Rise in e-learning creates a divide

E-learning
is going to become a major development tool in most organisations over the next
two years, according to a survey by the Industrial Society.

The
survey shows that 29 per cent of respondent organisations offer e-learning and
nearly half of those which do not, intend to do so in the next two years.

But
the survey also highlights a divide within companies over who uses e-learning
facilities. Technical staff and management ñ senior and junior ñ use e-learning
resources the most.

Karen
Price, chief executive of e-skills National Training Organisation, said,
"We are very aware of the digital divide and we are trying to encourage
employers to set up learning hubs within the companies."

Only
18 per cent of organisations which offer e-learning make it available to all
staff, with 6 per cent incorporating some form of e-learning in their induction
programmes. It is more commonly used in the development of administrative
skills and manual skills than to enhance behavioural or leadership skills.

Price
said, "These figures reveal that the message of the benefits of e-learning
isn’t getting across to employers. They must consider the potential of
e-learning in terms of reduced costs."

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The
key benefits of e-learning include its minimal disruption to working life and
that individuals learn in their own time.

www.indsoc.co.uk