The
majority of organisations find it difficult to implement e-learning within
their training and development initiatives, according to new research.
Carried
out by Ashridge Business School, E-learning: the Findings and the Future, is
based on detailed interviews with a variety of organisations including the BBC,
Lloyds TSB, the Ministry of Defence and Xerox Europe.
The
research shows that while 86 per cent of organisations believe e-learning is an
effective training approach, it remains a challenging issue, with 82 per cent
saying it is difficult to introduce.
The
main barriers to e-learning among the organisations interviewed were technology
problems, lack of time for training, under-estimation of resources required and
resistance of staff to engage in e-learning as well as a negative image of
e-learning – often created by suppliers.
Despite
this, the research shows that many organisations were using e-learning
effectively.
These
organisations exhibited a number of common success factors including:
•
cultural change has taken place about how training and learning happens and is
delivered
•
closely aligning e-learning to the needs to the business
•
e-learning being closely ‘blended’ with other types of training such as classroom
activities – not using it to wholly replace other activities
•
learning needs drive the technology rather than the other way around
•
e-learning has ongoing support at a senior level and is marketed effectively
throughout the organisation
•
the setting up of an effective e-learning capability involves a range of people
with different skills including expert trainers, facilitators, champions of
e-learning and specialist web and graphic designers.
"The
initial wild enthusiasm for e-learning has given way to a much more cautious approach,"
said Andrew Ettinger, director of Learning Resources at Ashridge and co-author
of the research.
"E-learning
is not the silver bullet as many people were led to believe. It can be highly
effective, but only when implemented properly as part of an overall learning
process.
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"A
slower pace of development for e-learning should be welcomed, as it should give
organisations the time to focus on what really matters – the creation of an
organisational environment that truly values learning."
