e-learning Vs traditional training

I heard a piece on Radio 4 recently about whether e-learning in the workplace was going to replace good old fashioned face to face training.

Having given it some thought, my conclusion was that both have their place, but not for all skills training and development.  E-learning has its advantages and uses and the benefits in my mind are:

ü      Potential cost savings – in delivery of training, particularly when participants are spread out geographically, maybe even globally and getting them together out of the work place is difficult. It can also reduce the amount of administration in producing materials and organisation of training sessions

ü      It is self-paced – learners can complete modules in their own time and at their own pace. With ‘Generation Y’ growing up in the age of technology, e-learning may well suit better the learning styles of those born since 1982

ü      It can be updated easily – as and when subjects or situations change, it will take little more than the click of a button to make the appropriate changes.

ü      It can be easily managed – the HR department or the individual’s manager can easily see how a participant is getting on with completing the training and how well they are doing.

But what subjects are best suited to e-learning?

In the workplace, process and technology/systems based training would suit this forum but what about the skills like customer service, communication, coaching and leadership, handling difficult customers, problem solving or negotiating? Surely these subjects cannot be replaced by a computer?

Whilst I accept that e-learning has its place, it does have its disadvantages:

Creating the course content can be labour intensive if you are designing a number of courses at the same time. Software needs to be updated on a regular basis and cannot be allowed to ‘die’ or get out of date. Participants could feel isolated in their learning and conscious that they may be falling behind. You are reliant of all participants having easy access to a pc and speedy internet connection.

So why are some subjects better suited to the good not so old fashioned format of face to face or even telephone coaching?

ü      Asking questions and facilitating learning is more powerful than informing or telling

ü      An environment that encourages open discussion, problem-solving and questioning is key to learning

ü      Support, encouragement and belief in the learner's ability are fundamental

ü      On the job learning experiences that require involvement and participation is critical for learner to fully grasp skills

ü      When appropriate, you can bring departments together in the training which brings in the added bonus of sharing knowledge and improving team spirit

ü      Training can be easily adapted (when delivered by good trainers) to meet specific individual and group needs

So in essence, both technology and people based training have their place but the question should be asked – which forum will meet our participants needs the best before embarking on possibly costly mistakes.