E-learning has been at the forefront of digital distance learning as it provides the most successful means of imparting skills and knowledge to multiple remotely located corporate professionals simultaneously. It is preferred by the Human Resource departments of organizations as it reduces costs, streamlines content delivery and makes the process of learning easier. However, the rejection rate of this solution can be quite high for companies whose employees are not well versed with using computers and Internet technologies. In such a scenario, social learning emerges as the perfect way to make the learners adopt this medium of continuing education.
Social learning refers to integration of the e-learning infrastructure into the social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. It provides the perfect platform to teach the learners in a socially viable environment, as they can acquire new skills in the company of people who form their most crucial network, in their professional as well as personal lives. Through this solution, users can receive updates about the courses on their Facebook pages and share the same with their friends.
With social e-learning, learners also get the opportunity to work with their peers in a remote corporate learning environment that exists outside of the boundaries of the organization itself. This solution will also provide users with the chance to form and strengthen their bonds with their peers as well as new learners and express themselves better without the hindrances posed by the corporate structure. Therefore, a social online learning platform can be an asset for any organization that frequently holds training sessions for its employees.
Another essential tool that can break the barriers surrounding e-learning is collaborative learning. Through this feature of online training solutions, remotely located learners and trainers can remain in constant touch and share a host of files without ever compromising on productivity. A collaborative learning suite provides a host of features on the user interface which allow them to work seamlessly, such as discussion boards, surveys, blogs, polls and wikis. This allows them to access information that is available on the Internet outside of the course material at the click of a button.
Similarly, trainers can use collaborative tools in the online teaching session to show PowerPoint presentations, slide shows and keynote speeches. Likewise, these can also be used to transfer files, documents and share applications as well as desktops between learners and teachers, thus making the process of e-learning more streamlined. Collaborative learning provides all parties with the best way of experimenting and innovating with their peers in a cohesive and supportive environment.
Due to the advent of these two solutions, the process of e-learning has gained more acceptance in the corporate environment among learners who are averse to accepting new technologies in their daily lives. Moreover, these can prove to be beneficial tools that help boost the productivity of the individuals as well as the organization as a whole. Therefore, it is imperative that companies that frequently make use of online training tools should deploy these solutions in their e-learning infrastructures.
Gireesh Sharma is an author writing on Human Resource Management. His expertise includes Social learning, Collaborative learning and other Learning & Development matters.