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E-Learning in the Corporate World

July 9th, 2008 by sanchitam

E-learning is referred to as a means of education that incorporates self-motivation, communication, efficiency, and technology. E-learning is considered to be efficient as it eliminates distances and subsequent commutes. Distance is eliminated because the E-learning content is designed with media that can be accessed from properly equipped computer terminals, and other means of Internet accessible technology from anywhere in the world. It can be used as a flexible term describing a means of teaching through technology. It has been noticed that E-learning has largely enhanced the services of corporate world all over the world.

The basis of any E-learning is formed on:

Means of communication
Schedule
E-learning class structure
Technologies used

Today, there exists various means for individuals to communicate with each other and their instructor. It could be solely conducted through online applications. In other cases, if distance is not a factor, some face-to-face communication can be included in order to create Blended E-learning. Such a kind of E-learning process includes elements of web interaction and in-person interaction.

Among the first innovations in actual E-learning was the Learning Management System (LMS). With the help of LMS, schools and companies were able to place courses online and were able to track students’ progress, communicate with students in an effective manner and provide a place for real-time discussions. Thereafter, the eClassroom evolved, which are web-based synchronous events with integrated Computer Based Training (CBT) and simulations. These eClassrooms are often referred to as Live Instructor-Lead Training (ILT). A combination of ILT via the Web with real-time mentoring, improved learner services, and up-to-date web content creates a highly-effective, multi-dimensional learning environment.

Among the main benefits of E-learning are:

It is beneficial to education, corporations and to all types of learners.
It is affordable, saves time, and produces measurable results.
It is more cost effective than traditional learning as less time and money is spent on traveling.
Flexibility is a major benefit of E-learning. It has the advantage of taking class anytime anywhere. Education is available when and where it is needed. E-learning can be done at the office, at home, on the road, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.
It also has measurable assessments which can be created so both the instructors and students will know what the students have learned, when they’ve completed courses, and how they have performed.

Normally, a question is asked - Can E-learning be the solution to keep people in sync with the rapidly changing corporate world?

Corporations are using E-learning as a means of quickly communicating business-critical information across organizations and the country. Corporate E-Learning is the means that caters to all the related needs. E-learning within the educational industry provides educators and learners with a solution to their specific needs; E-learning for corporations addresses the business world’s specific requirements.

The business specific applications of E-learning in the corporate world include:

It helps in quickly communicating a business-specific concept.
It can provide training to various departments across the company/country simultaneously.
It helps in introducing a new product into the company.
Corporations are constantly striving to attain the maximum efficiency and effectiveness. If the companies are able to educate employees while keeping them on the job, it is considered to be extremely valuable to any business. A well-structured E-learning solution is the answer that can support the overall business objective.
Today, the technology is evolving at a great pace and being able to train employees from different departments within different locations throughout the country has become a commonly applied training procedure in today’s world.
On-the-job training, for individuals or groups, is replacing in-person training sessions. With the help of advances in mobile technology, E-learning can now be employed on various handheld devices and PDAs.
Enabling employee’s access to training materials on the job has also increased job satisfaction to a very big extent. This in turn heightens worker motivation and results in increased work performance.

Thus, employing a successful E-learning strategy allows a corporation to cut costs tremendously, while increasing workplace satisfaction and raising employee motivation. This definitely leads us to wonder about where the future of E-learning will take us!