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ABOUT e-LEARNING
What is e-learning?
"E-learning" is a short-hand way of referring to education or training
content delivered over the Internet, instead of in a traditional
classroom or via a book or CD-ROM or audio tape or videotape. It's often
called "Web-based training" (WBT) or "on-line training" as well.
Pure e-learning is delivered 100% over the Internet -
there are no CDs or programs to load. E-learning is convenient,
compelling, thorough…and even enjoyable! You can access courses whenever
you want and from wherever you are - at home, at work, or even from a
hotel room on the road.
How do I know if e-learning is
right for me?
The best way to find out is to TRY IT. In most cases, demo courses are
available.
What's the difference between
self-paced and instructor-led online courses?
Self-paced courses are intended for busy professionals and are designed
to be taken in small chunks or modules (averaging around 15-20 minutes
each). The courses usually take from 2 to 8 hours to complete and
include numerous activities (short quizzes, simulations, etc.). You will
typically have up to six months to complete a course after registering
for it.
Instructor-led courses are offered more on the
collegiate model. Courses last from 5 to 16 weeks; they have specific
starting and ending dates; and there are weekly assignments (which can
be completed anytime during the week that is convenient for you).
How can I find out more about
e-learning?
There's lots of free information available on the Internet to help you
get better acquainted with the whole e-learning industry, but we've put
a brief list of resources together below to help you get started.
As always, don't hesitate to call Elisa R. Legg, NYBA,
at (212) 297-1679 or e-mail
elegg@nyba.com if you would like additional information.
The Masie Center is the
e-learning industry's premier think tank. You can subscribe to their
FREE weekly e-mail newsletter, TechLearn Trends, at the web site.
Lguide.com rates and
reviews online courses from dozens of different vendors so those in
charge of purchasing online training for their organizations know what
to buy - and what not to buy. You can subscribe to their FREE online
newsletter by signing up at their web site. The
Lguide.com Resource
Center also has a comprehensive list of recent research reports and
articles.
Learning Circuits
is a FREE online magazine all about e-learning from the American Society
of Training & Development (ASTD). You may sign up for their FREE e-mail
newsletter, Learning Circuits Express, at the web site. The September
2000 issue of
Learning Circuits contains an informative article about learning
portals.
"Corporate
E-Learning: Exploring A New Frontier," is a thorough, detailed
92-page research report by WR Hambrecht + Co. The report includes
in-depth reports on 26 leading e-learning companies. It may be
downloaded for FREE (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
WR Hambrecht offers a plethora of outstanding research on various
aspects of the e-learning industry. These reports are all available for
FREE.
Another article about the pros and cons of online training, from the
June 2000 issue of
IT Support News, is also available. |
