E-learning makes training exciting, flexible, interactive and successful, thus contributing to the performance of traditional training personnel. It came as a result of distance education which was increasingly becoming ‘online learning’ based on web-technology. E-learning is here to stay and it is necessary to be aware of its trends to seize learning opportunities for educational, HRD training and business organisations.

Repurposing content
Initially e-learning meant to replicate the traditional learning methodologies [mostly synchronous] into technology-based learning via Internet the content development was simple. But with the changing trends in the learning system, self-paced learning, content management and customise learning were all packaged together, with this trend, content repurposing is a critical issue to cater to the changing requirements of a diverse set of learners.

E-learning goes beyond the corporation
Corporations were the only adopters of e-learning to cater to their learning needs. But with the changing trends Government agencies, colleges, universities, and non-profit organizations are now following suit. These organizations are using e-learning to address their learning and communication needs, as well as expand their business opportunities.

Integrated e-learning suites
The three main components for e-learning solution are: technology, content and services. There are many aspects vertically dug inside each factor. A comprehensive e-learning solution requires components from each category, which are integrated into e-learning suites aimed at solving a particular business issue.

Discrete to integrated learning
More like the blended learning system, the integration is between the different learning activities, from self-paced learning to synchronous instruction, from activities in smaller groups to activities in a larger learning community. Integration of e-learning to online collaboration [suppliers] and knowledge management is also very important.

Blended learning
Blended learning is designed to integrate traditional learning methods to e-learning to increase the effectiveness of learning. A single delivery system is no longer sufficient for efficient organisation-wide training.