Book review
Preparing Learners for E-Learning
Preparing Learners for E-Learning
Jossey Bass Wiley, March 2003
Author: various, Ed. George M Piskurich
Review by Bob Hampson, Epic
This eclectic mix of educational research and practical
case history material tackles the issue of learner preparation,
which, it argues, can make a decisive difference to the chances
of success in an e-learning programme.
It comprises 11 comprehensive contributions from academics,
practitioners and industry experts, as well as a fascinating last
chapter of comments by learners themselves. Its main purpose is
to present a number of ways by which businesses and educational
institutions can prepare learners to succeed at e-learning.
The intended audience is primarily those who create and deliver
e-learning in the business sector - and their managers. Each chapter
is written by an expert in learner preparation either from academia
or industry. While the quite marked differences in style and format
between chapters that results from this aproach gives the book an
admirable richness, it makes for a slightly lumpy read. However
the book is clearly intended to function as a reference source,
and need not be read from cover to cover. Different audiences within
the organisation will easily find their way to the chapters of particular
relevance to themselves.
The ground covered is extensive, ranging from the theory on self-directed
learning to supporting learners through technology, taking in organisational,
academic and e-learning vendor perspectives on the subject.
Of particular interest from a business perspective is Chapter five,
'A View from a Corporate Learning Leader". Its author, Rich
Rabideau is a Vice President of Prudential Finance in the USA, and
his chapter gives a very down-to-earth view of what has actually
happened with e-learning, good and bad, in his own organisation.
A strong champion of e-learning and the enormous organisational
benefits it can bring, he brings the twenty-twenty vision imparted
by hindsight to laying down how organisations should be preparing
for e-learning. His view of blended learning as a 'transition strategy'
from traditional training to e-learning will appear eccentric to
many readers, however this chapter gives much practical advice,
some helpful checklists and numerous useful weblinks for further
information.
There is a shortage of publications on the issue of learner readiness,
so this work should find its way onto many training departments'
bookshelves. It is strong on best practice examples, practical strategies
and sensible checklists to help organisations better prepare their
learners for e-learning... and thus to increase the probability
of their getting a good return on their e-learning investments.
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