E-Learning and Its Role in the Workplace

E-Learning and its Role in the Workplace

An Abstract

By

Karen Ross

Webster University

Professor Margaret Downey

Training and Development - HRDV-5610 – Fall II, 2012

Overview

Article #1 - “What Corporate Training Professionals Think About E-Learning: Practitioners’ Views on the Potential of E-Learning in the Workplace”, Rossett, Allison and Marshall, James

In a study of 954 training professionals, conducted at San Diego State University, researchers looked to determine why some corporate training programs adopted e-learning techniques over other methods of learning and for what purpose is e-learning most useful (Rossett & Marshall, p.19). Rossett and Marshall identified three eras of technology based learning, the computer-based training (CBT), e-learning and more recently results era. CBT’s and e-learning focus on the “how” of learning and the last, results, is focused on the “why”. The “why” is the focus of their research.

Article #2 - “Performance-Oriented Approach to E-Learning in the Workplace”, Wang, Minhong, Ran, Weijia, Liao, Jian and Yang, Stephen J.H.

E-learning has emerged as a popular approach to training and learning in the workplace. This article points out that, despite its popularity, most e-learning applications perform poorly in motivating employees to learn (Wang, et.al, p.167). There are significant gaps between what corporate interests and learner needs and both fail to meet the quest for success. These researchers sought to examine what is required of e-learning in the workplace and how effective systems should be developed to meet those requirements.

Main Issues and Implied Factual Organizational Impact

Article #1

The CBT was the original computer based training that was costly, static, non-interactive and sometimes required special software or computers to deliver. However, the introduction of the Internet brought the CBT out of the “dark ages”, so to speak, and into a more interactive, virtual classroom, which...