Interview with Nobahle Mali, Inside Sales Consultant, Laragh Skills

Nobahle has completed several e-learning courses and provides a learner’s perspective of the process.

Interviewer (I): Nobahle, what is your background in terms of education, previous jobs and experience?

Nobahle (N):  Circumstances prevented me from finishing High School. I worked in various restaurants and hotels, doing various fairly menial jobs. I then Joined Laragh Courseware as a cleaner.

I: Had you even been exposed to computers before joining Laragh?

N: No, my first experience with a computer was when I started doing stand-by reception work, and then I was promoted to my current position with Laragh Skills.

I: So it’s fair to say, you gained your computer skills by doing the online courses?

N: Yes

I: You have now done quite a few e-learning courses, covering desktop applications as well as business skills. What specifically do you like about learning this way?

N: Well, it’s very easy to access, and I find I really gain more knowledge and skills. I can redo anything I don’t understand – this is not an option with Instructor Led training (ILT). E-learning is always available for refresher training if I need it. I can do it as often as I like.

I: Do you prefer the Business Skills or Desktop Skills courses?

N: Well, I really enjoy the Business Skills courses, because they have lots of well presented information, and I’ve learned so much more about business by using them.  The Desktop courses have been critical to my being able to use the applications though.

I: Is there anything you don’t like about e-learning?

N: No, I really enjoy doing it. You have to be motivated and disciplined though. I find it’s best to spend a small amount of time regularly working through the courses. Then it becomes part of my working day. I spend between 15 minutes and one hour most days.

I: What do you find most useful about the courses?

N: The graphics really aid my understanding, and I find listening to the audio while I am reading the text is very useful, because as you know, English is not my home language. The interactivity keeps me engaged. I also find that the simulations and role plays really help me to use the skills learned when I am working.

I: Do you find it easy to work at your desk?

N: In fact I’m happiest working at my desk. I wear earphones. The bookmarking feature ensures that I can easily get back to where I was if I am interrupted.

I: I know you access the informal learning offered by Books24X7 from time to time. How does this help your learning?

N: It helps a lot. I can always access a book to “top-up” the knowledge I get from completing the more formal e-learning courses. Also, it’s useful to get various viewpoints on a subject.

I: How has e-learning contributed to your career development?

N: Well, previously I never knew such a thing existed, so it certainly opened my eyes. I have learned so much, has helped me enormously with selling and communicating with customers and prospects. This in turn has given me much more confidence.

I: What would you say to people who don’t believe e-learning can be effective?

N: They must try it! Once exposed, they will discover it is a very good way to learn. It’s accessible anywhere, at any time, and best of all, you can learn at your own pace. I think e-learning suits everybody. You can also have access to a wide range of topics, so you can complete what you need to know, but also study other topics you are interested in. This is great for personal development, and I think it benefits the company as well.

I: Anything else you’d like to add?

N: Well, I am currently studying Sales & Marketing through UNISA. Having access to e-learning courses on the subject gives me additional tuition to ensure understanding of what I am learning. The simulations in the SkillSoft learning paths really brings learning to life, and allows me to “experiment” in a safe environment.