Benchmarking your eLearning journeys

By Laura Overton

Last week saw the launch of the fifth annual, internationally-recognised, eLearning Towards Maturity Benchmark Study. Since 2003 more than 1,200 organisations and 3,000 learners have contributed to our popular research including many not-for-profit organisations.

Funded by Towards Maturity Ambassadors – 15 of the industry’s leading eLearning organisations, which includes the CLC - the free Benchmark Study is open to organisations from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors looking to improve the impact of eLearning technology on business performance through best practise.

John Le Rossignol, Learning Resources Manager at the RNLI Lifeboat College, a user of the Benchmark Study for the last few years, recently told me about some of the benefits he has had from getting involved: “The benchmark survey has provided a framework to help me continually refine and develop my learning strategy. The new 2011 online Benchmark Centre allows me to easily compare the progress I have made and helps me adjust my strategy and identify priorities for ongoing improvement,” he said.

Taking part in the survey is easy: it takes just 40 minutes of your time and it’s completely confidential. After finishing the survey users receive a personalised online report providing them with their Towards Maturity Index, feedback on key performance indicators and recommendations for further actions. They will also receive a new White Paper: Time for Action – 101 tips for success, containing practical advice gathered from previous benchmark participants.

Don’t be put off if you have only recently started implementing eLearning in your organisation, this benchmark will provide you with a snapshot of your current position. It’s about taking the first steps on your journey. Towards Maturity will continue to work with CLC members in the Consortium’s regular workshops, to help you with your implementation strategies, to increase take-up and engagement of learning technologies in your workplace.

Be one of the hundreds of organisations to benefit from this free service by registering and following the simply survey steps at www.towardsmaturity.org/mybenchmark.

Charity Learning Consortium members receive an additional benefit of a completely free, extra-detailed feedback report - worth £600 - on how to take their eLearning strategy forward. This added premium Towards Maturity service is free of charge to CLC members if they complete the survey by the 31 July.

All you have to do is email me at laura@towardsmaturity.org after you have completed the Benchmark survey to receive your free extra report – it’s that simple!