e-Learning challenges traditional learning process

Sanjay Bharwani, Manager, Human Performance, Accenture

The e-Economy represents both a threat and an opportunity to educational institutions, challenging traditional universities built on the campus model and their underlying business assumptions, business models, value propositions and sources of competitive advantage.

For universities willing to make the transition into the e- Economy, an opportunity awaits them to realize greater efficiency, competitiveness and to create new values for students.

Unlike any other public or private sector enterprise, e- Learning opportunities abound for higher education institutions, based on Accenture's experience in working with some of the most complex higher education institutions, school systems, corporate learning entities and government education agencies (including more than 70 universities).

However, success in the e-Economy requires more than creating websites and automating student services. Universities need to evaluate the technical, policy and program implications of the new economy and develop a sound e-Learning strategy, based on the overall mission and business objectives of the institution.

Universities are seeking dramatically to improve their Web presence by strengthening the link between the institution and members of the university community, focusing on building the institution's identity and image, and delivering university services electronically -- all without commercializing the campus or infringing on trusted relationships. University portals are key to this approach.

Students can access information about courses, library resources, campus news and so on through a personalized portal.

They register for courses, obtain transcripts, lodge financial aid applications, enroll and apply to graduate.

Faculty members provide and access course-work, class information, conduct tests, impart information and advice.

University administrators have customized access to the administration applications that support the university infrastructure -- financial systems, HR systems, property management and procurement.

e-Learning is also making inroads into large corporations. The most successful companies make available a wide range of learning, training and knowledge management programs to their entire workforce. And because knowledge becomes obsolete more quickly than ever before, companies need to take an enterprise- level approach, continuously refreshing their training and knowledge content, so that people always have access to the most up-to-date information.

Web-enabled e-Learning developments such as virtual classrooms and learning management systems are being implemented in organizations that recognize the value that their people add to their business performance.

e-Learning provides new learning environments that fundamentally challenge traditional learning delivery processes and business models. Both public and private sector organizations are finding that Web-enabled e-Learning and training provide substantial operational gains.

The most powerful value of e-Learning lies not just in these operational gains, but in its ability to enable anytime, anywhere learning and access to knowledge and information that supports improved performance. e-Learning can lead to improved workforce productivity when it is accompanied by efforts to improve processes and provide organization support.

It offers greater access to performance improvement for those organizations that are capable of exploiting its potential. Rise to meet your own needs!