E-Learning at the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter explores the development and practice of e-learning in the workplace. Despite the rapid growth of the e-learning industry and the claims of “e-learning evangelists,” there remains serious doubt over the effectiveness, impact and take up of technology for learning, especially in the workplace. That there has been only a limited take up in the use of technology for learning in companies, particularly in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is an issue of concern to policy makers and planners. This chapter examines research into e-learning in the workplace, as a prelude to exploring the issue of the take up of technology for learning, including in SMEs. It suggests that the major issue has been an approach to the development of technologies for learning founded on technological determinism and this fails to consider the nature of learning in the workplace. It suggests the use of technology for learning in the workplace requires the development of new pedagogic approaches. Such approaches are illustrated with examples drawn from recent large-scale European research and development projects.