E-training's growing appeal to business
By John Burke • Bankrate.com

If you are a small-business owner who has rejected using e-learning to improve your operation, you may want to reconsider. Recent research indicates that e-learning is taking root in companies large and small, and those in charge of the programs are happy with the results.

While traditional, instructor-led classes remain the preferred method of business training (57% of companies do it the old-fashioned way), e-training is catching up. A joint study conducted by Online Learning Magazine and technology research firm International Data Corp. reveals that 80 percent of the 612 survey participants say they use some type of e-learning, most often online courses. That number is expected to rise, since more than 40 percent of the respondents who don't use e-learning indicate that they will adopt it within the next two years.

"Our state-of-the-industry report underscores that now, more than ever, organizations need creative solutions to connect people with the knowledge they need in order to meet their business goals, and they are increasingly turning toward e-learning to do that," says Amy Sitze, editor of Online Learning Magazine.

"There's no doubt that the companies that do the best job keeping their employees, customers and partners up to speed will be the ones to survive these tough times."

Specific findings of the "State of the Industry 2001" report include:

• Eighty-two percent of businesses using e-learning are satisfied with the efforts.
• About two-thirds of the respondents see e-learning as a way to help their businesses solve problems.
• Businesses that use e-learning use a variety of methods to measure results: 77 percent track course completion; 55 percent compare pre-test and post-test scores; 44 percent measure improved job performance; and 42 percent measure business results.
• E-learning administrators have a broad definition of what e-learning is. Eighty-one percent offer online courses; 45 percent use technology for knowledge management; 41 percent say employees collaborate virtually or work as part of virtual teams; and 35 percent use electronic performance support systems.
• Less than half say their organizations have a learning management system.

Do you use e-learning methods to educate your employees, customers or suppliers? If not, have you used or considered using e-learning to improve your business? If so, how do you deliver the training?

-- Posted: March 15, 2002