The latest research from the CIPD shows that less than a third of organisations are using e-learning for training and even these are doing so sparingly. Suppliers have seduced trainers with the technology, but this has not translated into effective on-line training programmes.
E-learning will only take off in organisations if training and development professionals get to grips with the medium. This method of learning has not taken off in the way the government expected. It was trumpeted as the
answer to learning in the 21st century economy, but has failed to capture the imagination of many companies.
Caroline Curtis, Business Development manager, CIPD, says: 'There are many issues that we need to resolve. For example, ensuring that e-learners can download modules and work at their desk without interruption and
overcoming feelings of learner isolation.'
Delegates who have attended the CIPD certidicate in online learning course report that it has made them much more aware of the potential pitfalls and the need to structure on-line training so that it meets trainee needs.
Says Curtis: 'We should learn from the over-promotion of the CD-ROM back in the 90s. There was a huge hype in this technology, learning resource centres were opened, brochures printed and training costs cut.
'But many of these centres became meeting rooms and the CD-ROMs coffee mats. We need to ensure that e-learning does not become another badly managed fad. It has the potential to transform organisations in to high
performing workplaces where people make the difference.'
|