Validating e-learning investment?

Steve: You rock.

Trevor: The research suggests that online learning can be effective as that in traditional classrooms. (It can also be just as bad, of course.) See p.13 of Mayer's E-learning and the Science of Instruction which shows the results from two studies:

Bernard et al. (2004) "Electronic distance learning versus face-to-face instruction: distribution of effect sizes"

Tallent-Runnels et al. (2006) Review of online learning

Basically the research suggests there's no measurable distance between e-leaning and instructor-led stuff. Of course, both methods have their strengths and weaknesses.

Most decision-makers aren't wooed by research, but you could stress e-learning strengths:

1. It's cheap to build and deliver relative to instructor-led.

2. You can reach anyone pretty much anywhere with it. Learner can take it where and when they want (often)

3. You can create different paths (in the same course for learners of different skill levels. It can be more individualized.

4. It standardizes content--no flighty instructors, etc.

5. It's easy to track learner progress and how they are performing (did they take the training? How did they do?)

6. E-learning works well with simulations. You can practice in a real-world environment without the danger and expensive of the real world (well, sort of)

I've got a longer list of e-learning strengths somewhere and could dig it up if you need additional ammo. But think about your audience? What logical or emotional appeals would woo them? --Daniel