By Edu H. Lopez
Manila Bulletin
Although e-learning has only been around for three years in the Philippines, it has had its share of fictional beliefs. These myths are probably some of the main reasons why some organizations still fear implementing e-learning.
Let us categorize these facts and fictions and examine the nature of each:
Fiction 1: e-learning, being a technological advancement, is expensive
When people think of technology – simple or complicated - the first thing that comes to mind is “Uh oh, expensive!” This misunderstanding especially applies to the 80% of the population that are not technical experts.
Fact 1: Yapster e-learning has dealt with our fair share of this misconception. More often than not, potential customers close their doors right away to first meetings because of this myth. On the other hand, with those that do entertain the thought of implementing e-learning, they are frequently surprised that e-learning is actually affordable. In some cases, it is more cost effective than implementing other forms of learning. For the record, the most inexpensive implementation we did was for Php100 per student for the Basic IT package (which includes: Introduction to and History of PC, Windows, Saving and Printing Files, MSWord, MSExcel, MSPowerPoint, MSAccess, Introduction to the Internet and Email).*.
Fiction 2: e-learning entails major organizational changes
Especially for companies, a lot of them feel that implementing e-learning means changing the whole training manual and having to start from scratch. It also means that the HR/training group’s workload expands exponentially.
Fact 2: Companies need to understand that e-learning is a way to enhance training within the organization. This means a positive but minor change. The only change that we found from working with clients is the delivery medium. Instead of using classroom and instructor as training instruments, we now use, maximize, and incorporate technology into the picture. Other than that, everything remains the same, i.e. training manuals, procedures, HR policies, etc.
Another concept that companies also need to keep in mind is that technology allows people to do a better job quicker and more efficient. Take for example email. If we still relied on snail mail, we would not be able to take advantage of email to deliver news, communicate with suppliers/buyers abroad or execute a pending job decision swiftly. In e-learning, a user-friendly tracking program – similar to how email works – within the e-learning system allows for real-time recording and tracking of learner progress from start to finish. With just literally one click of a button, HR/training group will already have complete data of each employee’s learning path.
Fiction 3: e-learning will replace teachers/trainors
Possibly partly attributed to Terminator3, there is a constant fear that machines, and of course, technology will ultimately replace humans. Specifically in e-learning, the fear is that teachers and trainors will lose their jobs over technology.
Fact 3: The fact is e-learning will never replace humans. First, there is always the need for human interaction as this promotes social nurturing among us. Second, humans create machines; it is the classic “chicken and egg” question. But in this case, humans came first so machines can never be more superior than humans. In fact, in schools that Yapster e-learning have partnered with, teachers, through e-learning, become more attuned with their students’ learning growth. As e-learning already supplies the content, lesson plan and exams, teachers will have more time to do what they do best – teach and administer one-on-one sessions with each student. This allows for a more personalized path for each student to fully maximize technology and their teacher/s’ time.
Fiction 4: e-learning is only for IT-savvy people
E-learning only applies to those who have studied computer science or people fortunate enough to be gifted with such IT skill.
Fact 4: e-learning is for anyone who has an open heart and open mind to learn. In 2000, Yapster e-Learning did an informal study where we requested three individuals to come in and test the viability of e-learning. At that time, e-learning was still a novel idea. The individuals’ demographics represented the three general groups of people that exist today: IT-savvy, everyday computer users, technophobes. These three individuals were employed by the same company – the IT-savvy was in his mid-20’s with a Computer Science degree; the everyday computer user was in her mid-30’s employed as the General Manager; the technophobe was a 65-year old lady who had no prior background on computers. Taking the same course with the same amount of access duration, all three attained almost the same overall scores (average scores ranged from 63% - 71%). As expected, the 65-year old technophobe, without any prior knowledge on computers, achieved the highest learning curve out of the group. She, together with so many who are both new and used to computers, have harnessed e-learning to further enhance their IT literacy.
Fiction 5: Retention rate of learners is lessened with e-learning
Fact 5: In studies conducted by organizations such as the US Army, Xerox, Fedex, and IBM, e-learning as opposed to classroom training showed a 60% faster learning curve and 60% higher content retention. This is just the “tip of the iceberg”. If you couple e-learning with classroom training, more specifically termed “Blended Learning”, the results are even more amazing, according to Lockheed Martin. Blended Learning generates a 30% higher accuracy of performance and 41% speed of performance in the workplace. This means that after undergoing both e-learning and classroom training, the participants were able to do their jobs 30% more accurately and 41% faster. Take, for example, a typist moving from using a typewriter to MSWord. The typist takes an e-learning course and then a typing workshop. Immediately, the number of errors from using the typewriter to MSWord decreases in a shorter span of time – she does a 41% faster and 30% more accurate job of producing documents for the company.
Some people just have an unexplained fear towards technology, specifically e-learning. It might be because they do not understand the full capacity and advantage of e-learning or they have misconceptions that were never dispelled. But something as beneficial to companies and schools as e-learning is definitely worth exploring with. You might just be surprised that these fictitious beliefs are simply made from people’s negative imaginations.