E-Learning That's Alive

One of Bersin & Associates' Top 10 Predictions for 2006 is that the use of live e-learning will grow dramatically. Live e-learning attempts to simulate the advantages of a classroom environment through online broadcasts. The concept is not new, but the insurgence of blended learning has helped shine the spotlight on it.

Fueled by virtual meeting technology and increased bandwidth, live e-learning provides an effective tool in the blended learning arena. It offers the benefits of having a live facilitator without the logistical and expense issues of the classroom.

During the course, questions are answered in real-time and learners can chat directly with the instructor and each other. Learners can break up into separate groups in virtual rooms to have discussions. The use of polling and other interactivities help keep the learners engaged and allows the facilitator to monitor both attention and attendance. Customizable interfaces, modeled after existing learning, give the learner a familiar environment. The blended learning concept is often further enhanced through the availability of additional resources such as, case studies, recordings of other classes, and reference material.

The courses are often broken up into three-hour sessions, increasing attention span and information retention. High-quality recordings of the class provide a self-study mode for learners that could not attend or were called away during the broadcast.

The most effective sessions don’t end when the class is over, but continue to provide learner support. Instructors may remain on-call to answer questions and arrange chat sessions with students to encourage discussion and feedback.

The live e-learning environment can not fully replace the classroom, but in many instances it can provide an excellent alternative that is engaging and supplies real-time human interaction.