Why has elearning seen such phenomenal growth over the past two decades? After starting out clunky and chunky, it has successfully adapted to meet today's business needs, says Chris Parr.

Traditionally, elearning was notorious for simply putting manuals online. In its infancy, elearning was characterised by a rather unintelligent 'just in case' usage, centred on a desktop computer. It had a very long way to come before it began to wow its audience.

So what changed? Nowadays, elearning is tuned much more to engaging the learner and providing a positive and rewarding environment. Modern day elearning allows the classroom to come alive. Lessons are packed with sights, sounds, quizzes and games.

A student in the elearning environment can now become part of the class through the interactive nature of online learning. Employees can not only learn but explore through visuals as well as text. It is also more accessible to international students, as it touches on all the senses, particularly sights and sounds.

Less chunky

Once presented in relatively large chunks, elearning in its early days did not help the learner to remember information. It did not motivate the learner to complete the course either. In fact, it had a negative effect on the learner, daunting them with the sheer amount of material they had to learn in a one-off session.

"Previously, elearning courses were designed for desktop computer use, confining the learners to the classroom. Now, after a long wait, elearning 'on the move' has arrived."

The popularity of elearning has grown because the learner is now placed at the heart of learning. And so they should be! The individual is ideally situated to know what they want to learn and in what format. To cater for the needs of the student, elearning materials have become available in smaller chunks, increasing the range of contexts in which content can be used. Elearners can digest the content more easily and with increased flexibility.

Let's start shaking things up!

The use of scenarios and games have also made elearning much more popular, allowing for experimentation and reflection, encouraging an environment in which mistakes are allowed. Why should learning be dull? Flexible material tailored to the learner allows for a non-threatening learning space, where students can progress at their own pace and can actually enjoy the experience.

More confident learners are produced, achieving the qualifications they truly deserve. Elearners with basic IT skills can also experience the world of online learning on fun, user-friendly platforms.

Discover through elearning

In its early years elearning was presented as a 'tell and test' activity. Employees would be told the content that they must learn and then they would be tested. Learners were unable to discover new information: this was seen as a huge downfall!

The learner nowadays can be part of a 'try and see' process, where learning is presented as a route to discovery. This method is 100% more motivating as it builds on prior knowledge. Exploratory questions are provoked, therefore spurring on discussion between the learner and online tutor. This is just as it should be: active learning environments are places where questions should be asked and answered.

Elearning designers have cleverly introduced character simulations that engage the online learner in a social experience where a 'real person' guides the pedagogical delivery. These characters take on personality through their visual impact, choice of language and even voice. Given all the advances that gaming and social technologies have made in recent times, why shouldn't elearning incorporate some of these engaging and interesting components?

Beyond the classroom

Previously, elearning courses were designed for desktop computer use, confining the learners to the classroom. Now, after a long wait, elearning 'on the move' has arrived. Available on mobile, tablet-form computers, modern elearning caters for those employees that live life on the move.

Being able to use handheld technology, employees can dip in and out of their training whenever and wherever convenient. This supports the current lifestyle of today's learner. These days, most of us are permanently attached to our mobile phones and laptops, and are accustomed to accessing what we want, when we want it!

Elearning for the digital generation

The increased popularity of elearning has also come about because of a change in the types of materials presented. The digital natives of the 21st century seek blogs, discussion forums and web pages that allow them to initiate their own styles of learning. These online pages provoke thought and debate, allowing learners to explore their understanding.

With the use of network technologies to deliver and facilitate learning, 'anytime anywhere' learning is rapidly growing in today's business world. Elearning gives people the competitive edge to lift performance, raise standards and guarantee best practice. Ultimately it facilitates a modern and forward-thinking approach.

Chris Parr is head of products and markets at ThirdForce, an elearning provider. For further information, visit www.thirdforce.com