37-5 |
E-learning: Cost-effective way to put the “C” in continuous education |
B. J. MONAHAN, Learning Development, Norman Borlaug Univ., 391 George St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901 The recession and terrorism of 2001 has resulted in less training travel for reasons of cost savings and safety. Continuing/professional education is most often the first expense to be scaled back when corporate revenue goals are not met. Workforce cutbacks create a high need for cross-training and for employees to learn new skills with minimal disruption to their schedules. All these conditions argue well for consideration of the “power tools” offered by e-learning. Today, using CD-ROMs, synchronous and asynchronous methods of total online learning, and blended learning in the classroom, not only can training dollars be saved but learning can also be made more effective. This presentation will explore the e-learning tools now available, the various methods of incorporating them (from scratch to existing training regimes), what is proving most effective, off-the-shelf courses versus in-house customization, and a practical assessment of the real and hidden costs.
Session 37, Industrial training: Enhancing organizational knowledge
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