Take advantage of online training to boost employee skills

“How-to” videos, step-by-step interactive guides, electronic course notes enlivened with multimedia inserts and annotations... It's these capabilities that resulted in the growing acceptance of the concept of e-learning over the past decade or more.

A recent Ambient Insight Research report stated that the worldwide market for e-learning products and services was $32.1 billion in 2010, and is expected to rise to $49.9 billion by 2015.

However, Andre Joubert, GM of MWEB Business, says the availability of media-rich, interactive e-learning content on the Internet - and the advent of uncapped, business-strength ADSL connectivity - is changing the face of e-learning in South Africa.

“It has opened the way for budget- and time-strapped businesses to promote the development of employee skills that are so essential in today's fast-paced, constantly changing and highly competitive business environment,” he explains.

According to Joubert, e-learning has long been recognised as offering considerable advantages over conventional classroom-based training when it comes to training employees and management quickly, efficiently, and conveniently.

Today, virtually any type of training is available on the Internet - some paid for; a great deal of it free. Much of it incorporates media-rich, interactive content. Click on the “help” button on your Microsoft Office application, and you could receive the support you need via a video clip.

There are online courses that offer recognised and accredited qualifications in everything from human resource management and marketing to project management and software applications development.

There are also short programmes that give advice on everything from how to enhance your presentation skills to decorating the office, changing a plug and arranging flowers in the office foyer.

Using these online resources, however, requires fast, uncapped connectivity. With Uncapped Business ADSL starting from as little as R629 for an uncapped, unshaped and unthrottled service, local businesses can reap benefits such as:

1. Convenience - online training allows employees to learn anytime, anywhere and at their own pace.
2. Relevance - since course content includes the most current topics, e-learning ensures training is applicable to a person's career path.
3. Immediacy - delivery over the Internet enables training to begin with just a few mouse clicks.
4. Affordability - many courses are free, while the elimination of travel expenses and time out of the office makes even paid-for courses an attractive option.
5. Ease of use - open an Internet browser and employees are up and running quickly.