A View into the Future of eLearning

The evolution of eLearning is an interesting one. Twenty-some years ago, computer-based training (CBT) was the next big thing in job skills advancement. It was generally well received by both employers and the workforce as a way to supplement classroom or on the job training. But soon, the limitations of CBT became apparent.

Learners generally sat in front of a small computer screen and sometimes watched an embedded video of a task being performed. They were then prompted to answer a multiple choice question correctly and the program advanced to the next section. There was very little about CBT-based learning that taught a worker how to perform a specific job function. Let’s call this one job familiarity preparation – it didn’t take the place of instructor-led training.

The next iteration of eLearning was slightly more interesting and interactive. Advances in computer graphics and increases in processing and storage capacity gave us the ability to virtually represent a task being performed. Learners now had a greater ability to participate in simulations and to direct the path of the lesson. But as with CBTs, the limitations of computer simulation were soon reached.