Ready for eLearning? An Investigation at a Private Higher Educational Institution in Gauteng, South Africa

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Business economics - Offline Marketing and Online Marketing, , course: BCom Marketing and Business Management, language: English, abstract: This study tries to determine the current state of the business learning model and indicate the readiness for injection of eLearning at any level of the current business model. This study will only focus on a most basic form of a blended learning business model in South-Africa, that would include a web-tool like Skype to be installed on the facilitator's laptops where learners can view the presentation content and listen to the lecture, the willingness to adopt to it. Classroom after classroom and 'death by PowerPoint' is this really the only way to study? In the age where information is king, and rich media is around every corner, it is time to realise that digital media and the information age is here to stay and set a new platform for learner to utilise. Rich Media is a toolbox for creativity, enriched user experiences and new technology engagements and thus potentially debunks the arguments against the use of eLearning. eLearning is a platforms that offers a more convenient, elastic and on demand learning experience. Boiling down eLearning is basically learning that is facilitated and supported via information and communications technology (ICT). This assumes that the Private Higher Education (hereon referred to as PHEI) Institution is equipped with the relevant knowledge and skill required of information and communication infrastructures for the adoption of eLearning. eLearning has already been widely accepted by the corporate industry for many years. There are already quite a few service providers in the educational sector in South Africa that strive to incorporate electronic education technology in their delivery strategies, thus a mixed or blended learning business model. The vast expansion of the smart devices market that are already highly enabled to offer eLearning provides great opportunities for learning on the fly. For these reasons alone online courses have huge potential in South Africa, as to traditional forms of education that are highly restricted compared to the advantages that eLearning provides.