A Market Analysis of Technology Based Learning in Ireland

A Summary Report

Recently Innovo Training & Development commissioned the Ulster Business School (through the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher scheme) to complete ‘A Market Analysis of Technology Based Learning in Ireland’. 

This article shares some of the research findings in relation to e-learning and specifically blended learning approaches to training i.e. using a mix of traditional classroom based learning, e-learning, distance learning, Computer Based Training (CBT) and one-to-one coaching approaches to training within organisations.

e-learning is any form of corporate training that uses Internet-based technology for delivery, management, and measurement. 

Some of the advantages to the trainer or organisation of e-learning are:

• Reduced overall cost is the single most influential factor in adopting e-learning. The elimination of costs associated with instructor's salaries, meeting room rentals, and student travel, lodging, and meals are directly quantifiable. The reduction of time spent away from the job by employees may be the most positive offshoot.
• Learning times reduced, an average of 40 to 60 percent, as found by Brandon Hall (Web-based Training Cookbook, 1997, p. 108).
• Increased retention and application to the job averages an increase of 25 percent over traditional methods, according to an independent study by J.D. Fletcher (Multimedia Review, Spring 1991, pp.33-42).
• Consistent delivery of content is possible with asynchronous, self-paced e-learning.
• Expert knowledge is communicated, but more importantly captured, with good e-learning and knowledge management systems.
• Proof of completion and certification, essential elements of training initiatives, can be automated.

Along with the increased retention, reduced learning time, and other aforementioned benefits to learners, particular advantages of e-learning include:

• On-demand availability enables learners to complete training conveniently at off-hours or from home.
• Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress and increases satisfaction.
• Interactivity engages users, pushing them rather than pulling them through training.
• Confidence that refresher or quick reference materials are available reduces burden of responsibility of mastery.

 The reported key benefits of e-learning are outlined below:

Organisations and business are becoming more aware of the concept of blended learning as a cost effective solution of meeting their training requirements.

Our research shows that:

• Employers are focused on reducing face-to-face training and increasing e-learning
• Once e-learning is implemented, employers are focused hitting specific e-learning targets
• Blended learning is considered by organisations to be the “way forward” and felt it to be the optimum method of training in terms of effectiveness
• The skill of integrating on-line and off-line activities will be most important

Blended learning is now considered by organisations, of all sizes to be “the way forward” and it is felt that it is the optimum method for delivering training for organisational and individual effectiveness. 

At Innovo Training & Development we have applied the findings of this research through the blended learning approaches we take with companies we work with.  By combining face to face classroom based learning solutions with CD-ROM and on-line based distance learning modules both learners and companies can benefit from a more strategic, cost effective, time effective and holistic approach to training.

This approach is particularly suited to compliance based training such as health and safety and HR based training. It is also suited to induction training for employees and contractors of large multinationals and domestic based companies.  However, a blended or e-learning approach can effectively be applied to any aspect of training as the tools and approaches applied can bring any aspect of training delivery to life.

For further information on our blended and e-learning approaches to training please contact Declan Byrne, Director, Innovo Training and Development – dbyrne@innovotraining.ie

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