Online Training - 80% of the Results For 20% of the Price

Under the current economic circumstances it is only reasonable to consider alternatives to traditional methods as a means of providing training. It is not really necessary to cancel in-service training events for staff to save costs since knowledge will still be required for efficient work and this situation is not changing. However, modern technology may be used to save time and money on training costs in a variety of fields.

E-learning stands for learning through the use of cutting-edge technologies in order to economise on time and money and reach 80-100% efficiency compared to traditional methods of training.

E-learning opportunities in general:

Video training - almost as effective as a seminar or a conference. The difference lies in the fact that a video can be rewound and stopped unlike a seminar or conference. Frequently it is possible to contact a presenter for asking additional questions or exchanging opinions with other viewers.

E-books - a great way for undertaking learning while travelling e.g. on a bus, train or plane. E-books can be read on modern smart phones (iPhone), some video players (iPod), laptops and e-book readers. As a rule, purchasing costs of e-books are considerably lower than those of traditional books since printing, distribution and other costs are negligible.

Tests - when there is a necessity to check one's knowledge, e.g. when learning for certification examinations, the best option is to take trial tests which are similar or coincide with the actual tests. Primary fields of use currently are examinations of driving schools, language tests (TOEFL), IT tests and job suitability certificate tests. The scope of the use of test learning will certainly increase.

The e-learning opportunities described above may be available on the internet, on CDs, DVDs or other types of data storage devices. How e-learning is accessed in today's world is rather irrelevant; the quality of materials and whether the training meets your needs are much more important.

Web conferencing - possibilities to view materials and simultaneously communicate with one's group peers and teachers via an online messenger programme or a forum. This may also include video clips and tests.

Interactive learning - this a hybrid means of learning combining written materials, lectures, video training, tests and a number of other methods. In the best training courses the computer programme makes enquiries in order to give the learner further directions, responds to questions and offers testing opportunities. More expensive courses offer opportunities to receive answers directly from lecturers or other learners. It is the best way to save time when studying complicated topics.

Specialist fora (forums) - an amazing amount of knowledge can be obtained through discussions and blogs. Information gained may not be 100% proven but one's knowledge can be successfully improved through learning about other specialist's views or experience. Many such fora are free.

4 major advantages of online training:

• Flexibility. You can always stop or resume your learning process when it best suits you and pace your learning.
• It is cheaper in comparison to traditional training. Quality e-learning costs on average 20% of the price of traditional training. There is no need for a full-time lecturer, renting rooms and equipment, providing snacks, etc. It saves time and money - no need to travel to the place of training either.
• Accessibility - e-learning materials can usually be accessed again later although this may depend on the training provider, but as a rule, upon purchasing a course you can repeat it free of charge or for a small fee.
• Several providers of e-learning have a money-back guarantee. Providers of traditional training do not usually offer such guarantees.

3 major disadvantages of online training:

• One should display interest and sufficient self-discipline for not postponing the learning. While one might be tempted to quit an e-learning session, you cannot walk away easily from a traditional classroom session.
• In the case of most forms of e-learning there is no opportunity for putting questions across immediately, the networking effect of seminars and conferences where specialists share experience, is also absent. Fora or chat rooms are an exception to this.
• E-learning offers few opportunities for a break from office routine since however complicated the training course might be, it does mean getting away from the normal work pattern for a while. There are few such breathing occasions in e-learning.

If the acquisition of knowledge is seen as more important than face-to-face communication with specialists, e-learning should be considered instead of traditional learning.

How to select e-learning

• Decide what you need to achieve through training, how much time and money you should allocate.
• Look for various options, compare their descriptions and fees, there are numerous providers at varying quality.
• If possible, watch a sample training session or request to see a sample. A number of training companies offer viewing of short courses free in order that you may assess training format and quality

Annar Merirand, E-Learning Evangelist, Don't Panic Media Ltd., http://www.trainingcourse.eu