Online learning, also known as e-learning, embraces the portability of the Internet to address the needs of today’s busy business executives. A study conducted in 2006 found that there are nearly 3.5 million people participating in various e-learning courses, and that number continues to grow.

The New York Times recently took a look at the growing trend of learning languages online. The article points out that in today’s global marketplace, those involved in business want to gain an edge with the ability to communicate and negotiate in foreign languages.

In addition to the obvious advantages of the lower costs of e-learning programs, as well as the flexibility which allows you to work at your own pace, businesses are adopting e-learning programs as part of a broader integrated approach towards education involving visual, audio and kinesthetic components. These extra sensual features of e-learning make it a successful addition to online language instruction.

Better English = Higher employee productivity

E-learning for business English presents a most-compelling case for employee training. Honing employees’ English increases their accessibility to business documents and information, and enables them to communicate globally with other businesses via email and phone. After investing time in improved language skills, employees are able to focus on the content of their work, reduce their frustration, and speed up the process of writing even simple emails.

The challenges employers face when considering employee training are time and money. Deciding to invest in employee training requires confidence in visible results such as greater employee productivity, a realization of company goals, and a significant ROI.

Businesses understand that their employees are their most valuable resource, and that improving employee productivity in today’s marketplace necessitates training and education. E-learning’s low cost, flexibility and integrated educational methodology makes it a viable and attractive option for businesses around the world.

As businesses expand their client and employee locations, and the value of business conference calls increases, the importance of conducting productive conference calls in English takes on a new challenge - and new opportunity.
The Benefits of Conference Calls

Conference calls enable companies to connect people for a common purpose, without transportation and meeting costs. They also avoid the time-consuming lengthy group emails that often confuse employees less comfortable in English. Gathering people together from various locations with the technology of a simple telephone is a convenient way to replace training seminars, business meetings or presentations.

Weighing the Options

Employees often prefer listening to a spoken English presentation, over reading long and intimidating English documents. However, whereas English business emails can be read over and over again by employees not fluent in English, phone conferences demand the immediate comprehension of all participants. Here are some tips to assure the success of English Conference Calls in Israel:

1. Preparation: Even before the actual call begins, consider emailing the participants a clear meeting agenda, to keep people focused, prepare them for the topic of discussion, and enable them to know if they missed a point. If possible, tell participants to log into Skype during the conference call so that they can alert the monitor of any issues by using Skype’s chat feature without interrupting the call. When you’re ready to start the call, begin on time and check that each member is ready either by doing your own short roll call, or by using a relatively inexpensive operator assisted service (calls participants, manages logistics, etc.)

2. Combining Visual and Audio Mediums: Adding visuals such as a PowerPoint presentation through a web conferencing service can transform the whole experience for participants with language difficulties. Following the visual cues not only compensates for comprehension issues, but it also keeps participants engaged throughout the presentation.

3. Clarity is the Key: Obviously, keep in mind that whenever dealing with an audience of multiple languages, clarity and focus are the keys to delivering a message successfully.

By following the tips above, you can ensure that your conference calls are productive, enjoyable, and as efficient as a face-to-face meeting.