What are the latest trends you are noticing in technology and solutions provided in e-Learning?

Other trends in the larger ecosystem also inform the e-Learning space. For example, the target audience for training is increasingly heterogeneous, with a complex mix of Boomers, GenXers and GenYers in the workforce. This calls for a fluid approach to how learning is designed and delivered. One way to provide this fluidity is to use blended learning approaches that—because of the increasing affordability of video and other technologies—have become easier to provide. What we do in many cases is to provide the "knowledge pieces" of the learning (the more factual, straight-forward information) in a self-paced mode (CD, DVD, and/or web-based) and have the skill development piece (the "hands-on" portion) delivered either virtually or in the classroom.

Language and localization is also becoming hugely important with globalization; we have developed significant expertise in this area and have tools that make translation cost effective. Our processes are based on insights we have gained into the nature of localization after having worked with many different cultures. We are able to determine which course content needs a complete language change versus one where the text remains in English, but the audio is recorded in the language of the target audience. For example, in several parts of India, people are familiar with the kind of written English used on public signage, bank forms etc., but they primarily communicate—and therefore learn best—in their local, native language.

There is an intricate weaving of new technologies with these set of trends that makes this a very exciting time to be in this marketspace.

What are the main benefits of e-Learning compared to classroom learning?

We can look at this question in two dimensions—the benefits of e-Learning per se, and the benefits of e-Learning for Gen Yers. The two overwhelming benefits of e-Learning are scalability, personalization of access, and the ability for learners to review learning over time. E-Learning can be delivered to hundreds of thousands of geographically dispersed learners, and this is an indisputable advantage over classroom teaching. This ability is key to any large scale transfer of knowledge. It is the foundation of our company's expertise development initiative aimed at closing the skills gap faced by industries all over the world. We have started with the India market, where millions of graduates need access to business language, communication, and other workplace skills to meet the needs of the modern workplace. Providing these skills to millions of people cannot be done in a reasonable timeframe without e-Learning. Second, e-Learning enables users to learn at their own pace, thus personalizing the learning experience and maximizing their learning outcomes. Learners can take the course as slowly or as quickly as they want the first time around, and then come back to it to refresh their memories, for just-in-time performance support, etc. Third, this ability to come back to the course for retrieval is a unique advantage provided by e-learning that greatly enhances the effectiveness of recall and application of learning.

The other dimension in which to view e-Learning is through the eyes of GenY learners. These learners have grown up with technology. We cannot afford not to provide them with some degree of e-Learning in the delivery mix. As the proportion of GenYers as part of the larger learner audience increases, this becomes even more necessary.

Despite the advantages of e-Learning, many institutions have been slow to adopt e-Learning technologies. Why do you think this is?

In our experience, this is changing fast. The rate of adoption of e-Learning by companies and universities is fast accelerating. In the past, there were many factors that held back organizations from adopting e-Learning—some are no longer valid, (thus the greater acceptance and adoption today), and some are still valid. E-Learning represented a change in the way learning has been delivered for centuries. Any such change is expected to face a great degree of resistance. Plus, in the past, the hype around e-Learning and its subsequent failure to provide the touted returns led to a disinclination to invest further in e-Learning. Costs of e-Learning development were high, and the technology infrastructure was not developed enough to maximize returns. As well, the learner audience did not demand e-Learning. This is changing as we speak. Today, it is the corporate learner who demands interactive, technology-based learning—learning that they can access just-in-time, on-demand. CLOs and training departments today find that they are able to meet these demands in a far more effective way compared to what was possible even five years ago. Changes in technologies accompanied by falling costs of development and production have made technology-based learning options far more attractive today.

What kind of e-Learning solutions do you provide that can best serve customers?

Our solutions fall into two broad categories. One addresses the unique learning needs of clients within specific industries. We focus on the following industries: food and agriculture; automotive; defense; and service industries such as education, healthcare, and high-end technologies. We have invested in developing or acquiring domain knowledge in these industries, and we combine this knowledge with learning design and technology skills to create high-value solutions for our clients.

The second addresses large scale skill gaps through expertise development solutions. Large scale skill upgradation is a high priority for many industries in both developed and developing countries. In India, for example, only one in four of the over 400,000 graduates in India every year are employable. The big challenge is to provide the remaining graduates with the set of skills needed to get them up to speed. Our expertise development solution addresses this issue using a broad-based, collaborative approach. E-Learning development and delivery is a fundamental part of this initiative.