Enter e-Learning into the equation

Over the course of the past few years, e-Learning programs have generated outstanding results and enthusiasm across many industries worldwide, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. The question of whether e-Learning is as effective as c-Learning has been posed by those who have not yet adopted or taken advantage of the benefits that e-Learning programs can provide. Perhaps that question is best answered by the Owner and Principal Consultant at Strategic Performance Associates LLC, Craig Ferguson, when he states, “it’s not e-learning or c-learning; it’s learning”. In essence, to understand the success and effectiveness of e-Learning requires an understanding of the latest industry trends, challenges and available technologies.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) states that “Distance learning encompasses all technologies and supports the pursuit of lifelong learning for all.” Today’s advanced technologies have made it feasible for pharmaceutical companies to provide more effective and efficient training to their personnel, with early adaptors to e-Learning becoming more sophisticated with their methods in delivering training. These companies have learned that making e-Learning effective entails more than just delivering pre-recorded training programs to their personnel, and have begun taking advantage of the benefits provided by live e-Learning.

BenAstrum Inc. is a leading e-learning program provider in the life sciences industry. A two-year long study, conducted by BenAstrum on its pharmaceutical clients who attended live web training courses, demonstrates exponential growth in the number of pharmaceutical companies and professionals taking advantage of e -learning solutions. The ability to offer time flexible, geographically independent and cost-effective courses are some of the key factors behind the success of BenAstrum’s e-learning programs.  Working with key industry opinion leaders and consulting firms to design high quality training curriculums covering the latest industry trends and regulations in the industry, BenAstrum’s live web training courses are now as effective as in-person training.

The emergence of the internet has removed any and all distance barriers, enabling knowledge to multiply at a rate significantly higher than what was expected a decade ago. Knowledge seekers can now participate in live training courses, in which they can see and communicate with the instructor, as well as interact with their industry peers, just like c-Learning! The “boxes with fires glowing within” that Plato predicted thousands of years ago have come to fruition in the form of computer screens, brining the knowledge to those who seek it. With the roll out of 3G, broadband services and other advancing technologies, there is no telling just how “glowing” these screens will be in the future.