First let me state that my view will likley not be popular. OK the assumption made in the original post is that "other types of learning" do not have the same problems. That is not correct. I have participated (and likely instructed) horrible classroom based courses.. some which made even the worst eLearning look good. And have seen some really bad paper based self study material. etc The only difference is while classroom is reviewed by a handful at a time, eLearning can be seen and reviewed quickly by thousands. The problem is not whether eLearning is good or bad, it is whether the Instructional Design is good or not. Elearning is not for every topic, but can be effective. Just like classroom is not for every topic, but can be very effective. Also who is to say a glorified PowerPoint is not the best answer for a given topic? There is huge difference between a tailor made Tuxedo and an off the rack suit. neither is the correct dress for every occassion. You have to select the correct dress for the correct situation. Same with the venue for training, and if you select eLearning. There really are times when the BEST solution is a very low end, development effort. I assume from the comments Fanatic Facilitator makes a living "presenting course" and might feel threatened by eLearning. I understand that as a 20+ year stand up instructor. But just because I have set through (in extreme pain) some horrible instructor led events, I am not ready to say we should never use Instructor Led again. ok I am mentally prepared, blast away <grin>

Until training is valued as worthy of a "real" seat at the table, nothing will change. Lack of funds seems to be the driver of low quality, in my experience. From being in project management for 10 yrs, I can tell you that there are few tasks that can't be completed with good quality AND in a short amount of time given enough money to work with. Talented (ready more expensive) personnel and vendors can do some outstanding things given the funds, but the reality of the current situation in many organizations is that executives like to talk about training as a worthy cause, then turn around and cut from the training budget. Let's be honest about why e-learning became popular. . . lower costs associated with employee downtime and travel expenses, with a lesser emphasis on increased measurement. Unfortunately it was not due an increase in retention or availability.

Not to be a downer, though There are some good organizations out there that value their employees and see e-learning as a strategic key to success!

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
E-Learning Consulting

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