This blog aims to dispel some of the popular myths that hamper e-learning implementation in organizations.
E-learning is not just a trend, it has become a part of the standard training process in many organizations. Many corporates that have replaced instructor-led training programs with e-learning have managed to save almost 50% – 70% of the training budget. In spite of that, there are some organizations that hesitate to embrace e-learning completely. There are some myths that continue to hamper e-learning implementation in corporate organizations, and it’s time to dispel these myths once and for all.
E-learning is Expensive
Organizations sometimes hesitate to venture into e-learning because they consider it an expensive affair that only big organizations can afford to indulge in.
The reality is, cost could have been a concern in the past, but not any longer, as effective e-learning is available for all budgets, big and small.
E-learning will Replace Instructors
With the exponential growth of e-learning, it seems like instructors will be replaced. However, corporates need to understand that not all training programs are delivered effectively through e-learning. Also, to provide a more rounded experience to learners, many organizations opt for blended learning, which is a combination of instructor-led training and e-learning.
E-learning is Boring
Employees find e-learning boring when they are forced to follow a strict training schedule. Also, when the instructional strategy is not sound, attention of learners’ wane, minds wander and they are relieved to complete the course and move on to some other task.
E-learning programs, when designed effectively, can become very popular among learners. Corporates should leverage the flexibility offered by e-learning programs to let learners’ access online courses anytime, anywhere. Mobile learning has certainly made learning more flexible and interesting.
E-learning is Impersonal
E-learning offers a convenient way to learn. However, many organizations, as well as employees, feel that training will cease to be a social program. This is not true as the Learning Management System (LMS) puts the social aspect back into e-learning. Virtual classrooms and social networks offer a collaborative learning experience.
E-learning Implementation Needs a Dedicated IT Team
The infrastructure requirements to implement e-learning are no different from any other software rollout. This does not require a dedicated IT team.
The introduction of cloud computing has made the task of IT administrators easier. Handover the task of updating and maintaining your LMS to an e-learning partner who can take care of this for you.
E-learning is Only for the Millennials
Millennials are expected to exceed a third of the global workforce by 2020. Older employees in organizations seem to believe in the myth that e-learning programs are designed to appeal only to millennials.
The fact is that, learners crave for engaging e-learning courses, irrespective of the generation they are in. Just dumping content online in the form of poorly designed e-learning courses is not going to work, no matter which generation the learner belongs to. So, corporates need to quit thinking that there is a generational divide when it comes to e-learning.
For those who are eager to learn, the prospects offered by e-learning are endless. If you are involved in the training department of your organization, you perhaps realize that dispelling these myths may not happen overnight.
Wondering how to deal with dispelling e-learning myths at your workplace? You could draw some inspiration from this beautiful quote.
“All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”~ Robin Sharma
Source: Robin Sharma
