While economists estimate that the Economy is on its way to recovery, training experts agree that traditional training will never be the same

How can you decide which areas are worth investing in for your business? According to a recent Wall Street Journal article (July 13^th, 2009), a general consensus that the economy has begun turning on the road to recovery has put a tentative calm over the country. Despite the optimism, businesses are still wary of where to invest their resources. Everyone has their opinion on which strategies will facilitate a quicker and stronger recovery for businesses. Joseph Stiglitz, a professor of economics at Columbia University, encourages businesses to spend money on technology and other productivity-enhancing mechanisms. Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and many other bestsellers, states that “Information is priceless” and goes on to discuss how those with access to the most relevant information will in turn be the most successful in their business.

In this environment, companies are now more than ever looking to save money and cut costs, while remaining competitive. Continuous learning has become a top priority as employers realize it is essential for success. Many organizations have cut back on instructor-led training as travel and other associated costs add up quickly. If companies look for alternative training methods and take advantage of online learning they are able to cost-effectively deliver continuous learning. Online technologies are available to facilitate training at an affordable cost with more effective and efficient methods of delivery and analysis of success when compared to traditional instructor-led training. Online learning can be as effective as or better than instructor-led training. A recent 93-page report on online education, conducted by SRI International for the Department of Education, concluded that “On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”  It is becoming ever more apparent that online learning must be made a top priority to ease coming out of this recession.

So, as your organization emerges from the recession, it’s a good time to look at how online learning can be of benefit.

Dan Blau is a Marketing Specialist for a top elearning provider, Knowledge Anywhere Inc. He is constantly exploring new methods and technologies that further contribute to the support of online learning. You can contact Dan at danb@knowledgeanywhere.com