Managing the Business of Web-Enabled Education and Training: A Framework and Case Studies for Replacing Blackboards with Browsers for Distance Learning

Abstract

Studies have shown that people remember 20 percent of what they see, 40 percent of what they see and hear, and 70 percent of what they see, hear, and do. Interactive learning applications provide a multi-sensory learning environment that maximizes the way people retain information. This accelerates learning and permits novices to perform like experts while they learn new skills. Powerful authoring systems enable vast amounts of information to be compiled quickly and presented in compelling and meaningful ways. In addition, these applications are easy and inexpensive to update. With interactive multimedia, everyone sees the same information and is exposed to identical learning environments. The reliability of instruction, quality of information, and presentation of material is consistent from user to user and from session to session. This chapter discusses a framework for distance learning and distributed learning and two case studies of a web-based synchronous learning environment in two organizations with different corporate cultures. Current challenges and implications for management are discussed.