Blended Learning and SME's: The Challenge for NCI Library: USB Key as a Learning Tool

The proliferation of the internet as and instructional medium has given rise to the growth of numerous types of online training. Distance learning, e-learning or blended learning are phrases exchanged frequently, as students and corporate employees log on to instructional sites at college, at the library or between staff meetings. Although thousands of small businesses are established each year only a small number remain in operation within ten years of their inception [1]. Major contributing factors to the failure of many small firms are a lack of attention given to the development of a robust plan, goals and objectives, organising and resourcing for the new venture and the development of people assets. Relying on instructionally solid features and simplicity in technical implementation it is no surprise that corporate managers and academic stakeholders are including synchronous education in their budget and strategic plans. This is where NCI comes into its own. NCI is offers a series of tailor made management development programmes for both public and private sector organisations. These programmes will lead to qualifications at the level of certificate, diploma and bachelors degree. Through the In-Company Training and Education Division, National College of Ireland aims to develop and deliver a suite of programmes designed to enhance the management capability of junior to middle level managers. A cross section of our current client list includes, Glanbia plc, Midland Health Board, C&C Group plc, VHI Healthcare, Dublin Port Company, Symantec, Dublin Bus and AXA Insurance. The web has promoted exploration, reflection, application, discovery, and overall has encouraged learner behaviours associated with higher – order learning [2]. Blended learning, a mix of self paced (asynchronous ) work and instructor led (synchronous or face to face) elements is being promoted by many in the training and executive education fields as the best way to capitalize on the strengths of elearning, while maintaining the benefits of traditional training. E. G NCI Certificate in Managing teams – The interaction is through personal conferences and one to one discussion with lecturer, conferences with class and lecturer and online class discussion forum. How the Programme Works.