SPEAK THE TRUTH!

This is a rant! I guess that's kinda obvious from the image and title right!

So let's get into it then.

Lately, I keep getting in my LinkedIn feed lots of stuff stating unequivocally how superior and more effective e-learning is at enhancing knowledge retention over traditional training.

As someone with ADHD and having had the subsequent learning challenges this comes along with, over the years I developed a curiosity and an obsession with metacognition and meta-learning. I've been in the L&D world since 2007 and my personal experience with E-learning is that most of the stuff I have been and am exposed to is sub-par and frankly darn awful. Whether developing traditional or digital learning products what I have found to be most effective is working in the possibility to directly apply what is being learned in the present moment within a task-based or project-based context, and maintaining high fidelity to the real-world scenarios learners would potentially need to apply their learning.

Over time, I have learned that we must challenge and question sweeping statements and scrutinize those that proclaim absolutisms. Whatsmore, I find these kinds of statements dangerous because they are not backed up with the "HOW?". They are just thrown out there, and as a result, when L&D teams deliver a piece of E-learning there is an expectation that unfortunately is rarely met.

Relatable, relevant, engaging, task-driven, project-based, action or activity-focused learning are all powerful mediums to ensure learning and skill acquisition occur and are sustainable, but each of these approaches requires time. It's a bit of a paradox because, in my experience, I have found time to be a commodity too seldom afforded to ambitious L&D projects where the initial intent or desired outcome is "better performance". Moreover, such projects require in-depth learner-centric, client-focused consultations, collaborative approaches, and co-designing. Finally, we as L&D professionals must equally recognise when a training program is not actually the answer at all and be able to identify or suggest non-learning alternatives that are more appropriate, fit for purpose and ultimately more effective.

"And we wonder as to why leadership or the business struggle to take us seriously?"

So, to once again, to shed some much-needed light and clarity on what is now a dated topic; I give you the facts of the matter, all which can be found listed below. Each quote is taken from Will Thalheimer's excellent piece of research titled "Does eLearning Work?" ...And Will if you're reading this... you're the Yoda of L&Dverse.

Does eLearning Work?

"Obviously, in real-world applications, e-learning is thought to work, as millions of people use e-learning every day. On the other hand, e-learning has had a reputation for being boring and ineffective at the same time it is wildly hyped by vendors and e-learning evangelists."

"....this report reflects the findings from thousands of scientific studies. Scientific articles were chosen for inclusion based on their methodological rigor, their relevance to practical e-learning, and with the goal of comprising a representative sample of research studies."

"...there is clear evidence to suggest that it is not the e-learning modality that improves learning, but, instead, it is the learning methods typically used in e-learning— and used more often than in classroom instruction—that create e-learning’s benefits. These learning methods include such factors as providing learners with realistic practice, spaced repetitions, contextually-meaningful scenarios, and feedback."

"...classroom instruction can also utilize these proven research-based learning methods to improve learning outcomes."

Overall Conclusions

1. When learning methods are held constant between e-learning and classroom instruction, both produce equal results.
2. When no special efforts are made to hold learning methods constant, e-learning tends to outperform traditional classroom instruction.
3. A great deal of variability is evident in the research. eLearning often produces better results than classroom instruction, often produces worse results, often similar results.
4. What matters, in terms of learning effectiveness, is NOT the learning modality (e-learning vs. classroom); it’s the learning methods that matter, including such factors as realistic practice, spaced repetitions, real-world contexts, and feedback.
5. Blended learning (using e-learning with classroom instruction) tends to outperform classroom learning by relatively large magnitudes, probably because the e-learning used in blended learning often uses more effective learning methods.

Click here to download Will Thalheimer's awesome and free resource.

I know where I stand on this, so if and when new data comes along to disrupt my current positioning, I will take note and evolve my understanding. I doubt that I'm alone in having an opinion on this so it would be great to get other viewpoints and opinions.

Too extreme to say that "eLearning increases knowledge retention by 60 %" is BS?

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

Disclaimer: The opinions and points of view expressed in this article are those of Mervyn Kennedy-MacFoy. They are in no way representative of any previous, current, future, clients or employers he has been, is or will be affiliated with.