Over the past two years, I have undertaken a number of subjects that have focused on the topic of e-learning, its uses and the disadvantages and advantages that the medium offers to students and educators. Well the time has come when i have to stop learning about e-learning courses and actually participate in a full e-learning course. I have previously blogged about how my employers should consider implementing an e-learning course to train employees in a number of customer service topics and as well as the practical skills entailed in the job, such as making coffees and other beverages. Well it seems as though the heavens have heard my prayers, or maybe my employers are reading this blog [Doubt that...:)] but they have introduced an e-learning course. As part of the OHS Committee, we are required to undertake and successfully complete a first aid training course. And due to the time restrictions experienced by most managers in the company, they have decided to administer the theoretical aspect of the first aid training course online, using an external e-learning course. This allows the managers to undertake the course at a time and place that is suitable to them, and eliminates the need to physically travel to a specified location and the need to cover shifts on the management rosters.

 It was a strange feeling when i received the email regarding the online first aid training course. I had been informed that we were required to undertake a first aid training course but there was no mention of the method of training delivery. And so when i received an email from a company i had never heard of, requesting me to complete a course, my initial reaction was to ignore and delete the email. Fortunately for me, the Internet disconnected for a lengthy period and so i forgot about deleting the email….[Fine, i couldn't delete the email even though i wanted to...Stupid Internet disconnection] And when i read the notice at work again regarding the training course, i recognised the name of the training provider mentioned in the email and put the two together. Light bulb moment…

One of the disadvantages often highlighted by literature on e-learning is Internet connectivity, and after my recent experiences, i agree with the literature. I have attempted to complete the online training course but can not get past the registration stage without receiving a message informing me of a failed Internet connection, despite the Internet being connected and other websites working. It is very frustrating knowing that you must complete a certain module before continuing on to the next stage of the training program but not being able to due to technical difficulties. I guess i can try from another computer/Internet connection and if problems persist, consult a qualified professional through an email.