In today's competitive marketplace it is more important than ever to have a variety of skills to advance one's career. Training plays a crucial role in supporting personnel development. However, none of us find learning easy even at the best of times. Learning involves change and it is in everyone's nature to resist change.

There are also various barriers that stand in the way of attending training courses and learning successfully. These include the time spent away from work, the immobility of certain individuals, the need to learn at the speed of others and, for the adult returning to learning after a long break, the doubts associated with a fear of not coping with the course, to mention just a few examples. The problem is often compounded by difficulties of finding appropriate courses and, having done so, finding the energy and time to attend at a set time.

E-learning is about breaking down these barriers through innovative and flexible online learning that can be accessed at the office, at home, or on the road, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Such training is so effective that it usually outstrips results of traditional training methods.

With most e-learning courses there is no longer the need to start at a set time dictated by the training company or the need to wait until sufficient number of learners can be assembled at the same time. Unless sophisticated technology is involved the courses can usually be done at home at a time convenient to the learner, or at work during the employees' free time.

In a conventional course, the prime objective is to pass on teacher's knowledge or skill to those attending the course. The learner is very dependent on the teacher, who is the resource for the material communicated. Usually various techniques will be used to reinforce the knowledge or skill, such as question and answer sessions and practical exercises.

Whereas more conventional training courses are teacher-centred, e-learning is learner-centred, thus putting the learner's particular needs and learning process first. In an e-learning programme it is usual to employ a self-study model. In this situation, the actual knowledge or content is made available to the learner electronically such as audio, video, internet links and telephone conferencing or through some medium other than the teacher.

Methods are built into a well-organised programme to help learners interact with the material and maintain their interest and help them understand it. Through self-assessment questions involving simple recall of information or more involved examples, they are asked to apply the knowledge gained in a different situation.

Through such systems it is possible to lead each individual leaner to different sections depending upon their progress, the latter being evaluated by the computer following a particular response to questions posed on the screen. Since each individual goes through the course independently of other learners, they can progress at their own pace.

Companies that invest in certain e-learning systems can also benefit from a Learner Management System. In addition to various e-learning programmes, individuals can also benefit from an extensive library offering books electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week. New titles are added regularly, ensuring the largest and most recent collections.

Such a library is fully multimedia and can be accessed from anywhere. It provides the relevant expertise individuals need, when they need it. This can be used as a reference tool to help answer the personnel's day-to-day on the job questions or as part of their personal development.

In Malta, Intel-act is the original channel partner of Skillsoft and other leading specialised e-learning providers, offering programmes on a range of subjects to meet the various training needs of organisations including highly technical topics, software applications and business skills development. To contact Intel-act call 7941 6447 or e-mail: info@intel-act.com.