IBM has saved some $200m per year on the cost of training its 95,000 employees worldwide by switching to e-learning, according to Mike Theaker.
Other benefits of internet learning include the possibility of running games and simulations over the web, making instruction more realistic and memorable. At the same time, training departments can also operate virtual classrooms with lecturers supervising tutor groups remotely, using e-mail, chat rooms and internet telephones to communicate with trainees.
A lot of organisations are saying they can use the internet to promote their own ethos and to encourage the self-development of their employees, observes Joe Pelissier.
Mr Morris cites Sony in Germany, which invested considerable resources in using web-based instruction to keep its 1200-strong sales force up to speed on new products, services and potential problems, thus giving the company a competitive edge.
Companies that have invested heavily in e-learning will not necessarily be closing their training centres, either. Deloitte Consulting, for example, will continue with classroom instruction. However, the company has used e-learning to prepare students for a company-wide classroom-based e-business course, and to reinforce their learning afterwards.
Questions
1. Mr Theaker claims e-learning will save money because
2. The writer points out that while e-learning makes new types of activities possible,
3. Joe Pelissier says some organisations see e-learning as beneficial because
4. Sony found that an advantage of e-learning is that
5. A feature of the Deloitte Consulting e-learning programme is that