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Top 10 eLearning Tips

December 6, 2000

This post is filed under: Elearning.
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STAMFORD, Conn.–For millions of Americans, learning valuable business skills is the prelude to winning the gold in the corporate America career challenge.

Acquiring this training through Internet-based eLearning is being flaunted as a compelling new approach to quickly and effectively learn these necessary new skills. eLearning has been proven to deliver 20-25% higher learning outcomes than traditional classroom training, is a readily accessible, does not require traveling to classrooms, and can be personalized to the individual learner’s style. In short, it breaks down the barriers of traditional classroom training and still delivers powerful results.

Unlike traditional classroom training, eLearning consists of self-paced courses complemented by asynchronous training such as live virtual classes, yet the learner never has to leave the workplace. While most people appreciate the flexibility of this training schedule and employers enjoy a deep cost advantage by avoiding travel time and expense, eLearning does require the learner to effectively manage his or her own time. There is a self-motivation and personal tenacity needed in order to succeed. It’s very much up to the learner to start, finish, and excel.

“Learners have to assume a good deal of responsibility for their own training schedule,” said Terry O’Brien, Founder and CEO of PrimeLearning.com(TM), a leading international provider of business skills eLearning solutions for the corporate training market. “They must be highly motivated and determined to make eLearning work. If they really take advantage of all the resources, eLearning is one of the most powerful training tools in business today. To make it work, however, learners must view themselves as being in charge of product development, and the product is themselves.”

Gleaned from the PrimeLearning.com training experts, these are the best methods for getting the most out of the dynamic environment eLearning has to offer.

  • ALLOCATE QUIET TIME. eLearning is self-directed. You are in charge of your own learning environment. It is important to manage your time so that you can avoid telephone interruptions and email messages that may disrupt your study.

  • DISCUSS YOUR SCHEDULE WITH MANAGER AND CO-WORKERS. Because you are not off-site in a classroom, your manager or peers may be tempted to interrupt you while you’re at your desk going through a training module. It is vital to discuss your training schedule in advance so that those around you will understand “up front” the times that you will be “unavailable.”

  • BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS. If you’re using audio material, employ headphones to reduce noise problems. Just as you don’t want your manager or co-workers to interrupt you while you’re learning, be aware of their needs for a quiet environment.

  • SET REALISTIC LEARNING GOALS. Acquiring new skills certainly can improve your career potential. But you also need to balance training with other obligations.

  • BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT. For most people, learning is a social process. It is important to incorporate “the human touch” in your eLearning experience. Use the discussion threads, chat sessions, and virtual classes to share ideas and benefit from discussing your viewpoint and the experience of others

  • CREATE A PEER ELEARNING GROUP, IF POSSIBLE. Peer-to-peer learning is one of the most powerful training techniques there is. If you can determine who else is scheduled for the same training, you can meet in a chat room or virtual classroom to discuss and practice concepts you have learned.

  • ACCOMMODATE YOUR BODY. There is no teacher calling breaks. If you study for a long period of time (say 2-3 hours) take a break at least hourly. Stand up. Walk around. Stretch your legs.

  • USE ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES. Most curricula include a variety of tools and job aids – not necessarily just what’s on your computer screen. For instance, suggestions for outside reading and practical applications at work all help you maintain newly learned skills.

  • REFLECT ON WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED. After you take a break, try to recall and contemplate what you learned. Mentally apply the new concepts and ideas to your own work situation..

  • SHARE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED. To better retain what you have learned, share your ideas with your Manager and co-workers, even if they are not involved in your training. This maximizes your learning experience, and provides tangible benefits to those around you.

    About PrimeLearning.com(TM)

    PrimeLearning.com(TM) is one of the fastest-growing corporate eLearning providers, with comprehensive business skills training delivered exclusively over the Internet. Founded in January 1999, PrimeLearning.com has already achieved enormous success with innovative Internet-delivered learning solutions specifically designed to improve learners’ knowledge, skills, and performance in areas such as sales, project management, communication, customer service, leadership, management, team building, and interpersonal skills. PrimeLearning.com has partnered with training experts such as The American Management Association, Gower Publishing Ltd., John Wiley & Sons Publishing, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer and Xerox Corporation.to develop content with proven bottom-line results.

    With world headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, PrimeLearning.com also maintains a major location in Limerick, Ireland, US sales headquarters in Concord, Massachusetts, and European sales headquarters in London, England. For additional information about the company, contact PrimeLearning.com at 1-800-776-1474, or visit www.primelearning.com.

    PrimeLearning.com is a trademark of PrimeLearningGroup Ltd. and PrimeLearning, Inc. All other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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