Summary & Reflection of Jennifer De Vrie’s “e-Learning Strategy: A framework for Success”

Jennifer De Vries presents readers with a framework for creating an e-learning strategy. Like most strategies an e-learning strategy sets out a plan that is to be utilized to ensure that the introduction and maintenance of an e-learning program is successful.

Rather than dwell on what an e-learning strategy is, De Vries emphasizes the importance of having one. She highlights as the main purpose of an e-learning program is to “define the goals for your e-learning program and then logically explain how you will prove that the goals have been met” (http://www.learningcircuits.org/2005/aug2005/devries.htm).

Setting goals requires:

1. a needs assessment;
2. a review of the training team’s readiness; and
3. management direction (whether it be top down or bottom up).

I think an important thing to note here is the third activity as without direction and buy in from management e-learning programs will lack resources and support which will inevitably lead to its failure. This is true of most business initiatives particularly those that relate to innovation.

Once the goals are defined an e-learning strategy needs to be formulated. The elements of an e-learning strategy are technology, content, administration and support, communication and financial analysis. For each of these elements the one thing that stood out about e-learning programs is that is highly integrated in all aspects of the organization and hence an immense amount of cooperation is necessary. For example, De Vries notes the invaluable advice of IT, Marketing and Financial departments in the areas of technology, communication and financial analysis respectively. Furthermore, this cooperation extends to the trainers and learners as without the encouragement and support of one another through communication and feedback, the e-learning program will not be effectively implemented.

De Vries’ Article was very helpful in understanding e-learning strategies and shows the complexity of delivering a successful program however the difficult of this task can be easily addressed with the main message she is trying to convey – that cooperation is fundamental.