E-learning becoming embedded, but more work needed on implementation

E-learning is now accepted as an essential feature of training delivery, but more practical work needs to be done on the implementation side if it is to be successful, according to a new survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel at Development (CIPD), the professional body for all those involved in people management and development. The survey was carried out to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the term e-learning being adopted.

Martyn Sloman, CIPD Learning, training and development adviser, says, Five years on and e-learning still remains work in progress. Organisations need to address the implementation of e-learning to ensure they have support from line-managers and to develop a structure that meets the needs of both the organisation and the employees.

However, the survey suggests e-learning has become increasingly embedded within the wider learning and development arena. Some organisations are taking positive steps to ensure e-learning works, with 57 per cent of respondents developing customised modules tailor-made for their organisation’s business needs, rather than relying on generic, off the shelf packages.

Ninety per cent of respondents believe e-learning demands a new attitude to learning on the part of the learners. Martyn Sloman, CIPD Learning, training and development adviser, continues, E-learning is an important tool in the training world and our survey suggests that its usage is going to double over the next three years. However, trainers must work closely with learners to ensure that e-learning tool is effective and meets the learners needs.

Other key findings:

* Over 80% believe e-learning is more effective when combined with more traditional forms of learning.
CD-ROMs remain the most popular method of delivery of e-learning, with 73% of respondents using them.

52% use generic modules of e-learning within their organisation.

58% of respondents feel the current generation of e-learning products does not demonstrate what the future will look like.

69% believe e-learning demands an entirely new skill set for people involved in training and development.

49% believe the contribution of e-learning so far has been over-hyped.

E-learning usage will have doubled in three years time.

Employee quotes from the survey:

The major task is to overcome resistance to the medium from users and managers but also from training staff. We feel we have broken the back of this and the change is now gathering significant momentum.

Many organisations do not yet have the infrastructure to support e-learning. The level of support for remote learners is not yet properly understood by organisations.

E-learning may be over hyped, but it is here to stay and can provide a valuable means of making better use of precious face to face time.

The potential for e-learning is huge, but we still have too many people who are frightened of the technology. E-learning is about meeting the needs of learners as efficiently and effectively as possible.