e-Learning is NOT e-Learning!

It’s no secret that we’ve all been inundated with the hype surrounding e-Learning. If one chooses to believe everything one hears and reads, e-Learning is today’s training technology of choice.

You may think you know what the term — e-Learning — means. But, I would ask you to think again.

Actually, courses that run successfully over the Web may, or may not, provide effective learning for your trainees. In far too many cases, e-Learning (as it is practiced today) puts the bulk of its emphasis on the technology — ignoring the principles of effective learning.

And yet, we all know that learning should place applicability and retention at the forefront.

It seems that the more you learn about e-Learning, the less simple it becomes.

Sure, it’s available 24×7 from almost anywhere. And, it’s extremely cost effective.

But, just what is it?

The hype says that it includes adaptations of PowerPoint presentations and/or adaptations of written procedures.

But, as we all know by now, those claims are not true. While those adaptations can successfully operate within an e-Learning environment — they teach little and are, therefore, counterfeit and a waste of good money. (Never forget that almost half of our workforce can only assimilate information written below a 5th grade reading level and that fully two-thirds of our high school graduates are unable to form opinions from what they read.)

However, some few courses are specifically designed for e-Learning, using the best in instructional design. And, it is these specifically designed e-Learning courses that actually teach — because they are incorporating multi-sensory learning techniques — and, are truly capable of reaching all of your trainees.

Teachers have understood the value of multi-sensory learning for centuries. You’ve probably heard the rule of thumb about retention and methodology — that reading alone yields 10% comprehension, adding hearing yields 20%, adding visuals yields 30% and so on. While a classroom teacher has to put on quite a show to provide multi-sensory learning, interactive e-Learning programs, also, have the potential to challenge learners with a variety of stimuli for each learning objective.

Knowledgeably designed e-Learning, that incorporates workplace situations and terminology, provides an atmosphere of practicality for the trainee. Consequently, your students will understand the course material faster and retain more, allowing them to apply more of their newly acquired skills.

And, that’s what we all want from any good training program! Better learning, better on-the-job performance, and greater retention!

Multi-sensory based e-Learning courses are capable of delivering all three. They’re just in short supply today!