Employers embrace e-learning

Employers see big benefits from e-learning compared to more traditional training methods, according to research from e-skills UK.

Eight in 10 employers said the biggest drivers for using technology to teach is the accessibility, flexibility and cost-effectiveness that high-tech courses offer. Currently these courses generally consist of training programmes offered to staff on their PCs - either via the internet or via dedicated training software.

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The most popular up and coming high-tech teaching methods include podcasting - where teachers send audio files to students - and chatrooms - where teachers and students can discuss topics. Seventeen per cent of employers plan to use these technologies in the next three years.

Three in four employers using e-learning to train staff said they are planning to "significantly increase" its use over the next three years.

But e-skills UK said "investment in e-learning does not necessarily guarantee success", adding that it's a case of practice makes perfect - with more established e-learning employers reaping the highest rewards, such as improved staff motivation.

More than 45 per cent of learners surveyed said e-learning makes a positive difference to their job performance.

Over the next three years, employers intend to spend nearly a third (30 per cent) of their total training budgets on e-learning, according to the research.