How does e-learning fit into your corporate environment?

Different companies have different training needs, different overall goals, and different styles. There is no single "best" approach to e-learning, yet the approach your company will take is critical to the results you can achieve.

E-learning is a means of extending the training capabilities of your company, not duplicating them. It provides a knowledge base available 24 hours a day, every day. It may eliminate the need for costly group-training seminars, or it may shorten their duration or enhance their effectiveness . It allows staff members to gain knowledge gathered from your company's previous years of experience , organized efficiently and accessible anywhere, anytime .

The right e-learning solution will provide an environment for learners that is not only efficient , but helpful , effective , and satisfying . It should provide learners not only with online courses and competency exams , but with the ancillary materials, such as corporate documents , policies , external links , and other resources that form a complete context for learning.

The right e-learning solution also provides the corporate training staff with the feedback and analysis that is critical to performing their jobs. It should provide detailed information about not only the "score" a learner may have achieved, but why their performance was what it was. Problem areas for a learner, or for multiple learners, must be readily identifiable, so that follow-up training can be tailored to individual needs .

E-learning does not eliminate the need for corporate trainers. Trainers must supervise and evaluate the creation of online training materials, must assist learners and monitor progress, and revise materials based on learner feedback , performance , and corporate policy or other adjustments . In addition, human interaction is invaluable in many training situations. E-learning will complement your company's training staff, allowing them to train more learners , more quickly , and more effectively .

• Use Cases -- examples of common training issues and e-learning solutions