analysis of online learning trends

1. By
Tiffany Simmons

2. The Modern Workplace
 The modern workplace as a learning
organization in which “people expand their
capacity to create the results they desire”
(Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner,
2007).
 The impact of globalization, the expansion
of world markets, and the pervasiveness of
technology on the modern workplace has
influenced the approach companies will
take to online learning (Simmons, 2010).
 Online learning is an option to help
companies control costs.

3. Increased demand for virtual
work arrangements
 Virtual software programs that enable
telecommuting employees to access training
anywhere they are without visiting a classroom
or the home office (Noe, 2010).
 Digital collaboration allows telecommuters to
interact with other employees, both virtual and
on-ground, to improve work efficiency.
 Virtual work arrangements as a knowledge-
harnessing, knowledge-sharing vehicle that
will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
the workforce (Noe, 2010).

4. Increased emphasis on speed of
design, focus in content, and multiple
delivery methods
 Speed of design: use of Rapid Instructional
Design (RID) to build content quickly and
deliver to trainees (Noe, 2010).
 Focus in content: delivering relevant and
timely content to users. Expect
individualized training courses in the future.
 Multiple delivery methods: meeting the
learners’ learning styles by using
technologies, such as podcasting,
vodcasting, course management systems,
to accommodate their needs (Noe, 2010).

5. Increased use of performance
support
 Embedded learning: a real-time collaboration tool
that integrates knowledge management with learning
and nonlearning technologies. Employees given
short learning episodes geared toward work duties
and responsibilities to enhance learning (Noe, 2010).
 Personal dashboards: employees will receive
relevant and appropriate job information, collaborate
with other employees, request information, and
participate in simulations (Noe, 2010).
 Personal dashboards are useful for understanding the
practical aspects of their jobs. This helps to establishing
connection and engagement of the employee with their
jobs, and could improve retention and reduce turnover.

6. Conclusion
 “The Internet has changed the world and
the potential for connecting with people
everywhere” (Rudestam & Schoenholtz-
Read, 2010).
 Online learning will change the way
employers train their workforce.
Additionally, this will produce a more
knowledgeable workforce and a stronger
competitive advantage.
 Online learning is an option that will help a
company or organization move ahead and
become more global.

7. References
 Merriam, S. B., Baumgartner, L. M., &
Caffarella, R. S. (2007). Learning in
adulthood: a comprehensive guide (3rd ed.).
San Francisco: Wiley.
 Noe, R. (2010). Employee training and
development. (5th ed). New York: McGraw-
Hill.
 Rudestam, K.E. & Schoenholtz-Read, J.
(2010). Handbook of online learning (2nd ed.).
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
 Simmons, T. (2010). Organizational Learning:
Article Review. EDU500: Strayer University.