e-Learning - an introduction
What is e-Learning?
e-Learning is the use of technology to enhance learning. Technology provides many opportunities for enriching learning content to make it more fun and interesting. For instance, video, audio and animation can be used to create interactive applications, catering for a range of different learning styles. And ongoing assessment can be used to provide the learner with a more personalised experience. In addition, learners can access materials at a time and place that suits them, using virtual learning environments. e-Learning might take the form of games, simulations, surveys, quizzes, videos, animations, pod-casts or any combination of these.
Where is e-Learning used?
e-learning might be used at any level of staff development including induction, IT training, sales skills, product training, customer service, statutory requirements, management development, as well as customer or channel training.
What are the benefits of e-Learning?
e-learning has the potential to deliver more effective learning outcomes as well as to yield an excellent return on investment. An effective e-learning strategy can:
- Deliver significant, direct cost savings in terms of travel and accommodation
- Make learning opportunities available 24x7, helping learners proceed at a pace that suits them
- Reduce the time it takes for new learning opportunities to actually reach the learner
- Allow content to be managed and updated as and when necessary
- Provide greater scope for re-purposing content across functional areas, channel partners and customers
- Make effective staff development a more achievable and rewarding experience.
In this section...