E-learning barriers and readiness in online university training

¶ … Human Resource Development: Performance Learning," e-learning a method

When implemented correctly, e-learning is one of the most viable means of training individuals and organization in contemporary times. However, there are a number of caveats associated with this means of training which revolves around full concentration and cooperation on the part of employees. In some instances, e-learning is a valuable means of supplementing conventional training taking place in physical locations, some of which can actually involve scholarly articles (Chua and Bernardo II, 2011). The barriers to this form of training, its methodology, and preparation for this type of learning should be carefully deconstructed before attempting to utilize it.

As a training method, e-learning involves individuals logging in to an internet site for their training. Quite frequently, they are required to successfully complete a series of modules before the training is completed. The training can involve examinations and writing on the part of the employee being trained, while the e-learning modules themselves frequently involve various aspects of audio and visual to familiarize employees with new concepts. A number of organizations require their employees to successfully finish some form of assessment which indicates that they have correctly finished their e-learning as training.

Online learning has grown "exponentially" (Elbeck and Mandernach, 2009). There are a number of barriers to e-learning readiness. There are some people who are innately weary of computers and training; others do not have computers or the internet at their home and associate these tools with difficulty. Therefore, ensuring that individuals are familiar with the various hardware and software programs necessary for e-learning is a formidable barrier to overcome. Another barrier is the propensity to 'cheat' that e-learning readily provides. A number of individuals who are internet and computer savvy realize that these tools can provide a bevy of information. As such, they are not necessarily ready to engage in e-learning as they are ready to quickly get to the assessments, and simply look up the information needed to pass them on the internet. Autonomy and discipline, then, are related to this barrier.

E-learning readiness has played a great deal in success at online universities. It is essential for any student preparing to earn a degree from an online university to be prepared for the differences that he or she will encounter with this particular option as opposed to learning in a conventional classroom setting. These students must be prepared to not attempt to take 'shortcuts' or to cheat on their assignments and quizzes. Conversely, they need to be cognizant of the bevy of resources at their disposal while engaged in online learning. Universities, for instance, offer a number of virtual resources specifically designed to assist students with the challenges associated with learning in a distance environment. Students need to know how to contact instructors and other students, and utilize this platform of learning to their advantage.