Using Technology-Assisted Education to Further Employee Development

Abstract

The significance of e-learning and knowledge management in the workplace cannot be overstated. In today's technology-driven working environments the accelerated pace of change is a constant, and organizations are pressed to rapidly train and retrain workers with increasingly limited timelines and resources. Discerning employers have recognized e-learning as a more productive tool. E-learning increases the possibilities for how, where, and when employees can engage in training. Some organizations have been slower to adapt to e-learning as a training option because of costs, technical limitations, and lack of understanding its fundamental advantages. These factors have become less inhibiting as costs of e-learning have decreased and technical expertise has been aided by user-friendly e-learning formats. This paper addresses the significant impact that e-learning is having on workplace education by measuring how traditional classroom training is being enhanced by mediated instruction. Examples of successful e-learning courses including a design model are demonstrated. Program evaluation data presented describes how the change from the traditional classroom model to a mediated delivery model has had a positive impact on employer and employee needs. The opportunity to conduct future research in this area is discussed.