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The e-learning Festival

The future view

Masie conducted a group interview of e-learning vendor CEOs, including Kevin Oakes of Click2Learn and Grieg Priest of SmartForce. Some interesting shifts of view have emerged. There is more emphasis on linking learning to business objectives with the solution-thinking moving away from the large vendors and instead coming more from within organisations who are increasingly confident in their ability to choose and utilise the learning delivery channels available to them.

Masie suggested that demand appears to be high for e-learning but there is chaos on the supply-side, as vendors rapidly consolidate. Oakes commented that currently the market place was more sceptical of e-learning's benefits (due to the level of less than successful implementations) but that within 5 years, e-learning would be regarded as mission critical, just as CRM is today. This would be on the basis that the business argument moves onto the productivity benefits of e-learning and away from cost avoidance. He speculated whether e-learning would evolve into a wider field called human capital management that drew together learning and knowledge management.

There was a discussion around how organisations should focus on 'just good enough' solutions rather than spend extra time and money (which many do not have) on higher quality. However, in my opinion, there appeared to be confusion here over whether quantity was more important than quality, and whether the 'just good enough' content made available to individuals was actually information dissemination rather than true learning material. Highlighting what appear to be diverging needs, Masie also stated that the younger generation within the work force had much higher expectations of e-learning, demanding much more engagement, simulation and richer learning experiences. The 'just good enough' approach may not apply here.

Case study 1: Shell International

Case study 2: BP International

Case study 3: Unilever