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TechTrends e-Newsletter I May 2004 Page 6 of 7 <br /> Date: 12/8 tr <br /> ' 'R MATIN <br /> Registration Contact: Click Here To Register <br /> ar <br /> 1111 Perspective <br /> Take the E-train <br /> After years of hype and mediocre returns, e-learning is finally delivering true <br /> benefits. How can you benefit? <br /> Four or five years ago, e-learning—programs that deliver e ducation via the <br /> Internet, a network, or standalone computer—were a powerful lure for businesses <br /> looking to maximize their training dollars. Unfortunately, like a lot of promises made <br /> during the tech bubble frenzy, not all e-learning offerings delivered on their <br /> potential. It now appears that e-learning is back on the growth track, however. By <br /> some estimates, the e-learning market could reach $50 billion by the end of this <br /> decade. <br /> How can you make it work for your company? One crucial step is to make sure that <br /> your provider presents the training lessons properly. One typical complaint in the <br /> past was that"e-learning" offerings sometimes consisted of little more than <br /> PowerPoint presentations designed with little regard for a client's individual training <br /> needs. <br /> The industry certainly appears to have matured since then. One big change: <br /> Increases in bandwidth, which are allowing providers to harness the power of the <br /> Web and thus offer training that is truly interactive and engaging. At the same time, <br /> • many providers have realized that they need to offer customized courses that <br /> measure results and identify areas that employees need to address for future <br /> improvement. Another new approach is a technique often referred to as "blended <br /> learning," which combines computer-based training with live classroom sessions and <br /> follow-up electronic activities. <br /> A final word: Advances in training aside, the onus is also on the client to define <br /> what they want to gain from the e-learning process. As with any endeavor, you <br /> need to define your goals and set overall training objectives. <br /> Want to learn more about e-learning and its potential benefits and challenges? <br /> Check out these four Web sites as a starting point: <br /> • http://www.e-learningguru.com <br /> • http://www.elearnmag.org/ <br /> • http://www.e-learningsite.com <br /> • http://www.ocic.org/community/topics/elearning/basics/default.htm <br /> a <br /> N tsT Network <br /> M EP Aft Ihate <br /> Home I Contact Us I Site Map I Privacy Policy I Terms of Use <br /> http://www.minnesotatechnology.org/publications/techtrends/2004/May/printVersion.asp 5/17/2004 <br />