E-Learning is instruction that is delivered electronically such as Web Based Training (WBT) via a Web browser, or Computer Based Training (CBT) through multimedia platforms such as a CD-ROM or DVD. We take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. We have found that a blended solution is usually the best solution.

Advantages of E-Learning
Consistency, Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience - Users can proceed through a training program "at their own pace and at on their own time." Content will be the same for every student, but slower learners can take extra time if needed.

Cross platform - Web Based Training can be accessed by Web browsing software on any platform: Windows, Mac, UNIX, OS/2, etc. You can deliver your training program to any machine over the Internet or Intranet without having to author a program for each platform. Web browser software and internet connections are widely available with most computer users having access to a browser and are usually connected to a company's intranet, and/or internet.

Inexpensive worldwide distribution - No separate distribution mechanism is needed. E-Learning can be accessed from any computer anywhere in the world, keeping delivery costs low. An initial CD-ROM can be mailed out with updates accessible through the internet.

Ease of update - If changes need to be made in the program after the original implementation, they can be made on the server which stores the program and everyone worldwide can instantly access the update. Courses can be designed to access designated current information, such as the latest new product specifications from any other server worldwide for an on-the-fly update whenever the program is run.

Travel cost and time savings - There are no travel costs for bringing remote employees to a centralized workshop because the Web is available from the desktop. And according to the report "Return on Investment and Multimedia Training" the actual time required for training by computer averages about 50% that of instructor-led training, lowering costs further.

Disadvantages of E-Learning
Bandwidth limitations - Limited bandwidth means no acceptable video quality for standard modems. These large files cause long download periods that can affect the learning process. The problem is greater over the public Internet where more traffic jams occur, and less on a company's intranet which usually has greater bandwidth. Future technologies will no doubt help to solve this problem.

Takes more time and more money to develop than expected - Like any first-time challenge, learning about and implementing new technology takes more resources than expected. You can make it easier by starting with a simple program and building on each success. Also, remember that the greater portion of costs associated with E-Learning are start-up costs.

E-Learning vs Traditional Training
The costs for an E-Learning program are often less-expensive than instructor-led training. The technology is most widely used to "enhance" training. It makes training more effective. The biggest road-block is often the start-up cost and development time. But the costs associated with delivery are much lower than for traditional methods. The more people you have to train, the more time, money, and training you can deliver. With careful attention to instructional design during the development phase, Web training can be a valuable addition to your company's training and performance support initiatives. The future of the Web and Web technologies is long-term and has already had a huge impact on information transfer.

Justifying E-Learning
Almost invariably, significant cost savings. Lower training costs result from the reduction in time and resources for delivery, including eliminating the costs of traveling to learning centers.

Multimedia & E-Learning
Multimedia on the Web is available with languages like Java and plug-ins for authoring tools like Authorware & Flash making it possible. Low bandwidth users should be able to hear a sound track, see a visual, and experience animation and movement with colors to increase retention rates. Compression and optimization are key techniques that allow you to get the most out of your web based e-learning experience. CD-ROM based programs will contain more video and higher quality audio. Programs should include "rich media" on both CD-ROM and Web platforms and should be easy to navigate.

Interactivity Levels
The type and amount of interactivity required varies with the instructional objectives of a program. It is generally not possible for a program to be "too interactive." Simulators are very effective training tools and require users to engage in highly interactive training scenarios. However, it is possible for a program to suffer from too many multimedia bells and whistles. They become unjustified when they don't contribute to meeting the instructional objectives. Interactions should be "useful". E-Learning should be designed by a person with experience in self-paced learning. Not all Instructional Designers have this experience so be sure to look at past projects to get a feel for the level of expertise if you are hiring an Instructional Designer.

CBT vs WBT
Designing Web Based Training presents special problems. Connection speeds can sometimes be slow or intermittent, and downloads can slow down due to factors over which trainers often have no control. Compression and optimization techniques must be utilized to avoid delays in the contents stream-ability. Design in interactivity, discussion, SME integration, and access to other resources that are part of the benefits of training online. Using "rich media" effectively and "chunking" the content for the appropriate bandwidth all comes into play in the Instructional Design process. Make sure you select a designer with extensive experience with self-paced, interactive content. Not all designers have this experience and there are many factors that must be considered to build an instructionally sound program for web based training.

Authoring Systems
At Redclay Software, we utilize Authorware, Director, Flash, Dreamweaver or WinHelp to develop E-Learning programs. The final solution will depend on the use of the training application and how best to deliver the program. If you want to start with a simple program, an HTML editor or Web page layout program like Macromedia Dreamweaver may be all you need. If you want to make the learning engaging, highly interactive, and include rich media, then select an authoring tool like Macromedia Authorware that will allow you to build robust, highly interactive programs.