Sexy e-learning doesn't work

E-learning projects are failing to deliver because companies are too focused on 'sexy' content rather than improving the learning process.

The head of e-learning at Accenture HR Services, Ian Webster, told vnunet.com that client expectations meant e-learning suppliers are being drawn into offering products that look good but deliver little benefit.

"The flashier you get and the more gee-whiz you are, the better the e-learning supplier you are seen to be," Webster said.

"I suppose we're guilty of this ourselves. If a client is hooked on getting e-learning, you can deliver something that looks good but where the learner doesn't learn a lot," he added.

Training is at the bottom of most companies' to do list and easily interrupted by other 'priorities'. But until it is made a priority, it will fail to produce results, Webster said.

"Given the opportunity, most people would enjoy taking part in a learning activity if they saw something in it for them.

"I suspect training and learning opportunities only crop up as part of the annual performance. But I wonder how many people take that forward 48 hours later.

"Too few companies have a culture that encourages development of new skills and the refreshing of existing skills," he said.

But staff need to make e-learning a part of their day-to-day jobs, Webster said.

"A lot of people still regard learning on the screen as something of a subversive act. There's wariness on the part of the employee to fully take part in e-learning activity."

Putting flags on top of monitors while e-learning is in progress or allocating a dedicated room to it are ways to turn e-learning into something more than an activity when you have nothing better to do, he continued.

Accenture HR Services was set up earlier this year following the acquisition in February of ePeopleServe, a joint venture between Accenture and BT.