While the term “maritime e-learning” has been thrown around quite a lot in recent years, many are still unaware of what it actually means and how it can help them achieve success in both their professional and personal lives.
In essence, e-learning is a computer based educational tool or system that enables you to learn anywhere and at any time. Today e-learning is mostly delivered through the internet, although still can be delivered using a blend of computer-based methods like CD-ROM.
Technology has advanced so much that the geographical gap is bridged with the use of tools that make you feel as if you were inside the classroom. There is a plethora of different e-learning systems (otherwise known as Learning Management Systems, or LMSs for short) and methods, which allow for courses to be delivered.
In the fast-paced world of e-learning the available technologies to make a course exciting are always changing, and course content can and should be updated quickly to give students the very latest information. This is especially important if the e-learning training is being given to employees in a sector, such as maritime, where keeping up-to-date on industry developments is of the utmost importance. This is one of the reasons why many businesses are now offering training via e-learning. Other reasons include low costs and the ability for employees to study in their own time and place.
Overall, traditional learning is expensive, takes a long time and the results can vary. E-learning offers an alternative that is faster, cheaper, potentially better and provides a high return of investment (ROI).
E-Learning – A learning and Development tool
The current speed of change means that employees need to be trained continuously in order for shipping companies to avoid the dangers of being out-thought and outdated by the fast growing maritime regulatory framework. The new global regulatory framework poses more complex challenges to personnel, requiring higher levels of education, computer literacy, critical thinking, information analysis, and synthesizing skills. These training initiatives (incorporating individual and group training activities) need to be monitored and managed via a consistent and reliable tracking system (Training Matrix) that can be stored, consulted and analyzed as required. The system’s data will be useful for management reports on productivity and for assessing individuals’ career advancement (Real Time Reporting).
A poorly educated workforce results in decreased, indeed ever decreasing, levels of productivity and reduces their ability to deliver results. Ignorant and poorly skilled staff can’t (or at least shouldn’t) be promoted – since they don’t have the appropriate skills to help their company reach its business objectives.
Learn more about SQLearn’s maritime training services for various vessel types including including Oil tanker, Gas tanker (LNG/LPG), Bulk carrier, Container vessel, Chemical tanker, General cargo, Generic Offshore vessel, Passenger vessel.
