Six Signs of Successful E-learning Initiatives - Brief Article

HR Magazine, Oct, 2001 by Lynn Miller

Businesses are beginning to see a pay off in the promise of e-learning-when programs are carefully implemented and aligned with corporate vision, says consulting firm Watson Wyatt, based in Washington, D.C.

"Today we're seeing more synchronous, two-way online learning environments, where employees have immediate interaction with each other and experts in the field," says Bruce Walton, senior consultant with Watson Wyatt. "Managing this new learning environment is the challenge for these companies."

According to Watson Wyatt consultants, companies with successful e-learning programs tend to do the following:

* Commit (at the executive level) to funding and supporting e-learning and aligning it with the corporate vision.

* Create a solid and compelling business case for e-learning that can be conveyed easily to managers and supervisors.

* Develop a phased plan for implementation that ensures successful results reasonably early in the program.

* Establish an implementation team of insiders and consultants who are focused and committed to the program.

* Plan for the adjustment period to help employees thrive.

* Create a vehicle for employee feedback--and ensure the flexibility to make changes based on that feedback.

Lynn Miller is a freelance writer and editor based in Alexandria, Va.