Both eLS and GLC are available as multi-lingual solutions with Arabic content. Through an exclusive partnership with Cegos, UKS is now able to offer Cegos' world-class eLearning solutions as both off-the-shelf modules and as fully customised programs. In addition, UKS will develop and deliver GLC blended-learning solutions, which integrate classroom training with eLearning and other training tools, as well as provide self-assessment techniques and an online learning-management system.

The launch comes at a time when eLearning and blended learning are fast gaining momentum in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. According to Madar Research Group, total spending on eLearning in the UAE is expected to reach 266.6 million UAE dirhams (US$72.6 million) by the end of 2010. The UAE and Saudi Arabia currently represent eighty percent of the investment in online education in the Gulf.

The rise of eLearning and blended learning

Three key factors are contributing to the rise in popularity and demand for eLearning and blended learning: the steady advancements in digital infrastructure, an increasing awareness among major businesses and the public sector of the significant benefits and Return on Investment (ROI) that technology-led learning delivers, and the fact that employees genuinely like eLearning and blended learning and want more of them.

In March 2009, Cegos Group carried out a major study among 2,355 employees and 485 HR directors and training managers from companies employing more than 500 staff in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. The survey revealed that half the employees across Europe wanted more eLearning and blended learning during the next three years. Learners are also keen to embrace collaborative tools like blogs, forums, and wikis, with 44% wanting to see more of these tools developed.

The survey also found that eLearning and blended learning programs are meeting users' expectations. For 89% of employees, blended learning is living up to users expectations 'well' or 'very well', and the same was found for 82% of respondents using eLearning.

These trends are echoed in the Middle East, with Cegos' research findings comparing favourably with SkillSoft's EMEA eLearning benchmark survey which showed that employees in the Middle East find eLearning to be enjoyable, engaging, and effective. The survey revealed that 94% of employees enjoy the courses they have taken; 87% were able to give tangible examples of how they have applied their learning in the workplace and 98% would recommend eLearning to a colleague.

Cegos' survey also found that more managers (50%) than non-managers (38%) take part in eLearning programs. This highlights the flexibility of eLearning and the way it can be scheduled to fit in with day-to-day demands, ensuring greater productivity due to less time spent away from the office.

More focus on professional skills development

Employees are using eLearning and blended learning to develop their technical, IT, and professional skills. In Europe and the Middle East, technical-skills development is the core focus of training programs and continues to dominate over professional skills development.

Cegos' survey showed that in Europe, 44% of employees receive technical-skills training and 33% receive IT-skills training. A total of 18% and 16% of employees have undertaken sales and finance-related training, respectively, in the past year. In terms of personal development, 25% of employees in Europe have undertaken professional skills training, and 15% have undertaken leadership training, with the UK leading the way with 25% of employees benefiting from leadership programs.