FAQ
What is the difference between eLearning and eTraining?
eLearning is primarily concerned with the delivery of KNOWLEDGE, THEORY and CONCEPT: eTraining is concerned with increasing the Learner’s SKILLS and ABILITIES to perform at an improved level in the workplace.
While SkillsCerts has developed eLearning programmes, its primary objective is to deliver generic and client led eTraining programmes.
What is the difference between generic and client led training?
Generic training programmes deliver general competency in a specific skills area – Food Safety and Hygiene, Customer Service, Personal Selling, Marketing etc.
Client led training programmes are generic training programmes tailored to the specific requirements of an individual company or organization e.g. Food Safety & Hygiene in the Supermaket, Customer Service in the Mahony Hotel Group, Personal Selling for Impact Travel Agency Personnel, etc.
SkillsCerts personnel have developed eTraining programmes in the areas of Marketing, Food Safety & Hygiene, Supermarket Skills, Customer Service Skills.
Why is there an increased demand for eTraining?
The modern workplace is dominated by an ever increasing pace of change: this is reflected in the demands for new, enhanced and more diverse skills sets on the part of employees.
In addition, the complexities of new technologies, increased demands for quality assurance, changes in the regulatory environment and the internationlization of labour forces have imposed major demands on employers to increase the abilities and qualifications of their workforces.
At the same time, it is not practical or cost effective to release employees or technical support people in associated business partners and their staff for traditional instructor led training.
What are the major advantages of eTraining?
- The web based technologies required for the development and delivery of training are readily available to the employer.
- The web based technologies required by Learers who wish to undertake training are readily available in the workplace, at home or when travelling.
- Minimal computer or IT skills are required by Learners if eTraining programmes are properly designed.
- Training can be tailored to the requirements of indivdual employees or job situations.
- Employers have complete control of the training iself and the level of effectiveness with which the training is being delivered: should the employer wish, a Learner’s work and progress can be inspected at any time by his or her workplace Supervisor or by a member of the H.R. function.
- Independent certification of training programmes and validation of skills levels achieved by learners is usually possible.
- Complete and detailed training records can be maintained and integrated into Employer’s existing record systems if the regulatory enviroment demands this.
- Up-dating and revision of exisiting skills can be put in place quickly and economically.
- Training can be delivered in a wide range of languages.
- Travel and subsistence costs can be reduced or eliminated.
What kinds of skills can be delivered by eTraining methods?
- Technological skills, especially computing, computer software, Internet and related electronics skills.
- General performance and operating skills in commercial and industrial areas such as Supermarkets, Food Processing, Medical Devices, Hospitality industries, etc.
- Specific performance skills related to the operation, maintenance or repair of machines or installations.
- Cognitive skills including problem solving, application of specific techniques or procedures, completion of forms or documentation.
- Attitudinal skills leading to behavioural change.
What kinds of skills are difficult to deliver by eTraining methods?
It is particularly difficult to deliver psychomotor skills effectively using eTraining methods. Crane driving, operating dangerous or complex machinery.
These skills require, coaching, observation, practice, feedback and gradual enhancement to the stage where the trainee achieves the required level of competence. eTraining can supplement the coaching and demonstration process but cannot deliver competence without the active intervention of the human trainer.
SkillsCerts can make meaningful interventions by developing for clients the web or electronically delivered content of blended learning programmes.
What is blended learning?
Blended learning is the process of combining web and technology delivered training so as to supplement tutor/trainer led training in the classrom or in the workplace. The combination is particularly applicable when dealing with psychomotor skills training and where human observation and assessment is required as part of a formal certification process.
In one case, SkillsCerts personel developed the web delivered content of the blended learning programme, this was supplemented by workplace personal tuition and an accredited in house trainer supervised and assessed the skills levels attained by the Trainee so that certification could be awarded by the national accrediting body.
What about Certification?
Training is generally much more acceptable to staff if formal certification by a recognised professional body or certification agency is part of the programme itself.
Also, for most training which is being subvented from industry or Government sources, certification as a result of formal assessment is a requirement.
SkillsCerts personnel have worked with The Marketing Institute of Ireland and FETAC to obtain Certification for its training programmes.
Who should undertake the development of eTraining programmes?
Consideration should be given to the delivery of training via eTraining platforms under the following circumstances:- When tutor or trainer led programmes are difficult to organise or expensive to deliver
- When it is difficult to release staff for off-the-job training
- When there is a requirement for constant updating of skills
- Where there is a large workforce, widely dispersed over a geographic area or internationally
- When there is a large turnover of staff and replacements require rapid, detailed but inexpensive training programmes in a narrow range of specific skills
- Where there is a wide range of educational and experiential backgrounds among personnel within the workforce
- Where there is need for regulatory purposes to show that groups or individuals have been properly trained and their competency assessed
- Where training is required in a range of different languages
What technologies are required by a learner who wishes to undertake an eTraining programme?
Well designed eTraining programmes should require no more from Learners than a reasonably modern PC or Laptop with the normal suites of software and access to the Internet.