First blog

E-learning in organisations can be a very productive system, if there is enough funds to maintain and support the demand. If there is not enough resources, funding, readiness of stakeholders then the opportunity for a wonderful system of e-learning can be hindered.

According to Weller (2004), “the creation of quality e-learning material creates a cost dilemma for many institutions, since it has both high variable and high fixed costs”, which in turn means that there will be a reduction in the learning material used. If the organisations can not afford to use these systems, i ask myself is there a point in funding it?. If the quality of the system is really bad because of the lack of funding then employees will not be motivated to use the system.

Learner readiness is also a big issue to consider when deciding to implant a e-learning process into a organisation. As Piskurich (2003) mentions a learner is ready when there is “learner autonomy, initiative and independence and persistence in learning; one who accepts responsibility for his or her own learning and views problems as challenges, not obstacles; one who is capable of self-discipline and has a high degree of curiosity”.  Without these aspects, a learner will not use the e-learning facility to a optimal use, therefore making the system irrelevant.

These are two factors that i have mentioned that will make e-learning a waste of time for an organisation. Although if there is enough resources, funding and the stakeholders are ready for this kind of technology upgrade then e-learning can be a very useful teaching and learning facility. 

Piskurich, G.M. 2003, E-Learning Support: Are you ready for e-learning, American Management Association, viewed 24/10/07,  http://www.amanet.org/elearn/articles/ready_4elearn.htm

Weller, M. 2004, Learning objectives and the e-learning Cost dilemma, Eric, viewed 24/10/07 <www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/recordDetail?accno=EJ694828>.