Major research report shows how the world of training is changing fast
E-learning is making dramatic inroads into the staff development programmes of many companies - but not at the expense of other forms of training. Whilst the future for staff training looks optimistic, the majority of companies are hopeless at evaluating and following-up their staff learning.
During late 2000, leading internet resource provider TrainingZONE and major show organisers Brintex (responsible for the highly successful annual Training Solutions and IT Training Show) launched a major research survey into current trends in training practice and policy. The online research tool was completed by over 400 Training and HR professionals from a representative sample of companies and organisations.
The research provides up-to-data findings in several areas:
Recent and planned changes in the use made of conventional training, online training, outdoor training, coaching and mentoring, and private study
experiences to date in the use of online learning
attitudes towards electronic learning methods
time allocated to staff development
current practices in feedback, evaluation and action plans
current practices in supporting learners
organisational learning culture - and the gap between rhetoric and reality.
Three quarters of Training and HR Managers had personally used online learning tools and their positive comments outweighed their negative ones by two to one. These professionals welcomed the convenience and flexibility of online methods, but were more critical of its isolating nature.
TrainingZONE Director Tim Pickles, commenting today on the Training Trends 2001 findings said: "These results provide us with an illuminating and challenging view of the state of workplace training today. Athough the role of staff development looks secure, there is little scope for complacency - the learning support practices in many organisations leave much to be desired."
Frazer Chesterman, Organiser of the Training Solutions Show highlighted the changing patterns in training delivery: "The uptake of online learning methods has progressed further than we had previously anticipated. The growth in coaching and mentoring schemes is also a welcome development. We were particularly surprised to discover that most Training and HR Managers are not planning to cut back on their more traditional classroom training approaches."
An interesting focus of the study was on company attitudes and culture towards staff development and learning.
TrainingZONE and Training Solutions are collaborating again this year to run the H.O.T. (Hands on Training) Event 2001. Over 500 training professionals will be attending the Event running at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham on 26-28 June 2001. The Event has lined up a host of top name speakers and workshops focusing on: the impact of e-learning; government training policies and funding; and innovation in training.
Martine Parry , 02 February 2001 @ 13:02 PM One answer to isolation
The article mentions the downside of elearning being the isolation of the learner. I have encountered this problem many times and have found that online communities, when set up and managed properly, can address this adequately. Please contact me if you would like more information as to how this was done.
I believe in the taking of evolutionary steps -and being from a strong enterprise IT background, I know the pitfalls (and benefits) of deploying company-wide tools, such as LMSs. When in doubt, incorporate the elements that you can manage whilst looking for an up-grade path which does not lock you in.
Martine Parry
Tim Pickles , 26 January 2001 @ 12:25 PM First feedback from Training Trends 2001
In its first week, this survey report has generated intense interest from the UK and Europe. Copies have been downloaded to a range of countries. Amongst the comments most frequently received are: - The greater than anticipated uptake of elearning - The poor practice revealed about evaluating and following up on learning - The cynicism demonstrated by some companies around staff development. The report remains available via the link in the story above. Tim Pickles
