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e-Learning : Rhetoric vs Reality
by
Gautam
Ghosh, Sr. Executive - e-Learning and KM
Satyam Learning Centre, Satyam Computer Services Ltd.
With the advent of the internet
into each facet of our lives, the vowel “e” has permeated all activities of the
professional lives, or at least is threatening to. An area that is being impacted ( or
promises to be) is Training and Development. This is being done by a phantom called
e-learning. In this article I shall try to sift the hype and hyperbole from the truth and
the concrete.
The origin of e-learning
It is quite a maze when we
try to figure the roots of e-learning. But its earlier version is the Computer Based
Training (CBT) where material was stored on CD-ROMs and was a much needed relief from
bulky books. Ever since content (the content which is actual knowledge) was stored in
digital form it was amenable to conversion to Web Based Training (WBT) which could be
accessed via a browser from any desktop with an intranet or internet connection.
E-learning, or electronic learning, is the delivery of courses
through electronic means. That usually means over the Web but it could also include
anything from CD-ROM to satellite transmission. The definition of e-learning is broader
than and includes the definitions of online learning, Web-based training, and
computer-based training.
Pre-Authoring Requirements: These are content
which are offline and could be converted to WBT. These requirements are taken from the
content owners (specifically people who deal with the content and know what learning
objectives are needed from the course). These content owners are the testers and
validators of e-learning.
Content Development: This can be contracted out
or developed in-house if the expertise and intellectual capital for doing it exists.
Course Management: This is done by people
trained on the e-learning system (also called as Learning Management System) and who know
the functionality of the system and can act as administrators.
External database interface: This is an area
that needs to be developed so that external knowledge and learning can flow seamlessly
into the system and keep the knowledge repository and base updated. This is an area where
maximum work is needed in organisations.
Delivery: e-learning is delivered through
standard software like browsers, collaborative tools like chat and online discussion
boards.
The e-learning models
There
are various models of e-learning, and they could be easily represented by the following
diagram.
| Embedded help/Performance Support | Knowledge Mgmt Based | JUST IN TIME | |
| Classroom replication | Immersive Solutions | JUST IN CASE | |
| CONVERGENT | DIVERGENT |
EPSS, or electronic performance support system, provides
employees with the tools and online support they need to get their jobs done without the
involvement of another person. What the learner was exposed to in the e-learning
environment, he or she now experiences in the real application. There are two types of
EPSS systems, embedded and stand-alone.
An embedded system is tied to a corporate application by an
EPSS engineer and an application developer. Situations in which embedded EPSS is used
include
·
Customer resource management (CRM): A database-driven
application that helps customer service reps manage the customer experience. The EPSS
portion is a roadmap of steps that the rep needs to perform, such as the order-taking
process. A series of wizards or prompts within the CRM application reminds the rep what
needs to take place next.
·
Manufacturing process or supply-chain management: A
database-driven application that helps plant managers and engineers track inventory or
perform supply-chain managment. The EPSS portion presents rules and concepts to the
engineer or manager to aid in proper scheduling and decision support.
Stand-alone versions of EPSS are not tied to software
applications but nonetheless guide the user through a series of actions that help them
complete tasks. Examples include knowledge-based databases used to troubleshoot systems or
applications, decision-support applications that ensure that HR processes are followed,
and process-flow maps that guide installation technicians.
Online help is a searchable database of step-by-step instructions and
another example of an EPSS program. It resides within an application and provides
performance support on demand. It doesn't provide reasons or theory; it merely supplies
the rote steps required to accomplish a task, much like the familiar Help menu in desktop
applications.
Classroom Replication is merely replicating the
classroom functions on a virtual level with the help of technologies like streaming video,
webcasting, audio and collaboration tools.
Cons
1. As with all “e” there is hype.
2. Learning effectiveness might never match the level of classroom for a long time.
3. Technology barriers like bandwidth will restrict and hamper the effectiveness of e-learning.
4. It is only suitable for certain type of training needs like :
• Awareness modules
• Technology related subjectss like e-mail ettiquettes.
5. It takes a long time to be operationalised.
6. It will
take a lot of time for people like trainers and trainees to get used to this new paradigm
of e-learning.
Pros
It offers tremendous cost savings in the long run for reusability.
It will continue to grow as a percentage of total training expenditure.
It
can remove or rather mitigate the non-value added administration tasks that trainers have
to do, letting them concentrate on value added work.
The future
As mentioned earlier trainers and trainees will need to let go of past assumptions of training and therefore there will be natural resistance of this change. It will push the authority and responsibility of learning squarely in the hands of the learners and will demand more from the trainers too. The demands could be in the form of learning new skills to deliver training effectively in this new medium.There will be roles for the following three kinds of people because of e-learning
1. Animation/ Multimedia developers: These will be the people who actually code and programme the e-learning modules
2. Learning Consultants: These will be people with functional experience of the training and development industry who will act as functional consultants when a Learning Management system like Saba, Docent, Isopia-ILMS is to be deployed in an existing training establishment.
3. Content Developers: These will be people who will
ultimately convert the offline content to content suitable for e-learning and will be
Instructional System Designers.
Let’s get ready to embrace the future of Learning !
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