According to extensive research carried out by the Sapio Institute, an organisation dedicated to conducting ongoing studies in the field of e-learning, there are five prerequisites for ensuring the success of e-learning initiatives.

Organisational Buy-in
The company must buy in to the initiative and take on the mantle of the primary driver. It must project itself as a learning organisation and foster a learning environment that pervades the entire organisation. Companies like GE, Pfizer and Microsoft are excellent examples of learning organisations that actively support and drive their e-learning programmes.

Motivation
This factor is a crucial ingredient for ensuring that learners complete their courses and training programmes. While the research indicates that more often than not, the motivation is external (Your job/promotion depends on it, so youd better do it!), it also shows that in the long-run, internal motivation is what really matters. Managers have an inherent inclination to broaden their knowledge bases and upgrade their skill-sets, and the e-learning initiatives must align with this inclination.

Blended Model
Pure play e-learning has its limitations. To maximise its efficacy, a subtle blend of classroom training and e-learning is required. This is, in fact, one of the big secrets of successful e-learning. The research shows a clear correlation between the implementation of classroom introductions (for modules, in particular) and the achievement of significantly higher levels of course completion.

A Culture of Independent Learning
Generally, we are dependent learners. The methods of education and training that we are subjected to make us so. To ensure the success of its e-learning initiatives, organisations need to create a culture of independent learning, by providing the requisite infrastructure (CD-ROMs, Intranets, online resources, etc) and by instilling the habit of independent learning amongst its managers.

Involvement
Reading text off ones computer screen does not constitute e-learning. To make the initiative work, it is necessary to build high levels of user involvement. The best way to achieve this is by enriching the learning experience through graphics, animation sequences, voiceovers and interactive devices. The key idea is to engage the users attention and draw him/her into the module, enhancing in the process, the impact and effectiveness of the overall e-learning initiative.

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