This annual survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reveals the continuing growth of e-learning, but raises concerns about its effectiveness.

Over half of learning and development managers now offer e-learning as part of their training provision. It is being developed more extensively in the public sector with 82 per cent of organizations making use of it. This compares to 49 per cent in the private sector.

Doubts about its effectiveness emerged from a question asking which are the three most effective methods of learning. Only 7 per cent of respondents mentioned e-learning.

For respondent organisations using e-learning, it is on average available to 60 per cent of employees, but taken up by only half of them. And only 30 per cent are reported as completing courses. Almost all, 95 per cent, of organisations agreed that e-learning is more effective when combined with other forms of learning. 92 per cent believe that it demands a new attitude on the part of the learner.

Commenting on the findings the CIPD said that e-leaning is here to stay. Over the last decade it has become a permanent feature of the training and learning landscape. However, there is a long way to go to embed it effectively in the organisation. It’s clear from the survey that it is still not fully appreciated by learners or by training managers.

The survey report is available from the Institute. www.cipd.co.uk/surveys