Why e-Learning? - Part 1
By Renée Eaton

Companies are doing business in an increasingly fast-paced environment and it is showing no signs of slackening. And the amount of information necessary to keep businesses on the leading edge of their industries is growing every year. To keep up, companies are faced with the task of ensuring they have well-educated employees who are continually updating their skills. Many are looking in the direction of e-learning as a solution.

E-learning is training that takes place online. It can encompass anything from PowerPoint presentations on Intranets to full-blown game-like simulations and systems that include tracking, scoring and certifications. But why is e-learning becoming a more attractive alternative to facilitator-led training that in past years sufficiently fulfilled business needs?

Our company has the unique perspective of offering both options. In our experience working with clients shifting more of their resources to this method, we found three reasons that stood out.

Over the next three issues, we will discuss each of these, the first being time and money.

One of the main reasons companies are introducing e-learning is because it eases time and budget constraints. In our "keep up or get out" culture employees have their plates full and learn early to use their time as economically as possible. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and mobile, e-learning can easily fit into schedules.

Moreover, with no travel necessary, the drain on productivity and budgets is far less, making it a cost-effective approach. More companies are taking this route, unwilling to foot travel bills. After the initial development costs, these courses can be re-used for years. No paying trainers, no travel costs and no taking employees away from their jobs en masse for days at a time. Employees put in training when they need it and when it is convenient.

With an impending recession and companies switching to cost-savings mode, e-learning is becoming the way to go. However, its ability to alleviate constraints isn't e-learning's only benefit. It is also an effective way to train employees. Next issue, we will discuss how learning styles play a part in the shift to e-learning.

For more information on how you can use e-learning in your business, contact us at 613.342.2200 ext. 103 or reaton@bizxcel.com.

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Renée Eaton is a Communications Specialist, researcher and writer for BizXcel Inc. and editor for Generating Greatness.