What to model?

Leaders need to establish methods of modelling effective e-Learning in their actions within the workplace. They should aim to lead by example were possible and promote opportunities for e-Learning solutions to a range of individuals and in a range of situations.

To promote the effective use of e-Learning requires knowledge and confidence in the product. This includes stepping outside of your comfort zone. It is unlikely that you will have knowledge in all three aspects of pedagogical, technical and creative development of e-Learning. You are likely to be very strong in one area. Whilst not being an expert in another area, you feel happy with the subject. In the third area chances are you will often find yourself thinking "I hope that they don’t ask me a question about that".

Your challenge is to become knowledgeable and confident in this area as well. You will not need to be an expert but have enough knowledge to feel comfortable with the subject.

Do you have knowledge and confidence in e-Learning?

How can you gain this knowledge and confidence?

Once you have this knowledge and confidence you will feel far more comfortable to be able to model effective e-Learning. Practicing the use of e-Learning and benefiting from it yourself as a learner will also help you to feel confident in its effectiveness.

How to model effective e-Learning?

Once you have the appropriate levels of knowledge and confidence in e-Learning you will find that this shows. You may not intend it to show but you find yourself automatically enthusiastic about e-Learning. As opportunities become available you will find that you are looking for solutions that can be achieved through e-Learning.

If there is a choice of attending a classroom based course or undertaking the learning via e-Learning which will you select? As a lead for e-Learning, providing the e-Learning is going to fully meet your needs, it would be helpful for you to be seen to select the e-Learning option. This is a very positive statement of your believe in e-Learning. You can be seen leading by example.

A key leadership skill is the ability to lead by example. You cannot expect others to engage with e-Learning if the identified e-Learning leaders do not use it. Taking every opportunity to highlight how e-Learning can provide a solution to a problem will greatly help to increase awareness and confidence of e-Learning.

What opportunities do you have to lead by example?