IntroductionThis discussion will focus on the potential use

of E-Learning in the companyPreparedness of the company in relation to E-

LearningAbility of the company to adapt to an E-

Learning formatBenefits of E-LearningUses for the systemRecommendations concerning E-Learning

and the companies current state

E-Learning: The BasicsWhat is E-Learning?

Any learning performed using an electronic format

CD’s & DVD’s, email, text, live videoIs E-Learning effective?

Depending upon implementationCan be as effective or more effective then

traditional learningMuch depends upon the learner

Reference: Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2011

Uses for E-LearningEducationCommunicationManagement-Employee RelationsFollow upDemonstrations

How e-learning worksInformation-acquisition

Instructor’s job to present informationStudent’s job to engage and retain informationExamples of information-acquisition learning:

Reading from a report or text PowerPoint presentation Lecture from an instructor

How people learn from e-learningMeans of learning How learning worksLearner must examine the

material presentedSelect the words and

images which relate to the topic

From these images, the learner must organize the data into a cohesive picture

This new knowledge must then be assimilated with already stored knowledge

People have separate channels for visual and audio stimuli

Humans can only process a limited amount of data at one time

Learner must be actively involved

Knowledge can be transferred from long term memory

Assessment of Readiness: LearnersE-learning is based on technology

Today’s employees have a solid grasp of the resources used in e-learning

Employees enter the company with the necessary skills to succeed in e-learning

Proliferation of smart phones, tablets, and Internet access has provided today’s learners with hands-on technological training

Reference: Horton, 2006

Assessment of Readiness: TechnologyE-Learning: Basics of technology

Consistent, reliable Internet connectionComputers that run on the same operating

systemAdvanced technology

WebcamsWireless Internet

The company currently possesses all of the supplies listed above

Simple transition into E-Learning

Potential of E-Learning for the CompanyEnhancement of current training procedures

Reach a wider audienceReduce travel expenses

Video ConferencingInclusion of team members from remote

locationsReduction in facility rentals

Addition to the interview processExpansion of potential employees

Reference: Clark & Kwinn, 2007

Example: E-MeetingsDefinition of E-meetings

Meeting involving team members from multiple locations

Interaction occurs over video screens Takes place in real time Each member can see the others

No restrictions of location or time zone

Example: Management TrainingE-Learning as an enhancement to the current

training systemReduction in the time new managers spend in

“training” storesProvide live follow up to manager trainees

once they leave the training storeAllows for the use of different methods of

training in additional to the traditional program

E-Learning System ProposalAn effective E-Learning system can be

developed through two stagesStage one: Implementation of the basic system

Technology is already in place Start with enhancing the training program

Stage two: requires the purchase of additional equipment Whiteboards, tablets Implement the use of e-meetings

Training the TrainersTrainers will need to learn new techniquesWill need to be provided with required readingAttend a training conferenceTraining will be supplemented by an e-learning

course to provide experienceTrainers will then participate in a second e-

learning course as trainers to practice their skills

Challenges with E-LearningResistance from employees

E-learning must be presented in a positive fashionHighlight the benefits to the employees

Potential for “cheating”Difficult to manage offsiteProvide employees learning time during their shifts

Continuous changes in technologyNo need to keep up with the latest fadsConstruct a simple system and stick with what

works

Reference: Evans, Forney, Guido, Patton, & Renn, 2010

ReferencesClark, R. C. & Kwinn, A. (2007). The new virtual

classroom. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.Dubrin, A. J. (2004). Applying psychology: individual &

organizational effectiveness (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D. & Renn, K. A. (2010). Student development in

college: theory, research, and practice (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Horton, W. (2006). E-learning by design. SanFrancisco, CA: Pfeiffer.

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. B. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology (4th ed). Boston:

Pearson.