This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
online
learning
HOME
DELIVERY
Fast learners Students can study
ANDREA BICKFORD LOOKS AT THE LATEST
at their own pace, rather than
INNOVATIONS IN DISTANCE LEARNING the pace of the instructor, when
they do online qualifi cations
E
asy internet access and out of the workplace for training, which Institute (CMI) and LearnDirect to offer a
developments in technology sees them away for extensive periods wide range of online courses, explains:
are bringing learning to life and of time, costs the employer in terms of “Individuals who engage in e-courses
giving people access to some of absence from work as well as travelling experience significantly higher rates of
the best trainers in the world. But as the and accommodation costs,” says Nic retention than those taking classroom
popularity of online education continues Jarvis, online presenter for PTontheNET, courses. Learning is quicker too –
to grow, there are still issues – such as which is owned by Fitpro. In fact, a study e-learning programmes typically require
the challenge of assessment, the absence reported in Training Magazine indicated 30–60 per cent less time than attending a
of class discussion, the lack of timely that organisations save 50–70 per cent on comparable classroom course, allowing
feedback and the need for self-motivation training costs when they use e-learning individuals to learn at their own speed
– which have to be considered if this form programmes instead of classroom courses. and not the pace of the instructor.”
of training is to continue to enjoy success. Accessibility and convenience are key And as technology develops, so do
E-learning is undoubtedly a valuable attractions for the student; learning can the benefi ts for students, as Jean-Ann
and cost-effective resource. Perhaps be done anywhere and at any time. “An Marnoch, REPs registrar, explains: “As
the biggest benefi t for employers is ever-increasing number of our students a tutor I used to spend ages trying to
the signifi cant cost saving compared to now opt for online learning,” says come up with teaching aids that would
classroom-based training. “To take staff Heather Frankham, CEO of training demonstrate a variety of anatomical and
provider Lifetime. “The opportunity to physiological concepts. These can now be
study at their own pace is key – students portrayed in a moving online image.”
with a prior level of knowledge can fast- Another advantage of e-learning is that
forward through selected topics – while it gives the student control over their
different learning styles can be catered learning, so they aren’t overloaded with
for via video presentations, workbooks, information as can occur with face-to-
online lectures and so on.” face learning. “People can go back to the
workplace and put what they have learnt
pros and cons into practice before learning the next
Some argue that online learning is more piece of information,” says Jarvis.
effective than traditional forms of training. Despite all these advantages, however,
According to a variety of published studies, e-learning does have its shortcomings.
individuals taking e-courses retain more Some students, particularly those
information than if they studied with low motivation or those needing
comparable courses in the classroom. constant guidance, may suffer from
EIFitness Students can now learn Florence Orban, CEO of The National the lack of social interaction with the
online using interactive features Skills Academy for Sport and Active instructor and fellow classmates. Their
such as live video conferencing, Leisure (NSA), which has recently teamed learning may also be affected by the
chat pods and demonstrations up with the Chartered Management lack of instant feedback and continuous
68 Read Health Club Management online june 2009 © cybertrek 2009
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84
Produced with Yudu - www.yudu.com