Learning Modalities: Cost and Convenience Drive Mix

Results from the 2012 Chief Learning Officer magazine Business Intelligence Board (BIB) learning delivery survey, administered by IDC, suggest organizations are getting more sophisticated in their modality choices. Asynchronous e-learning is increasingly seen as the preferred delivery method to train a group with varied skill levels. Classroom training remains the most significant form of training despite innovative alternatives.

Last year, a similar survey predicted asynchronous delivery modalities would grow in portfolio share and that classroom-based learning technology would decline in use. However, while CLOs report a shift in their emphasis away from classroom learning technology toward e-learning, the overall portfolio share hasn’t changed much. Learning delivery’s future includes more emphasis on social learning, increased use of mobile technologies and a continued refinement of how and when to use e-learning.

The Economy in the Driver’s Seat
CLOs are using a full range of options to deliver learning. Consistent with previous IDC surveys, research indicates classroom training is used most often, but the combination of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning continues to represent a growing modality.

Further, results show a big decline in the use of classroom-based training from 2010, a small increase in synchronous and asynchronous e-learning and a large gain in “other” (Figure 1). This suggests enterprises are bypassing traditional e-learning options and exploring other experiences such as performance support or peer-based training.

The research also indicated mobile devices are used a limited amount for training — about as often as video-based instruction — but their use is valuable in specific circumstances. On the other hand, a significant number of organizations are leveraging formal on-the-job training; its use hasn’t changed much in the past couple of years.