Small business big on e-learning
5/03/2010
For small business operators, training can often occur in an informal, on-the-job manner, focusing on short-term, bite-sized ‘chunks’ targeted at immediate business needs.
And while many small businesses regard training as important, private training provider Illawarra ITeC has found that they don’t spend as much time on training as they would like.
With its E-Connect & Grow (ECG) project, Illawarra ITeC took its physical Business Enterprise Centre online and provided customised training to small business operators in the start up phase of their business, and to those isolated from face-to-face training by distance or circumstance.
With E-learning Innovations funding and support from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, Illawarra ITeC investigated e-learning through the:
- research and implementation of an online learning platform
- trial of a range of learning management systems and web conferencing tools
- trial of an e-learning environment with learners
- development of an ECG blog where the participants were free to discuss and share their experiences
- development of an ECG easy learning guide to assist businesses looking to undertake an e-learning project.
Through ECG, learners connected with like-minded colleagues from their local area, allowing regular networking and development opportunities and encouraging a self-motivating learning environment.
Given the time demands placed on small business operators, ECG provided real benefits, particularly with learners able to access course materials at their convenience. Additional benefits included:
- the opportunity to offer accredited training to a diverse mix of learners, using multiple formats and styles
- reduced costs, particularly for those clients based in remote locations
- a value for money alternative to individual or group training
- improved knowledge and skills in the use of e-learning as an alternative method of training.
According to Gillian Walker, Project Manager at Illawarra ITeC, e-learning lends itself to meeting the needs of small business owners.
“By embedding e-learning in our training delivery we were able to offer small business operators a range of e-learning options that delivered training when and where they wanted. We are now in a great position to grow and expand the services we offer,” she said.
“My advice to other training providers looking to get into e-learning is: plan, plan and keep on planning. E-learning is different for everyone and it is often through trial and error that you find the best fit for your organisation. Having a plan, and a back up plan, will ensure you are able to meet your client’s needs while experimenting with a new training genre.”
Small business e-learning resources:
Submitted by Brand Management on 5 March 2010 - 11:05am. 