HR leaders overlook e-learning tools

19 Nov 2008

by: Sarah Underwood

Only half of HR professionals have invested in learning management systems or rapid authoring tools in their organisation, despite more than three-quarters believing it is important to be able to produce in-house training quickly and cost-effectively.

These statistics are the result of research by IMC Learning among 150 UK HR professionals, published in a report entitled ‘Staff training during an economic downturn – opportunities and threats’.

IMC’s research found 53% of survey respondents using online assessments and tests, 48% using audio and video content, and a similar percentage using web-based training. Some 25%  use online communities, while 20% use virtual classrooms and 11% podcasts.

Commenting on the research, IMC managing director Dirk Thissen, said: “HR leaders should see the economic downturn as a prime opportunity to re-evaluate their training programmes and explore some of the more flexible and cost-efficient training tools on the market, such as podcasts, virtual classrooms or web-based training.”

In terms of the type of training organisations want, 89% of respondents cited the ability to tailor training to changing needs quickly and cost-effectively, particularly at a time when organisations want to reduce the costs of external training and the amount of time staff spend out of the office on courses.

On this aspect of the research, Thissen commented: “Regardless of the size or makeup of an organisation, cost-effective, flexible training content that can be produced quickly and effectively is important to HR professionals during a downturn.”

 

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