Companies perceive a number of barriers to effective e-learning implementation, according to a study from human resource consulting firm Development Dimensions International (DDI). DDI analysts have used the results of the study to offer tips on designing and implementing a successful program.
In the study, "Soft Skills E-Learning Practices," DDI analysts surveyed workers from 139 organizations and 15 countries regarding training strategies for soft skills, which DDI defines as "those aspects of personal behavior, such as team building or decision-making, that improve overall performance."
Analysts determined five major classes of perceived barriers to effective e-learning, including content, resources, technology, employee participation, and the impact on human resource staff:
- 43 percent of participants have concerns about the content of e-learning programs
- 36 percent don't believe they're ready for e-learning because of resources, strategy, and support
- 31 percent have concerns about technical issues, such as not having the necessary equipment and fear of security problems
- 27 percent are concerned about low receptivity and participation by employees
- 3 percent fear the potential impact of needing less human resources staff
What are DDI's recommendations? Analysts offer a number of insights. For one, just a quarter of the organizations in the survey have a clear e-learning strategy. However, the study indicates that good planning, needs analysis, a strong support system, effective implementation, and thorough follow-up help ensure a successful e-learning program.
Companies should also be prepared for a long-term investment. The research suggests e-learning's effectiveness increased in organizations that had been using it for at least five years.
Next, DDI suggests companies start investigating learning portals (public or commercial sites on the Web or on an intranet) and learning management systems (LMS) -- software that lets you create and deliver content, monitor student participation, and assess student performance and progress. An LMS lets companies organize and track their e-learning options and how they're being used.
Finally, e-learning and traditional classroom training are being combined, DDI says, and the resulting synergy is improving the effectiveness of both. Face-to-face instruction is especially important for soft skill topics.
Other findings
Survey respondents reported optimism regarding e-learning. For one, they predict about half of all soft-skills training will occur through e-learning in the near future (almost all [87 percent] soft-skills training occurred in the classroom as recently as 1998).
Most (84 percent) believe the costs of e-learning will be less than those of classroom training in the long term. Although e-learning can entail expenses such as new hardware and software, it eliminates other expenses such as travel.
Finally, they say e-learning is improving general participation and interest in training programs. Of the organizations that reported, 73 percent say e-learning makes training more accessible to workers, and 53 percent note more employees participating in instructional activities as a result of e-learning programs.