e-STUDYEDGE
The vast movement towards e-study is clearly motivated by the many benefits it offers. However much e-learning is praised and innovated, computers will never completely eliminate human instructors and other forms of educational delivery. What is important is to know exactly what e-study advantages exist and when these outweigh the limitations of the medium.
Features Unique to e-Study
Like no other training form, e-study promises to provide a single experience that accommodates the three distinct learning styles of auditory learners, visual learners, and kinesthetic learners. Other unique opportunities created by the advent and development of e-study are more efficient training of a globally dispersed audience; and reduced publishing and distribution costs as Web-based training becomes a standard.
E-learning also offers individualized instruction, which print media cannot provide, and instructor-led courses allow clumsily and at great cost. In conjunction with assessing needs, e-learning can target specific needs. And by using learning style tests, e-study can locate and target individual learning preferences.
Additionally, synchronous e-study is self-paced. Advanced learners are allowed to speed through or bypass instruction that is redundant while novices slow their own progress through content, eliminating frustration with themselves, their fellow learners, and the course. In these ways, e-study is inclusive of a maximum number of participants with a maximum range of learning styles, preferences, and needs.
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
All collaborative learning theory contends that human interaction is a vital ingredient to learning. Consideration of this is particularly crucial when designing e-study, realizing the potential for the medium to isolate learners. With well-delivered synchronous distance education, and technology like message boards, chats, e-mail, and tele-conferencing, this potential drawback is reduced. However, e-learning detractors still argue that the magical classroom bond between teacher and student, and among the students themselves, can not be replicated through communications technology.
ADVANTAGES OF E-STUDY TO THE TRAINER OR ORGANIZATION
Some of the most outstanding advantages to the trainer or organization are
Reduced overall cost is the single most influential factor in adopting e-study. The elimination of costs associated with instructor’s salaries, meeting room rentals, and student travel, lodging, and meals are directly quantifiable. The reduction of time spent away from the job by employees may be the most positive offshoot.
Learning times reduced, an average of 40 to 60 percent, as found by Brandon Hall (Web-based Training Cookbook , 1997, p. 108).
Increased retention and application to the job averages an increase of 25 percent over traditional methods, according to an independent study by J.D. Fletcher (Multimedia Review, Spring 1991, pp.33-42).
Consistent delivery of content is possible with asynchronous, self-paced e-learning.
Expert knowledge is communicated, but more importantly captured, with good e-learning and knowledge management systems.
Proof of completion and certification, essential elements of training initiatives, can be automated.
ADVANTAGES TO THE LEARNER
Along with the increased retention, reduced learning time, and other aforementioned benefits to students, particular advantages of e-study include:
On-demand availability enables students to complete training conveniently at off-hours or from home.
Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress and increases satisfaction.
Interactivity engages users, pushing them rather than pulling them through training.
Confidence that refresher or quick reference materials are available reduces burden of responsibility of mastery.