The Business Case For ELearning [Electronic resources]

Charting a Course

In an integrated learning effort aimed at generating productivity, a company will choose e-learning learning system applications and services that address elements such as knowledge, understanding, and skills. As shown in Figure 2-1, a comprehensive Internet learning system includes the following components:

E-communication The e-communication program should incorporate the use of a variety of learning portals including live and on-demand video, audio content, knowledge-management tools, just-in-time information tools, websites, e-mail, electronic libraries and archives, electronic conferencing, and "anytime- anyplace" access tools.

E-training The e-training program is often formal and self-paced, and it often provides modular learning opportunities, a learning-management system, relevant content, and a structured approach.

E-assessment Participants should be able to test their knowledge through online exams and proctored exams, and they should be able to get acquired skills validated through certification.

The components of a successful e-learning program can be viewed as a pyramid: As the most familiar and widely used, e-communication represents the first tier of the pyramid, offering the access that a work force needs for empowerment and knowledge sharing. The development of skills through e-training represents the second tier, where the level of use is less widespread and more specific and structured. The third tier, e-assessment, represents the apex of the pyramid, because the assessment component of this integrated learning system is the area in which retention and performance can be validated against established benchmarks.