Methods to motivate


As human beings we’re programmed to seek pleasure and avoid pain, which is just as well when you come to think of it. Because all of us have at least a modicum of intelligence (I’m not sure about you, but at least you are reading this book), we are also a little discriminating about the pleasures we seek out and generally put most of our effort where success is, if not guaranteed, at least likely. E-learners are, at least according to current thinking, also human beings and only put effort in where it’s worth their while. If we want them to complete their programs, then the pleasures must far outweigh the pains of continuing.

One organisation that knew it had to get the motivational balance right if it was to achieve its business goals was National Starch, a division of ICI. As a traditional manufacturer, their objective was to ‘increase customer satisfaction through innovation’, and this required a major improvement in computer literacy throughout the organisation. The organisation delivered a programme of NETg courses aimed at portable qualifications such as ECDL and MSCE. For the specified target group the courses were mandatory, but a more positive motivational slant was also applied using award and recognition programmes.

Karina Ward is International Marketing Manager for NETg: “The Company achieved their one-year target for registrations in just seven months and in February an award was made to the 1000th learner. They key to success was the clear link between the programme and the goals of the business, backed up by clear senior management commitment. I don’t believe that monetary or similar tangible rewards are either necessary or effective. The qualifications were a wonderful reward in themselves, but learners probably got most from seeing just how much they could achieve with technology.”

Although ICI were keen to see course completions, these are not always a useful measure of success. Ward: “Another of our customers, Scottish Power, set out to enhance their position as an employer of choice, offering a full range of courses on an open learning basis to employees and customers. In a situation like this, course completions are not an issue, because the learning objectives were not directly business-related.”




E-Learning's Greatest Hits
E-learnings Greatest Hits
ISBN: 0954590406
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 198

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net