Most learners are thoroughly entrenched in the notion of classroom learning. It's easy to go to a classroom, grab a seat in one of the neatly lined rows, and listen. So what happens when an adult learner is given a URL and told to go learn? Often, e-learning newbies experience an array of emotions, including fear, discomfort, and confusion. But why?
The advent of e-learning and the exodus that's occurring from traditional learning practices has created a technical skills chasm of basic Web expertise. As with any skills gap, almost all Web-based e-learning gaps can be overcome with training and practice.
First, let's take a look at the emotional issues.
Fear. First-time e-learners may think, "I've always learned in a classroom with an instructor. I can't learn on my own." That's a common belief perpetuated by the classroom model, which is still the predominant learning vehicle from grade school through post-graduate work. That fear and self-efficacy can be dispelled by helping new e-learners see that they can and already do learn new things on their own all the time, such as the quickest route to and from work, soccer rules, song lyrics, computer operations, and so forth.
Likewise, e-trainers facing e-learning for the first time may experience a perceived lack of technical prowess or new facilitation techniques. Also, there's the myth that the introduction of e-learning will somehow eliminate the need for people in the learning process. But even the best e-learning solutions require human intervention for evaluation and maintenance to be effective. Much to Stanley Kubrick's chagrin, HAL really doesn't exist in 2001.
Discomfort. The social interaction, sensory feedback, and snacks make the basic classroom setting comforting for learners. Many new to e-learning dislike the sometimes non-social, self-directed learning experience in which feedback can be minimal or non-existent. You can minimize those issues by carefully reviewing and selecting e-learning courseware against criteria established by your organization prior to implementing the solution, and by gathering user feedback to initiate change with suppliers.
Most traditional trainers still prefer conducting classroom training because it offers corporate exposure through knowledge sharing. In a classroom setting you'll normally see an instructor driving the process: "Turn to page 10 of your workbook…. Now we're going to conduct an exercise…. Class I've got some questions for you," ad infinitum. There's a definite appeal to being the "sage on the stage," and many resolute trainers find that e-learning diminishes their face-time." One way to overcome that feeling is to let those folks know that they're building new skills rather than losing their job.
Confusion. Many organizations still don't have an e-learning strategy. Instead, guerilla e-learning occurs: pockets of e-learning solutions that are inconsistently initiated across the organization as suppliers make non-strategic sales. Creating and communicating an e-learning strategy can alleviate that problem.
The solution
The thread running through the emotional issues associated with e-learning is an underlying technical skills gap: Web basics. Imagine that you've never been scuba diving, but you have the opportunity to dive in Blue Springs, Florida, with manatees or go wreck diving off a sunken World War II submarine in Maui. Naturally, you're worried about the science and mechanics of scuba diving. Is there special equipment you need to be able to operate? How does a regulator work? Are you physically prepared to haul scuba equipment to and from vehicles and the dive site? Those technical skills questions can be addressed by a scuba diving qualification program. Similarly, e-learning gaps can be overcome with equivalent training or practice.
Here are some basic Web skills for those beginning their e-learning quest.
Understanding your Web browser. Because much of e-learning is Web-based, it's important to be comfortable with Web browsers. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are the most common Web browsers (and they're free!). But there are some new fee-based browsers, such as Opera (opera.com), iCab (icab.de), Rdesk (rdesk.com), and 1X Net Browser (scitrav.com/1x). The Help function within most Web browsers offer step-by-step instructions for navigating Webpages, using email, bookmarking Websites, and so forth.
Setting up Internet accounts. To use your Web browser effectively, you must be able to connect to the Internet. That can be done via internal or external modem, local area network, cable modem, or DSL. For a home connection, you'll need to decide whether you want to use a local Internet Service Provider or a giant ISP such as AOL. There are advantages to either service. For example, using AOL requires almost no technical savvy to get Web connected. The drawback is that millions of other users have accounts with large providers, putting high demand on bandwidth and making access to technical support more trying. Using a local ISP requires more work and know-how, but most offer connection wizards and technical support to get your account set up. The advantage of a local ISP is that there are less people logging on simultaneously so you experience better reliability, more time online, and less time waiting for technical support. The key to any service is remembering your user name and password.
Establishing an e-mail account. Your browser isn't as powerful if it's without email. The key things you'll need when setting up your account with an ISP are your address, user name, password, incoming mail server, outgoing email server or SMTP server, and FTP and news server settings.
Navigating Websites. Users move around Webpages by clicking on links, which is code that lets you jump to a referenced site. Most links appear as underlined words, but objects and graphics can also serve as links. If you're on a link, your cursor will change shape and the URL will appear along the bottom of your screen. It's easy to move from site to site, so use your browser's title bar (same as in most Windows applications) to find out where you are.
Searching for Websites. Many commercial sites can be found by entering the company name in the address bar. For instance, enter astd.org into your Web browser address bar and you'll go to the ASTD Website. But for other sites, you'll need to be able to use search engines, such as Google, Yahoo!, Dogpile, Lycos, WebCrawler, Snap, AltaVista, or Excite. After entering a phrase, name, or subject, those portals and search engines provide a list of links with a brief description for each. The first couple of pages will link to the most relevant information, so try rewording or narrowing your search if your initial search results are inadequate or overwhelming. If you're uncertain about how to begin, visit Ask.com, which lets you enter a question and prompts you with similar questions and related links. When you've found a valuable Website, it's a good idea to bookmark it future reference.
Using collaboration tools. Collaboration tools enable people in different locations to talk or learn together. Examples of those tools include WebEx, Centra Symposium, and Microsoft NetMeeting. Different packages offer various tools, including live chat rooms, discussion boards, document and application sharing, and interactive Whiteboards. It's a good idea to participate in demos or "webinars" to see how these tools work.
This listing of Web skills isn't all-inclusive, but it does offer a basic introduction to people who are experiencing fear, discomfort, or confusion about online learning.