Companies
are increasingly considering adopting on-line training, according to research
carried out for the Open University’s corporate arm Corous.
The
survey of more than 1,000 organisations shows that more than 30 per cent already
use online training and a further 30 per cent are considering introducing it.
The
companies surveyed see the advantages of e-learning as:
● its flexibility
● ease of use
● accessibility to distance learners, and
● allowing staff to learn at their own pace.
But
respondents also criticised e-learning for:
● being impersonal
● allowing little interaction with teachers or peers
● not offering personal feedback.
Marion
Baldwin, commercial director for Corous, said the findings highlighted some of
the popular misconceptions about e-learning.
“Many
people assume that e-learning is an isolating experience but this is simply not
the case," she said.
“Well
developed online programmes engage the learner, offer personal feedback,
stimulate interaction with an online tutor or moderator and can include group
working with colleagues in their own or other companies.”
The
research showed that the percentage of staff with a PC on their desk and access
to the internet and e-mail ranged from 38 per cent in the wholesale and retail sector
to around 90 per cent for staff working for central government.
