Close the Classroom – E-learning is in the Building!

By Sharon Coleman M.I.I.T.T

Whether you like it or not, more and more aspects of our lives are being digitalised and the e-learning age is well and truly upon us. Man versus machine! Trainer versus computer screen! But is the role of the trainer really at risk? Should e-learning be viewed as the competition?

As an e-learning specialist, with over 25 years under my belt, you could be forgiven for assuming that I would be arguing the case for e-learning. I am not. I am arguing the case for quality training, using the most effective, appropriate tools available.

E-learning is not suitable for all content. It can be faceless. It generally works better when it is used as a part of a learning programme in which other training techniques are incorporated. On the other hand, e-learning can be used to deliver a consistent, validated message. It is self-paced, accessible 24/7 from virtually anywhere, it can immediately and infallibly mark assessments and, if the content is structured correctly and well targeted, it can provide a rewarding, safe, effective and convenient way to study.

Classroom training is not without its faults. Any trainer will know that you can deliver a session one day and feel that you really nailed it, and deliver the same session the next day and just not be firing on all cylinders. But get the interpersonal connections sparking, combine this with subject knowledge and solid training methodology, and successful, motivated students are your reward. However, how many times is the progress of the majority of the students slowed because of a slower candidate, leading to frustration and sometimes boredom? And of course you all have to travel to get to the class, you can only run one course at any one time, you have to mark manually the assessment papers, and sometimes teach to a lower level of your skills.

Incorporating e-learning into your programme can have many benefits. You can use it to bring students up to a pre-requisite level of knowledge before they enter your classroom. When the group has the same level of knowledge at the outset, you can focus on the course’s key topics without having to regress. You can be in more than one place at once! You can have e-learning courses running while you are delivering your specialist subjects in the classroom. It reduces your travelling time and costs, as well as your students’. The marking is done for you and students can be monitored, motivated and contacted remotely as necessary. It enables you to deliver training to an audience nationwide, even worldwide.

E-learning must never spell the end of the classroom, that would be a tragedy, but e-learning can allow classrooms, and the time and skills of the trainer, to be used more effectively. E-learning is a cost-effective way to deliver training and, when written well and used appropriately, the results are outstanding for all parties. Maximise the classroom – e-learning should be in the building!

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About the Author

Sharon Coleman is a highly experienced Training Consultant who has advised at a senior level in many industry sectors, and has been involved in the progression of e-learning for over 25 years. Sharon is a Director of Essential Training Solutions and designs and develops all the company's e-learning, as well as maintaining a consultancy role.