What is a compelling need?

To ensure that the organisation considers that there is a compelling need for e-Learning it is essential that it is linked to the business objectives of the organisation. E-Learning needs to be included in organisational strategies such as training and development, HR, clinical education and many others.

Primarily e-Learning needs to be seen as a solution not a problem. It needs to be seen to support learning in a number of situations and to sit alongside traditional learning methods. It is not a replacement for traditional learning and will still require resources to support the learning.

How do you achieve a situation where e-Learning is integral to the organisation?

It is not a situation which can be achieved over night. Any objections will first need to be overcome. Then the benefits identified and sold to key individuals within the organisation. 

How to promote this compelling need?

To prove a need for e-Learning it is the same as proving a need for anything else. Your first step is to identify an organisational need where e-Learning can provide the solution. You then set about proving that e-Learning will meet this need. Once you have proved this and gained support you need to build upon this throughout the organisation.

Once you have organisational agreement of the need for e-Learning this needs to be communicated and promoted within the organisation. So you need to ask:

• Does the organisation have a communication strategy?
• Do you have a communication strategy for e-Learning?
• How do you plan to communicate with the organisation about e-Learning?