This document provides an overview of emerging e-learning practices in organizations. It discusses the rise of online training and learning due to advances in technology. Online training allows organizations to train employees anywhere through virtual means. The document outlines the benefits of online training such as flexibility, cost savings, and accessibility. It also discusses some issues with online training such as costs, infrastructure requirements, and limitations for teaching soft skills. The document concludes that online training will continue growing as a tool for knowledge management and developing high potential employees.

1. EMERGING E-LEARNING PRACTICES IN THE ORGANIZATION
Paper submitted
By
Amita Maxwell
Assistant Professor, Joseph School of Business Studies
SHIATS Deemed to be University [formerly AAI-DU], Naini Allahabad
E mail ameeta111@gmail.com
Ph. 09889083511
Swami Shukdevanand International Seminar
Swami Shukdevanand [PG] College, Shahjahanpur

2. EMERGING E-LEARNING PRACTICES IN THE ORGANIZATION
ABSTRACT
This paper considers the increasing impact of information and communication technologies
(ICT) and the associated rise in E learning which is now recognized world over for transforming
training and learning. As with the other segments in the IT industry that have been greatly
impacted by the revolutionary changes taking place in the areas of technology, the training
market too is getting affected by some of the new developments. Advances in technology are
altering training delivery. Developments in hardware, intranets and the Internet, multimedia
software and videoconferencing have created a tremendous potential for multiple-site delivery
and bringing training to people’s work sites. With the Internet, intranets and extranets
proliferating both at the level of the global and Indian domestic market, one is witnessing the rise
of a new form of training delivery—online training. On-line learning is the next generation tool
that has already started developing its roots in India. It is expected to allow both corporates and
the Government to deliver state-of-the-art training to company personnel, students,
academicians, researchers and home workers, and enable them to create the kind of skilled
computer workforce required for the next millennium. This kind of virtual education is being
catalyzed by the continuing decrease in costs related to technologies, particularly computer
hardware. Technology based instruction represents a new recent pedagogical paradigm that is
excited about new technologies. Consequently, learning with technology has been realized by
organizations as an innovative form of training where corporates benefit from this cost effective,
flexible and convenient form of training.
Keywords: online training, online learning, web-based training/learning,
online course, internet-based training, E-learning.
INTRODUCTION
In this era of globalization, organizations world wide are facing the challenge of managing a
multicultural work force and so organizations must deal with the issues of training a far flung
workforce. This issue is sought by technology which in recent times has emerged as a powerful
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3. tool. Technology now allows people to be trained afar. The World Wide Web has made possible
this type of learning in this technology driven era.
The internet boom has increased the demand for internet based products and services and this is
going to be infinite in the coming years dominated by the IT tools. Everything is going to be
digitized. We are going to see the digitization, virtualization and automation of more and more of
everything.
The IT revolution has brought about sweeping and multifaceted changes and has enabled the
digital representation of all the important forms of expression; words, music, numeric data,
maps, photographs and eventually voice, video and global exchange of all digital information
with the advent of WWW, video conferencing, multimedia, CD-ROM’s training in organizations
is revolutionized and online training is no exception IT tools have made training automated and
digitized. There is a paradigm shift in the traditional mode of training. This type of training can
be addressed as; E-Learning/training, web-based training, online training, internet-based
training. In the most common parlance it can be referred to as internet training which leverages
the unique attributes of internet such as chat rooms, interactivity, online discussions and e-mail.
ONLINE TRAINING
As defined by American Society of Training and Development (ASTD)1:
“E-learning refers to anything delivered, enabled or mediated by electronic technology for the
explicit purpose of learning.”
“E- Learning is the automation of the processes of learning and training through the use of IT”2.
Hence it can be said that E-learning is a process that facilitates education or learning using a
network i.e. internet, intranet or extranet.
Whereas online training means “a reference to E-learning over the internet and typically used in
conjunction with corporations or professionals.”
1
American Society of Training and Development. (2002). State of the industry report. Alexandria, VA: ASTD
Publications.
2
Robson, R. (2002). Explaining E-learning to a stranger. E-learning magazine. Retrieved March 1, 2002 from http://
www.elearningmag.com
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4. Further web-based training refers to courses available on an intranet, internet or extranet and that
are linked to learning resources outside the course such as references, electronic mail,
discussions and videoconferencing”3.
It is clear that E-learning is a broad concept using network technology to design, deliver and
administer learning. In this regard online training, web-based training are sub-set of broader
framework of E-learning.
A brief review can be made about the origin of online training which has existed in some form or the
other in organizations. Earlier it was in the form of Programmed Learning/Programmed Instruction
this is a method where training is offered without the intervention of a trainer. Information is provided
to the trainee in blocks either in a book form or through a teaching machine. After reading each block
of material, the learner must answer a question about it. Feedback in the form of correct answers is
provided after each response. The main advantage of PI is that it is self paced-trainees can progress
through the programmes at their own speed also the training time is reduced by about one third 4. The
came Computer Based Training/Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) which is an extension of the PI
method. The speed, memory and data-manipulation capabilities of the computer permit greater
utilization of basic PI concepts5. Computer Based Training (CBT).It can be defined as
“Courses presented on a computer. The course does not provide links to learning resources
outside of the course. Often, learners take a computer-based training course on a computer that is
not connected to a network”6.
Latest its online training which has become possible because of technology which has impacted
al aspects of organizational functioning. IT has brought about a big change in the methods of
training in corporates world wide, and there is little doubt that the fraction of services that can be
delivered electronically will grow7.
3
Alexander Laurel, Online training, p. 26, ed. 2008, Jaico Publishing House.
4
G.N. Nash, J.P Muczyk and F.L Vettori, “The role and practical effectiveness of programmed instruction”,
Personnel Psychology, Vol. 24 (1971), pp. 397-418
5
R. Wayne Mondy and Robert M. Noe 3, personnel: the management of human resources, Allyn and Bacon, 1981,
p. 237.
6
Alexander Laurel, Online training, p. 26, ed. 2008, Jaico Publishing House.
7
Princeton University center for Economic policy studies working paper No. 119, December 2005.
4

5. THE WEB AS A TOOL FOR LEARNING DELIVERY
Online training uses supportive supportive resources that are available through a computer. The
basic form involves text, simple graphics, and a limited amount of interaction. Complex training
can include simulations, example simulation of work situations. It can also consist of a course
that includes regularly scheduled lectures/instructions by video conferencing on the internet, a
web page with several supplemental materials.
The content can be kept more up to date and it is easier to measure results. Online training allow
for immediate updates to materials, keeping content fresh and accurate. The training can also
include hyperlinks or other relevant websites. Further online training can be customized to the
needs of learner. It incorporates greater range of features, through online bulletin boards and live
chat rooms, trainees can post messages and read messages from others or from content expert.
Therefore, trainees should think of this technology not just as another form of training but an
innovative tool for delivering training over the internet. There are several positive factors in
favour of this new training and learning technology:
• Mobile locations
• Trainees can participate at times that suits them
• There is potential for international training and learning
• Information can be speedily transferred
• Training through technology can extend the trainees progress beyond the course
boundaries and into self directed learning
PROSPECTS OF ONLINE TRAINING
Advances in technology are altering training delivery the online training market is booming
world over. Surveys, conducted by leading global market research firms have indicated that
online training and learning will follow an upward moving graph and that more and more
organizations will implement this mode of training. The key contributors to the growth of this
segment will be companies that will be spending increasing amounts on knowledge management
within their organizations. The other key drivers for growth would be training where mid-career
professionals would be re skilling themselves on the web.
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6. 1. Corporate E-learning is one of the fastest growing markets. While the market is currently
small and in a nascent stage it is poised to explode8.
2. Corporations’ world wide demand a comprehensive approach to meet training needs
rather than a stand-alone training course.
3. Online training has given way to new partnership between corporate world and academia.
The lines are blurring between traditional neutral delivery vehicles and those that have a
stake in what’s being delivered9. Thus one can think of new co-operation between
corporations and academia wherein we find the latter selling courses to academia.
ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE TRAINING
Various surveys conducted show that internet based training training is highly recommended by
HR managers world wide. Uptake of online training has progressed further and HR managers are
cutting down heavily on traditional classroom training. HP, evaluated how customer service was
affected by its focus on E-learning and blended instructions rather than classroom training. HP
found that sales representatives were able to answer questions more quickly and accurately
enhancing customer-service provider relations10. In addition Unilever estimated the increase in
product sales as a result of its online training for sales employees; the company found that sales
increased by millions dollars after E-learning.11
1. Online training is flexible, convenient and accessible
2. Location is not a constraint; users can get as much training as they need and when
they need, no matter wherever they happen to be located.
3. Separate delivery system is not needed, keeping delivery costs to a minimum.
8
Corporate E-learning: Exploring a new frontier, (www.wrhambrecht.com)
9
Alexander Laurel, Online training, p. 131, ed. 2008, Jaico Publishing House.
10
O’ Leonard, K. 2004. HP case study: flexible solutions for multi-cultural learners. Oakland, CA: Bersin &
Associates.
11
Hoekstra, J. 2001. Three in one. Online learning, 5: 28-32.
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7. 4. Online training brings major savings to companies by eliminating travel cost and time
savings for their employees, they can be trained simply at their desktops rather than
going to a distinct or far-off location for training or learning a new course.
5. Online training can easily be incorporated. Changes can be made in the course
material on the server, and then everyone around the world who uses the system can
access to these updates.
6. There is better instructional consistency when the material is taught the same way
each time a trainee participates in the training program, any portion of the course
material can be accessed any time.
ISSUES IN ONLINE TRAINING
Certain challenges pose problems for organization implementing online training. Some of the
issues associated with online training are;
COST
In some organizations online training is easy and quick to develop b the use of text and simple
graphics. In some cases more time and expenditure is required, e.g. developing interaction,
simulations, animations etc, depending on the purpose of the organization.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Online training at times can be simple add-ons to the enterprise –wide internet. Some
organizations require powerful multimedia computers, company owned Intranet and web
access.
BANDWIDTH ISSUE
Limited bandwidth means slower performance for sound, video, and intensive graphics, causing
long waits for download that even affect the ease of the learning process. The problem is greater
over the public internet, where more traffic jams occur and is less of a consideration on a
corporate internet.
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8. SOFT SKILLS TRAINING
Not all courses are delivered well by computers. Some topics simply require a more personal
touch. Teaching team building and dealing with emotional issues might serve as examples. There
is a larger issue of effectiveness of online training for behaviorally targeted courses in the soft
skills/business skills arena. While some are using online training in this knowledge domain, there
is resistance about how to deeply impact trainees.
Before companies decide to implement online training, certain questions need to be asked by
them according to Brandon Hall, a leading expert in technology based training industry.12
• Do you have management support for this initiative
• Do you have enough potential users to justify the cost of purchase or development
• Do you have a target audience who can use or learn or learn to use the computer
• Will they accept a web-based training
• Will they learn from this particular program
• Will the program provide a method of instruction, that is easier, faster, cheaper, safer
and more engaging than the alternative
CONCLUSION
Since the late 1980’s, there have been a series of technological advances that have enabled more
and more companies to embrace online training. It can be said that with the advent and
advancement in technology and most appropriately the internet has brought about a new form of
training and learning. There have been philosophical changes in training.
With the internet, intranet and extranets proliferating both at the level of global and domestic
Indian market, one is witnessing the rise of a new form of training delivery. The internet-based
worker-training programs today are enormous from online training programs to in-house guided
training for different specialization. Every week brings technological breakthroughs that make
this easier and richer. The more life time learning opportunities companies provide, the more
they are widening the skill base of their workforce. In today’s competitive era “there is a need to
12
Alexander Laurel, Online training, p. 147-148, ed. 2008, Jaico Publishing House.
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9. train more people on more topics, to do it faster, to do it on a world wide basis and to do it
cheaper” says Brandon Hall, editor and publisher of the Multimedia and internet training
newsletter and author of the web-based training cookbook13. Answer lies in internet, multimedia
software and videoconferencing which have created a tremendous potential for multiple-site
delivery by bringing training to people’s work site. Online training can make possible
“knowledge Management”; that is using technology to leverage the intellectual capital of the
entire company, which in turn, leads to increased productivity and superior competitive
advantage. Finally Online training can be used and leveraged as a development and retention tool
for high potential employees. A number of companies have high potential programs that identify
future executives and focus development attention on this group. Companies can shop for new
models for blending online training into their high potential employee programs and thus create
high potential leaders.
13
http://www.brandonhall.com
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10. REFRENCES
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Developing a Resource for Academic Support." AusWeb97 Conference Program and
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