E-LEARNING AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TRAINING.

MEANING OF E-LEARNING. E-learning means the delivery of learning programmes by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or any other electronic device to provide training or education material. E-learning is any virtual act or process used to acquire data, information, skills or knowledge. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet (LAN/WAN), audio and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV and CD-ROM. Communication technology enables the use of conference calls, video conferencing, Internet chats, e-mails and collaborative software. E-learning is the unifying term to describe the fields of online learning, web-based learning and technology delivered instruction. It also removes the constraints of time and location for instructors as well as learners.

TYPES OF E-LEARNING E-LEARNING

Synchronous

Asynchronous

There are fundamentally two types of e-Learning: Synchronous training Asynchronous training 1. Synchronous, means at the same time, involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. For example VCRs or Virtual class

rooms that are nothing else but real classrooms online. Participants interact with each other and instructors through instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc and whats more all the sessions can be recorded and played back. The advantages of synchronous approach include learning from anywhere without having to travel to a farther distance to reach a training centre. The disadvantages are that the learner has to find time to attend the classes in keeping the appointed time and without having the option to learn whenever he wants. 2. Asynchronous, which means not at the same time, allows the participants to complete the WBT (Web-based training) at their own pace, without live interaction with the instructor. Basically, it is information that is accessible on a self-help basis, 24/7. The advantage is that this kind of e-Learning offers the learners the information they need whenever they need it. It also has interaction amongst participants through message boards, bulletin boards and discussion forums. The disadvantage is that there is no scope for an instant question-answer session and listening to the perspectives of other learners. In the absence of human interaction it is likely to cause boredom to the learners. SIGNIFICANCE OF E-LEARNING There are several reasons why e-learning is gaining significance. Important among them are learner- friendly technology, networked environment, geographically distributed workforce, high cost of traditional training methods etc. The new form of work organizations have created lonely workplace wherein there are not enough experts to guide the junior employees for their development of their knowledge and skills. E-learning solutions can bridge this gap by providing ready information to such distributed workforce anywhere and anytime. Traditional classroom training is quite expensive. Business processes and products are constantly changing, which creates the need for retaining people very often. Elearning solutions can help here by carrying and delivering the training programme right to the place of learner rather than forcing him to travel to a distant training centre.

E-LEARNING PROGRAMME PROCESS There are a series of activities involved in the successful implementation of elearning programme which can together be termed as e-learning programme process.

Understand the learner characteristic and design the programme

Identify the business needs and learning needs

Create infrastructure and then develop or buy the content

Launch the programme, track the progress and measure the result

1.NEED IDENTIFICATION The idea of introducing e- learning should start with needs identification. Need identification will have to look at the business case for investment in e-learning as well as the need and comfort level of employees with specific reference to e-learning.

2. DESIGN THE PROGRAMME Once a clear need is identified and the management accepts the proposal for investment to develop e-learning programmes, then the training managers have to look for designing appropriate programmes based on the nature of learning as well as the characteristics of the learners.

3. INFRASRUCTURE After designing the programme structure, the training managers have to create the E-learning infrastructure like computers, broad band connectivity, conferencing and other devices. The other functionaries like finance managers, facilities and technology manager have to be involved at this stage because of the cost involved.

4. LAUNCHING Once all the development work is completed, the programmeis launched, it is first passed through pilot process, once the programmes pass through successfully at the pilot stage the full scale programme can be launched.

ADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING Reduced cost, the elimination of costs associated with instructors salaries, meeting room, rentals etc. Learning times can be reduced. Consistent delivery of content is possible with e-learning. Interactivity engages users, pushing them rather than pulling them through training. Quick reference material is available. DISADVANTAGES OF E-LEARNING Cannot substitute the other learning and development interventions like job instruction training or mentoring. Initial cost required of an e-learning solution is larger due to the need for the technology.