Getting IT Support for E-Learning - developing a relationship with information technology staff to facilitate staff online training - Brief Article

Training & Development, Dec, 2000 by Tom Barron

Getting the attention of information technology (IT) executives these days is not easy. But, in their push for e-learning, many training professionals are realizing the value of developing a relationship with IT staff that synchronizes their desire for scalable e-learning with the capabilities and clout that their IT people can provide.

In some cases, partnering with IT is a simple matter of building on a solid foundation of past collaboration and positive uses of e-learning to train IT staff; in others, it's more about extending an olive branch or rebounding from earlier e-learning disappointments.

Working with IT staff, trainers can talk to company executives armed with arguments about scalability, consistency, and efficiency--words executives like to hear--in addition to IT's input on the feasibility and impact of e-learning on the organization's IT infrastructure.

Many trainers have gone a step further, gaining the necessary technology skills themselves. A growing number of training professionals have developed into e-learning content developers, with new titles that reflect their additional knowledge. Combining education know-how and e-learning development skills, these folks are uniquely suited to make the case for e-learning investments.

External hosting is another option for shifting to e-learning that has become increasingly popular among mid-size and smaller businesses. This is a good option for training managers who win support for e-learning from management and have either a mandate for fast implementation or an IT department that is overwhelmed with other projects. External hosting can also be a way around irreconcilable differences.

Barron offers four vignettes on how inhouse trainers in different organizations have attempted partnerships with IT.