E-learning is gaining ground

May 5 2004 - Classroom-based training and printed books are still the most popular learning delivery methods but web-delivered learning is gaining ground, according to research by Echelon Learning, a consultancy-led learning publisher. The Echelon study shows that web-delivered learning is the second most popular method of acquiring both skills and knowledge.

Respondents were given five questions to answer:

* What was their preferred delivery mechanism for acquiring a skill?
* What was their preferred delivery mechanism for acquiring knowledge?
* What was their preferred delivery mechanism for resolving an immediate business need?
* What was the relative importance of certain attributes when acquiring skills, knowledge or resolving a business need?
* How important were certain delivery mechanisms when implementing a blended learning program?

Classroom-based training received an average score of 4.29 out of 5 to remain the most popular method of acquiring a skill but the option of web-delivered learning is increasingly used in self- development and accessing and referencing knowledge.

Echelon's David Hill commented: "The richness of classroom based training is being successfully complemented by web-delivered learning, which came second in popularity in both the 'acquiring skills' and 'acquiring knowledge' polls' and is increasingly being used for self-learning."

When respondents had to acquire information immediately to meet a business need, online text-based materials were given the highest score (3.55 out of 5), followed by classroom based learning (3.35) and books (2.81). According to David Hill, this pattern of results is because the Internet has opened up the capability for 'instant research and reference', enabling performance to be supported at the time of need.

When choosing development materials, respondents rated the 'depth of content' (4.06) highest, ahead of 'speed of access' (3.75), 'tutor support' and 'level of interaction with material' (3.73 each). Level of interaction with other learners was rated lowest (3.64).

"Unsurprisingly," Hill added, "Respondents rated classroom based and web-delivered learning as the key delivery mechanisms of a blended program.

This particular combination makes it possible for knowledge to be developed before the training exercise and learning to be accessed after the training sessions on a 'when needed' basis.

"It appears a no-brainer means of saving money and making training more effective."

The study was based on questionnaires returned by over 100 training and HR professionals in February 2004.

See also:

• Human Resource Development Articles
• Knowledge Management Articles