Three out of four employers who use e-learning for staff training plan to significantly increase their use of informal networks over the next three years, according to e-skills UK research into e-based learning published today.  The research was undertaken on behalf of the Skills for Business network of 25 Sector Skills Councils.

The research included more than 200 organisations across all sectors as well as 1,000 individuals.  It represents one of the most comprehensive studies to date into technology-based learning in the business environment. The study highlights how organisations use and benefit from different types of e-learning, identifies critical success factors for e-learning success, and considers future trends.

Key findings of the research include:

• Eight in ten employers said e-learning provides a uniquely accessible, flexible and cost-effective method of delivering training.
• e-learning allows organisations to respond rapidly to changing business needs with appropriate skills development, and increases morale and professional confidence among employees.

The study found that e-learning is used to support training in a wide range of skills, including communications, leadership and management, foreign language training, IT (both for technology professionals and those who use IT in their day to day jobs), health and safety and a wide range of company specific programmes. 

Laura Overton, based at e-skills UK and e-learning champion for the Skills for Business Network, said: "In today's increasingly mobile and flexible business environment, e-learning supports tailored, 'just-in-time' learning that can be accessed quickly, widely and cost-effectively by staff regardless of where they are and their hours of work." 

"The electronic delivery and support of formal training has been shown to make a significant contribution to staff productivity and motivation.  Informal learning is being used by staff to share knowledge between widely dispersed teams in a way that is not easily captured through more traditional methods."  

The study identified critical success factors for the introduction and use of e-learning, including a commitment to learning from senior management, the right IT infrastructure, effective internal management and support, and the sourcing of appropriate e-learning materials.  
The research findings are intended to help employers, training providers and policy makers better understand the ways in which e-learning can support employer skills requirements.

The research findings are published in a suite of reports, available for FREE download here:

Towards Maturity –Summary  (PDF - 1.5MB)

Towards Maturity: insights for employers and training providers (PDF - 4.7MB)

Towards Maturity: Facts and Figures (PDF - 5.03MB)

the Appendix to these reports describes the research methodology, the participant profile, the employer and learner surveys and data tables.

Towards Maturity: Appendix (PDF - 4.41MB)

Please send us your feedback and comments on the reports.

For more information on Work-Based e-Learning, go to www.TowardsMaturity.org

Posted on 06 Feb 2007

This article was originally created by the Work based e-learning project at e-skills UK and is reproduced with kind permission.

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