Reflections of another…

May 15th, 2005

Compare, Contrast & Conclusions

Posted by Kate in Case Studies, E-Learning Experiences



While considering the successfulness of an e-learning program in regard to the inclusion of activities that cater for all learning styles it is essential to point out that many organisations consider blended learning to be the answer. This requires a combination of both e-learning and traditional classroom based learning. Both my case studies have highlighted organisations that felt for the specific courses that they were developing e-learning would be the approach used rather than a combination of different styles. It was then left up to the software developers to create a training program that facilitated the learning of visual, aural, read/write and kinaesthetic learners. 

Cannon addresses this issue directly by specifically mentioning the different activities throughout the learning packages that will engage various types of learners while the design of Colgate’s training packages are focused on interaction and combining reading activities with visual activities, it does not seem to value the design of training for the differences in learning styles.

However, it can be shown in both case studies that blended learning does not necessary need to be approached in terms of the physicality of the learning. Blending classroom training and online training doesn’t necessarily create the best results. Defining the best aspects of both methods such as the interactivity of classroom learning and the flexibility of online learning and blending those will create better results. The blend of these aspects can be embedded in the design of online training and create a more successful training package in itself.

It can be argued that traditional classroom learning is geared towards Aural, Visual and Kinaesthetic learners whereas online tutorials that require reading and comprehension could favour the read/write learning styles. In order to provide a training package suitable for all learning blending learning activities may be necessary. It is possible to incorporate all these aspects into the design of an e-learning program this can be shown by the success of Walter the interactive cartoon that is present in Canon’s online training packages.

May 15th, 2005

Cannon Case Study

Posted by Kate in Case Studies, E-Learning Experiences



In Canon’s endeavour to develop a blended approach for their training methods it became apparent that e-learning was to become an essential component of the company’s training future. In the devlopment of Canon’s various online training programs focusing on sales, product knowledge and soft skills the software the software company, Learn2 corporation, have devloped what is now trademarked a ” LearningAgent”. In Canon’s case their Learning Agent is Walter, an interactive character who guides learners through their course modules and provides an interactive interface for the learning program.

The introduction of training programs instructed by Walter have been praised by Cannon as wonderfully successful, and ” extremely inviting for students.” When Developing the training packages Learn2 corporation also ensured the training catered to all learning styles: “The highly modularized courses allow learners to select their preferred learning style. For example, younger sales reps are drawn to interactive game technologies while others might prefer to simply download text. The RoboDemo simulation tool also is employed”

May 15th, 2005

Colgate Case Study

Posted by Kate in Case Studies, E-Learning Experiences



In attempts to provide training for Colgate’s new corporate strategy, the company felt e-learning would be the best method to facilitate the desired learning. The online training was developed by Tata Interactive systems and focused heavily on interactive learning. Colgate realised that e-learning was the most flexible mode of delivery for “effectively communicat[ing] our new philosophy and practices to a large and diverse sales and commercial community”. Colgate intended to roll out the training very quickly and e-learning was the most efficient means of doing so.

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) realised that the diversity within the colgate workforce provided a wide range of learners with various learning styles, english levels and comprehension skills. TIS endeavoured to adress these issues in the design of the course. “Each module of the course was followed by multiple-choice or drag-and-drop exercises that are mapped to the objectives of that module. Clearly articulated learning outcomes, defined at the recall level, ensured that knowledge transfer was taking place.”