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E-learning

The Many Faces Of E-learning

A while ago I began to explain to several training directors how there are various degrees of e-learning. Some times people think they are comparing apples to apples, not realizing they are talking about oranges and papayas.

Here are some types of e-learning and how they are best used (most effective):

Self-paced slides: These are usually a series of slides with information. Good for basic tutorials and a walk-through of basic info. Example: HR training on the company's history.

Self-paced interactive: This is a bit more complex than a slide-show. Here there may be quizzes or exercises that demand the attention of the learner. This works best when you need to check for basic comprehension and test for basic competencies. Example: HR training on operational policies and procedures (how to ask for a day-off, how to address harassment, etc.)

Self-paced with asynchronous human interaction: Here participants learn at their own pace, but also interact with other learners in a threaded discussion board or blog. This allows for discussion of elements pertaining the course, interaction with a mentor, peers and subject matter experts. This works best with more complex information that requires deeper critical thinking skills and creativity. Example: Customer Service advanced training: handling the most difficult customer complaints.

Self-paced with synchronous human interaction: This one is interesting. It allows the learner to pick up most of the content on their own, but then they discuss the content with peers, mentors and/or subject matter experts in a live chat or even a face-to-face setting. This works particularly well when there are physical skills required as part of the competencies. Example: student nurse learns about the anatomy of the arm online and about the concept of inserting an intra-venous needle, but learns with an instructor and a live participant how to insert a needle in the arm of the participant.

Instructor led: unlike the last two, this is not self-paced. The instructor sets the pace and walks the learner through the content within specified time frames. This works best when the content is extremely complex and requires very strong guidance. Example: teaching of very complex theory (physics, chemistry, engineering, etc.)

Blended (aka hybrid): a mix of any or all of the above.

So as you can see, the success of e-learning depends on the type of e-learning and how well it was matched to its objective.