. The proliferation of Web conferencing for corporate meetings is quickly making high-speed connections common in many office environments. More and more homes also are becoming high speed connected. As high-speed connections increase, we likely will see more simulations, more video streaming and more creative learning validation in eLearning design work.

#5 It puts trainers on the unemployment line

Blended eLearning (multiple delivery methods) strategy has become common today. Use of the Internet can shorten (but not replace) face-to-face classroom time. Trainers are in high demand to provide instructional integrity for the eCourses being developed. Other trainers are in high demand to provide training in many areas such as technology, new products, personal development, etc. Learning objectives, lesson topic structure and instructional games are necessary to keep the teaching process effective, whatever the delivery method. The best training is still an on-the-job approach with instant learner and instructor interaction. eLearning will just not replace that approach.

#6 It’s impersonal

It’s not as impersonal as you might think. Companies are finding new ways to use the Internet to touch their employees and customers. Nationally recognized specialists and professional trainers are replacing live seminars with daily e-mail touches and assignments. Web-based threaded discussion boards enhance mentoring programs by allowing mentors to reach more students. Speakers on live Web conferences are using innovative ways to engage desktop users and ensure their interest.

#7 Employees will not accept it

Evaluation results have shown that employee acceptance runs high when blended approaches of classroom or face-to-face training with standalone Web courses are utilized. Some financial institution employees using eLearning for compliance training appreciate the ease of use, and anywhere, anytime access to complete their annual requirements. It also appears that the younger generation has really warmed up to this eLearning technology.

#8 It does not allow for human interaction

Good eLearning courses build in interaction. There are too many eLearning courses that just deliver content. These courses are not the result of good instructional design. Good eLearning actually increases online human interaction. Role-playing exercises can be simulated using Internet technologies. Elearning can be used inside the classroom as a blend with more traditional face-to-face training. Reading pages online or listening to a lecture is not good instructional design.

#9 It’s too difficult to change

eLearning is no more difficult to change than other electronic training media. The complexity of content change depends entirely on the quality of a program. PowerPoint or Flash is being used as a Web course-authoring tool. Some Web-based learning content management systems can make editing an eCourse as simple as "cut and paste." There are excellent educational programs in a variety of media types that can be re-purposed for eLearning. Effective learning is the result of using numerous methods intelligently. Intelligent methods are those that are focused on the learner and not the trainer.

#10 Competitors will steal it

Competitors will steal it if eLearning is left unprotected. The Internet is open to many people. The eLearning should be endorsed and enabled by competent staff — as with all firewalls and password protection. The eLearning administrators can supervise their learning management systems in a manner to protect and serve their learners. As eLearning continues to grow, companies will recognize the benefits, not steal it and will build it or pay tuition/subscription to those who have it.

CONCLUSION. It’s time to take a fresh look at eLearning, dispel some myths or address the realities that may be keeping your training from fully utilizing the Internet and improving learning motivation and education efficiencies at your organization. Years ago, learning started when a teacher said, "It is time to start class." Now the learner can determine when to learn, simply with a click of a keyboard at anytime and most anywhere. eLearning is a sign of the times.

Author’s note: Jon Aleckson is CEO of www.webcourseworks.com and owns Madison Productions. He is a frequent speaker on eLearning  at national training conferences.

The author is Copesan director of technical training and e-learning. He can be reached at odosland@giemedia.com.