Why E-Learning? – A simple analysis

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October 7, 2014

Why E-Learning? – A simple analysis

E-Learning industry is witnessing tremendous growth in terms of revenue and application. It has become a synonym for many of the learning requirements in corporates, academics and government institutions. To provide most suitable learning solutions, industry experts exploring and inventing creative methods and approaches such as Custom Learning Solutions, Rapid Learning Solutions, Gamifications, Instructor Led Training programs and blend of these methods and approaches.

There are people who still want to get convinced with e-learning as an effective learning delivery platform or methodology. Let’s have an elaborative explanation of relevant factors and self-analysis of different learning platforms.

Before we start, one thing we must know that, e-learning is not the only method and as like as any other thing it is not 100% perfect. There are many other methodologies with different level of effectiveness but e-learning can be taken as better alternative considering current challenges and available means.

Let’s understand why e-learning is a current trend under following two headings:

I – Current Learning Demands

At macro level, we receive demand for learning solutions from following three areas:

Academics – Inquiry is a driving factor in this sector, it drives academicians, teachers and students to understand the known world of knowledge and explore the unknown. To make this simple and move at advance stages of learning experiences, people look for different effective methodologies and platforms.
Small and Large Businesses – Competition is a driving factor of this sector; to yield higher profits,companies look for effective training and learning avenues which help to serve better and produce at an optimum level.
Households – Leading better life is a driving factor for households – People want to learn to take right decisions in areas like finance, health, relationships etc.

Note: Members of Academics, Businesses and Households are same but they demand learning solutions as per the expectations of the role they play in above described areas. There is an enormous increase of volume and complexities in learning content and its applications; people need help to make it simple in less time and cost.

II – Available Technology

When the wheel invented, it was an advance technology of that time and it enabled people to move things and people with easy. Today’s advance technology has affected human life in following three major areas:

Time – The common benefit of using advance technology is ‘time’. Technology has reduced time significantly compare to do the same thing before.
Cost – Most often technology is proved as a tool or technique to reduce cost of an activity comparing the same in past.
Accessibility – Technology has increased human reach/access to more places, more people, more things and more knowledge.

Comparative Analysis of Different Learning Methodologies

We gained some idea about current demand of learning and available technology. This understanding helps us to assess different delivery platforms of learning.

There are following three major delivery platforms for learning:

Informal – In this platform you won’t find any structured method to educate people/resources to achieve any desired change or outcome.
Classroom – This platform is one of the oldest methods of education. It is about bringing learners and trainer under one roof and adopting all possible tools and techniques such as chalk boards, projectors, computers, books, field trips, lab sessions etc.Classrooms provide opportunity to blend several tools, techniques and methods to create an effective learning experience. Under this platform you schedule specific instructors and learners to come at one place on specified time. The two greatest advantages of this platform is human emotions/touch and learner engagement; teacher/trainer can use his facial expressions, hands and other bodily movements to make his teaching effective and learners can engage more.
E-Learning – This is about delivering learning through various electronic platforms. With the advent of internet and mobile devices, these platform scan be used to deliver content any-where and any time. The technology allows learner to interact with learning content and receive feedback accordingly. The platform gives opportunity to blend different types of learning strategies effectively. Even the greatest advantages of classroom teaching i.e. human emotions (through classroom recordings sessions, webinars etc.,) and learner engagement (through assessments and other interactions with learning content) can be achieved effectively.

Analysis- Below chart allows you to assess each platform against key items of considerations or factors:

Instructions: Rate each platform as Below Average, Average and Above Average using 1, 2, 3. Sum-up all the ratings to find the most effective platform. You can add more factors (key items) specific to your need.