To click or not to click : e-learning for the public sector
By: LANGFORD, John; SEABORNE, Kate
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ArticlePublisher: Toronto : IPAC, Spring 2003Canadian Public Administration : the journal of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada 46, 1, p. 50-75Abstract: E-learning is being mooted as a cheap and effective way to provide public servants and public-sector organizations with the continuous learning opportunities required to recruit and retain good employees and improve organizational outcomes. This article draws on the extensive literature on e-learning and the authors' experience with the development and delivery of e-learning to examine a number of issues that public-sector managers should consider before embracing e-learning. The article begins by sorting out what e-learning is, what forms it can take and how significant a phenomenon it has become in the private and public sectors in Canada and else- where. Emerging Canadian government e-learning strategies are noted. The authors argue that much existing formal e-learning material is ineffective and set out criteria for identifying viable e-learning approaches. The claim that e-learning provides enhanced access to training is critically examined. The authors also argue that the adoption of e-learning will radically affect the organization of training and its relationship to the wider organization.Finally, the authors critically examine the issue of whether or not e-learning is cheaper than face-to-face instruction. They contend that e-learning can reduce training delivery costs in some circumstances but that the costs associated with developing and delivering effective e-learning will be substantial
E-learning is being mooted as a cheap and effective way to provide public servants and public-sector organizations with the continuous learning opportunities required to recruit and retain good employees and improve organizational outcomes. This article draws on the extensive literature on e-learning and the authors' experience with the development and delivery of e-learning to examine a number of issues that public-sector managers should consider before embracing e-learning. The article begins by sorting out what e-learning is, what forms it can take and how significant a phenomenon it has become in the private and public sectors in Canada and else- where. Emerging Canadian government e-learning strategies are noted. The authors argue that much existing formal e-learning material is ineffective and set out criteria for identifying viable e-learning approaches. The claim that e-learning provides enhanced access to training is critically examined. The authors also argue that the adoption of e-learning will radically affect the organization of training and its relationship to the wider organization.Finally, the authors critically examine the issue of whether or not e-learning is cheaper than face-to-face instruction. They contend that e-learning can reduce training delivery costs in some circumstances but that the costs associated with developing and delivering effective e-learning will be substantial
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