E-learning

What Are Good E-learning Options?

E-learning offers interactivity and flexibility for training delivery in the workplace. Two common methods of delivery are self-paced and synchronous learning. In self-paced learning, the learner accesses and proceeds through the training individually. Synchronous learning is often considered a method of distance learning, since an instructor is still an active part of the training process. The table below compares the two forms.

	Self-Paced	Synchronous
Learning Environment	Tutorial	Virtual classroom
Training Delivery	Recorded media (CBT/WBT)	Live presentation
Software Required	Web-browser or courseware reader	Courseware or conferenceware application
Instructor	No (mentor or help desk may be available)	Yes (may also be an asst. instructor)
Training Location	Learner's desktop	Provided by host
Course Delivery	Whenever the user accesses	Courses scheduled and announced
Class Size	Individual	Varies

What are E-Learning Benefits?

Greater Productivity: E-learning solutions, such as web-based training (WBT) and computer-based training (CBT), allow learners to study from their own desktop. Direct delivery can reduce productivity downtime and cut travel costs.

Timely Delivery: During a rollout, e-learning can offer simultaneous application training to many participants. Good e-learning can provide just-in-time training delivery to meet specific needs.

Flexible Learning: E-learning often follows a modular design. In some designs, participants can choose their own learning path. Additionally, users may be able to bookmark key points for reference thus increasing behavior changes and business benefits.

Cost-Per-Learner Savings: Perhaps most significantly, e-learning can produce a lower cost per learner than instructor-led training. However, custom e-learning may have a higher up-front cost for design and development. We recommend a careful analysis to determine if e-learning is part of your project's Optimal Learning Solution (OLS).

Our E-learning Design Philosophy

Intulogy understands that e-learning benefits are achieved through sound instructional design choices. E-learning applications can offer amazing special effects, but the design should always focus on helping participants reach the learning objectives. Even when employing new media, the basic principles of adult learning still apply. The e-learning program should:

Engage the participants
Explain the training goals
Present the material clearly
Allow the chance to practice skills

Where possible, Intulogy will create learning modules that allow people to actually practice the skills that they learn. Practice and repetition leads to improved results in workplace performance.

Match E-learning to Business Needs

E-learning is a popular new method of training delivery, but it should only be selected when it meets both your participants' learning needs and your company's business needs.

E-learning development may take more time than developing a paper-based course. Your project schedule should allow time for interactive content development, graphical development, and, where applicable, technology interface with your existing IT. Good e-learning solutions can recover these costs by achieving a lower per-participant cost during the implementation phase.

Intulogy can also help you transform paper-based courses into e-learning solutions. We recommend a content review to determine how material can be redeveloped to take advantage of the new media's strengths.

To learn more about e-learning projects, see how a financial services company applied web-based training to teach over 800 financial advisors about a new automated alert system.