Epic Blog

Some blue sky e-learning required - by Dr Naomi Norman

According to the screen in front of me, I am writing this blog entry on a plane 18375 m high somewhere above the Atlantic, and this got me thinking... Epic produces a lot of e-learning for airline cabin crew, but where is the e-learning for passengers?

It strikes me that long plane journeys are an ideal place to engage in some e-learning. With hours stuck in a seat in the sky, of course, I can watch a film, listen to music, or read a book.  But I’d also like the opportunity to brush up on a bit of local knowledge for my destination.
 
For example, an interactive lesson, or even a fun game, that introduced me to the Kuala Lumpur subway system, or the process of getting a cab in Cincinnati Airport (just in case you ever travel there, you cannot go directly to a taxi rank – you have to go to a desk inside the terminal and get a taxi number) would have served me well, saved me time, and also somewhat reduced my stress! Yes, I know, I could have bought a travel book.  However, on short business trips where there is no time to see the sights, the thought of finding out about the places I won’t have time to visit, see, or enjoy, understandably doesn’t appeal.

Then there is the local lingo. Often I want just a few key phrases:  ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘please’, ‘not now thank you’, and ‘I might come back and buy that later’ would do me just fine. Again, yes, I know, I could buy a travel book. But, if you have a learning style anything like mine, you’ll need to hear (rather than read) the language in order to stand the remotest chance of being understood (and, no, I don’t want to buy a 4 hour CD beginners’ guide – guaranteed to give me all the most useful phrases, when I only want a few!)

And an introduction to local culture wouldn’t go amiss either. A lesson in the hand signals used by Israelis when they want you to wait a moment would certainly have prevented me from spending time on my arrival in their country feeling rather offended.

In all these cases, a bit of e-learning on board would have certainly made for a better prepared traveller, a smoother experience on landing, and, all in all, a happier customer.

Would you benefit from e-learning on your next airborne business trip or holiday? Feel free to air your thoughts below!

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First | Previous | Showing comments 5 to 7 of 7
Sarah Bjarkoy
Posts: 7
Comment
Some blue sky e-learning required
Reply #3 on : Thu June 11, 2009, 16:51:16
This is a fantastic idea and definately one I would like to be involved in producing!

It's so important to remember that you will get the most out of your holiday or business experience abroad if you know the key cultural points to observe and the ones to avoid.

It's also worth pointing out that not everyone remembers to buy a travel guide or pocket language guide when they're packing their suitcase or laptop. This is a fantastic idea for 'just in time' e-learning!
Lucy Harding
Posts: 7
Comment
Some blue sky e-learning required
Reply #2 on : Mon June 08, 2009, 16:56:35
A fabulous idea (and a project that I would love to manage ;o)
Greg Townsend
Posts: 7
Comment
The benefits of e-learning and travel
Reply #1 on : Fri June 05, 2009, 00:57:01
As a seasoned traveller I think this is a great idea. More than one way of looking at information tends to get it into my brain better.
First | Previous | Showing comments 5 to 7 of 7