Fusion Productions - Integrating Meetings, Learning & Technology

Confessions of an e-learning junkie.

I am a voracious consumer of online learning. It's not just that I like to check out other instructional designer's work — though I am continually improving my work by doing so — it's that I find the medium so perfectly suits my learning needs and learning style.

I've taken online courses because I was required to, because I wanted to, for college credit, for personal enrichment, but mostly because I wanted to get better at my job, and online learning offered the path of least resistance and certainly the best ROI for my time.

Why does e-learning work for me? Like almost everyone I know, I have more things to do than I have time to do them in. I work full time (and more!), I am a wife and mother, I'm an avid (if mediocre) tennis player, and I like to hang with my friends and colleagues.

Where would (to take a real example) learning to optimize photos for display on the world wide web fit in to my schedule if I had to drive to a classroom once or twice a week, find a parking place, find the classroom, sit through a class paced to meet the needs of many learners other than myself, and wait for the moment the instructor deemed appropriate to explain the information I specifically needed?

It's a lot easier to log on to Element K, find a couple of likely courses, check out each's syllabus, sign up, and get going! If the course doesn't seem right, there's another one to try with the click of a mouse.

The benefits of online learning for me can be summed up as follows:

• 24/7. Self-paced courses are available any time. I can fit learning into my schedule, rather than work my schedule around the learning. Most instructor-led courses also offer considerable flexibility around when students can access the materials.
• Just in time. I don't get stuck taking a course months before I need it, because that's when it was scheduled. I can take it when I need the information and skills and know I'm going to have an opportunity to put those skills immediately to work. This way I don't forget what I've learned before I get the chance to use it.
• Just what I need. In a classroom, teachers frequently cover topics that while interesting, are aimed at an audience with different needs than my own. In an online couse, I can skim the content that doesn't matter a lot to me and concentrate on the content that I care about. I can put more time into the parts that are difficult for me but that other class members might breeze through.
• No more than I need. When you're in control of your learning as you are in self-paced classes, you don't have to learn what you don't want. You can stop when you have enough, then come back for more. Online learning courses are like an always available buffet rather than a sit-down meal. They're easier on the digestion.

Are You Ready for E-Learning?
10 Questions to ask yourself.

Are you technologically ready?

1. Do you use a computer on a regular basis?
2. Do you enjoy spending time browsing the World Wide Web?
3. Do you have access to a reliable internet connection with at least a 56K modem connection?

If you're new to computers or the internet, give yourself a chance to become familiar with the medium before you plunge into e-learning. While many courses are designed for low bandwidths, it can be frustrating waiting for a page to load if you have a slow connection. Some courses require you to download plug-ins, and this can seem daunting the first time you do it.

Are you motivated?

4. Have you made an effort since you left school to continue your education through reading, attending lectures, taking classes?
5. Do you attend MPI chapter meetings in order to enhance your professional skills as well as to network/see friends?
6. Have you ever taken — or really wanted to take — an MPI institute course?

Let's not kid ourselves; the desire to learn new skills and put some effort into doing so is independent of the medium a course is offered in. And learning independently in a self-paced course won't work if you're not motivated enough to be disciplined about putting in the time.

What is your learning style?

Do you like being in control of your learning experience? Do you like working at your own pace, rather than that of the teacher or classmates?

7. Are you a self-starter?
8. Do you like being in control of your learning experience? Do you like working at your own pace, rather than that of the teacher or classmates?
9. Do you enjoy trying new things?

If your preferred learning style is passive — you like to walk into a class, zone out, and exit with a certificate of completion, then e-learning is probably not for you. If you are more comfortable with someone in authority directing your experience, then you'll be disappointed, too. With e-learning, the ball's in your court — you need to care enough to grab it and go! E-Learning is different from classroom experience in some ways, and like every new experience it takes some adjusting to. It helps if you enjoy testing out something different. Not everyone does. In fact, one study showed that 40% of employees, when told an e-learning course was mandatory, didn't even try to take the course. Are you at the front of the group, or hiding out at the back?

The real reason why people succeed at e-learning

10. Do you have the desire to obtain new skills for current or future job opportunities?

A study by the Massie Institute and ASTD revealed that the largest single motivator for voluntary e-learners was the potential to advance their careers.

Make it easy on yourself—smoothing the road to e-learning

If this is your first time testing e-learning, take a self-paced course with linear navigation (such as MPI's ROI course, currently being offered free to members). Taking such a course is pretty much like reading a book, only more visually interesting. Frequently such courses will provide opportunities to jump to other web sites (you use your browser's back button to return to your course) and will include interactive exercises or knowledge checks.

1. Take advantage of modularization. Most e-learning courses are divided into easily digestible "chunks." Stop when you're full, but be sure to complete a "chunk," or chapter, or lesson, or whatever it's called. You'll remember more if you've completed a logical unit of thought.
2. Minimize distractions. Make sure others understand that you value your learning time and they are not to interrupt you. Don't interrupt yourself by checking your email!
3. If it's available, use the bookmark function, so that when you exit a course you can return directly to the page where you left off. (MPI's customized courses and Element K courses offer this functionality.)
4. If you want to interact with others, try an instructor-lead class and/or one that offers discussion boards or chat. Practice first in a non-classroom environment so you feel comfortable with the technology. (MPI will be offering an instructor-led online course in CMP preparation starting first quarter 2002.)
5. Check out online learning at trade shows and conferences, where vendors and speakers are eager to help you master the medium.
6. If you need help, ask! Usually this can be done by email or by phone.

Come on, give it a try!

Most things seem harder before you try them. I promise you that online learning is worth the effort, and easy to master.