Let's use "assessing customer need through open-ended questions" as an example... In the classroom, we can jump immediately into an activity where people practice using only questions to arrive at some sort of answer to something, then debrief, then brainstorm customer types, then role-play those scenarios, and debrief. Little to no documentation or prep time needed. Just blank paper and peoples' brains and maybe 2 - 3 hours to do all of the activities and debriefing to capture lessons learned. We've gone all the way through a complete learning cycle several times over, from preparing to connecting to practicing to applying and celebrating.

Online, how would even begin to have a student practice and apply the information you'd probably somehow dump via glorified powerpoint slides? Who would be there to practice with him/her? Who would provide immediate, constructive feedback? One would assume you'd hopefully use a blended approach or the most amazingly brilliant simulation program ever...how is this saving time?

Since you have the Brinkerhoff book, then as you know -- online learning can, at best, raise awareness and perhaps some level of knowledge. You'll still need to somehow build true understanding and proficiency with the skills.

I'm all for e-learning when well-designed by talented instructional designers working closely with talented programmers AND when it's the appropriate delivery mode for a particular module. Still waiting to actually see that occur...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LoveLearning,