Electronic learning has become a preferred mode of training among employers that must ensure their employees stay abreast of the latest trends and changes in the marketplace. A study by the American Society of Training and Development, an association for workplace professionals, found that the average percentage of all training done via e-learning was 8.8 percent in 2000. That rose from 8.5 percent in 1999.
E-learning is filling a vital role for workers who want to update their skills and advance as well as for companies whose staff must meet ever-evolving certification and compliance requirements. The big advantage is that the courses can be done anytime anywhere. E-learning is a relatively new training and learning facility that is being tested and deployed in a variety of private and public organizations, although large corporate organizations are most advanced in its use.
According to a leading market study (Xebec McGraw-Hill, 2001), 87% of surveyed organizations possess an intranet, and 28% of these organizations presently use it to deliver training, although this increased to 70% in 2006. Moreover, the deployment of e-learning for the teaching of ‘soft’ interpersonal management skills is increasing, as more soft skills content is made available and the confidence of training managers in the effectiveness of online learning has improved.