HR leaders 'planning to use e-learning in 2013'

The majority of human resources (HR) and training professionals are planning to boost e-learning facilities at their company next year.

According to new research conducted by event solutions firm ON24, 91 per cent of business leaders have these intentions, while one-third claimed they will be increasing use of online learning platforms by 25 per cent.

In addition, it was found that almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of learning professionals are considering launching virtual learning environments in the next six to 12 months, while 72 per cent could be rolling out webinars.

Tom Masotto, vice-president of product management at ON24, said the study reveals the biggest challenge facing HR professionals and employers at present is an increasingly dispersed organisation.

"The need to train global workforces and desires for more engaging training are driving interest in virtual learning environments," he added.

As many as 64 per cent of respondents questioned stated instruction in customers and products is best suited to an online education environment, while 41 per cent felt these types of platforms would be appropriate for IT training.

The biggest benefits of online training were thought to be the time saved travelling (as stated by 83 per cent of people), the convenience it offers (83 per cent) and the fact it is easier to involve company experts (52 per cent).

It was also decided that the most important characteristics in a virtual trainer are facilitation skills - which was the view of 83 per cent of people - voice inflection (74 per cent) and being good with technology (69 per cent).

Mr Masotto continued: "These results show the incredible potential of virtual learning in a broad range of industries."

This comes after entrepreneur Grady Winston recently stated on Business 2 Community that HR professionals who are finding it difficult to manage tasks should turn to online training videos for help with organising their company.