Johannesburg, 05 Aug 2003
Providing e-learning today no longer means providing training products - whether they are off-the-shelf or custom-built - but providing appropriate learning solutions. This means that e-learning content providers need to constantly assess markets needs, and find solutions to address the issues facing learners and learning institutions today.
It is the ability - or willingness - to address these issues that are lacking in the local e-learning marketplace today.
This is according to Terry Kier, Masterskill MD, who says: "During Masterskill`s management transition over the past few months, very little new and innovative products or services have emerged in the local e-learning arena and there has been no single player who has added significant value to the industry."
Kier believes that some e-learning players have ignored the range of technologies and techniques that might be used today to create appropriate e-learning solutions for the local market. Instead, they are focused on selling specific products, ignoring the need for a total solution.
"Because of the thirst for complete solutions and e-learning tools - especially in basic computing, which still seem to be the most desired skills in SA - many individuals and organisations are purchasing products that do not necessarily address their needs," says Kier.
"In addition, there seems to be a heightened level of confusion among users about what is available in the e-learning marketplace due to suppliers who simply turn a blind eye to what learners actually need.
"Because of the uncertainty over what solutions exist, a lot of popular certifications have become commoditised. Learners also receive absolutely no value-add, and this results in a lack of credibility in the eyes of learners. It also undermines the value of these certifications."
Kier believes Masterskill has significant value to add to the market, and that the company is at the forefront of providing customised course content, delivering training more efficiently and effectively.
"Masterskill has always had a reputation for introducing innovative products and enhancing its current service offering. It is thus our intention to meet the high expectations of our client base, which includes some of SA`s leading global corporations."
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