Boston E-Learning Survey Reveals Organizations Deploy Sophisticated Solutions

Boston, MA, November 19, 2002 –Nearly half of 200 businesses and educational institutions in Greater Boston that responded to a recent online learning survey claim they are beyond experimental stages of developing e-learning systems and are currently deploying sophisticated e-learning systems designed to increase productivity and share knowledge throughout their organizations.

The online survey was conducted in September 2002 by Boston E-Learning Association [BELA], a non-profit trade organization chartered to promote practical distance and e-learning solutions for Boston area businesses, colleges, and non-profits.

“According to our recent research findings, Greater Boston’s business community is very advanced in their e-learning practices,” said Phyllis Cerys, co-founder of BELA. “Over 50% of the respondents have implemented widespread or enterprise-wide e-learning in their organizations and are committed to building learning systems that help customers, vendors, students, and employees alike.”

Top issues facing E-Learning professionals

When asked to rate a variety of E-Learning topics and issues, three topics received the most responses from the BELA survey audience:

1) Designing and developing e-learning solutions,

2) Assessing effectiveness of e-learning, and

3) Implementing e-learning solutions.

These responses were then followed by two additional issues: “Blending e-learning with other learning solutions” and “Getting users to adopt e-learning”.

Cerys added, “These findings confirm what BELA members have been saying at our workshops and events over the last year: companies are well beyond the point of deciding whether to adopt an e-learning strategy and are dealing with the practical issues of leveraging its value in their organizations and realizing its impact on the bottom line.”

Upcoming BELA programs reflect needs and interests of BELA members According to Cerys, in response to BELA’s survey results, the BELA 2003 Speaker Series will address each of the E-Learning topics and issues of interest raised by its membership.

• BELA will assemble E-learning experts from Suffolk University, Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern University who will appear on a panel “Utilizing technology to enhance learning in higher education”, Thursday, November 21st, 6-8 PM, Suffolk University, $20 for non-members.

Visit www.bostonelearning.org for more information.

• BELA will host a Chief Learning Officer panel discussion on February 20,

2003. Visit www.bostonelearning.org for specific program detail.

About BELA

Founded in 2001, the Boston E-Learning Association (BELA) is the professional community for Boston area corporations, universities and individuals active in the distance and collaborative learning industry. BELA helps corporations, non-profits, and educational institutions understand “Best Practices” by providing high-quality programs, conferences, and events where industry leaders meet. For more information, visit www.bostonelearning.org.

Press contact:

David Conti

Boston E-Learning Association [BELA]

Tel. 978-887-6028

david@bostonelearning.com

davidconti@msn.com