Introducing E-Learning in a Norwegian Service Company with Participatory Design and Evolutionary Prototyping Techniques

Over a 2-year period, we have participated in the introduction of e-learning in a Norwegian service company, a gas station division of an oil company. This company has an advanced computer network infrastructure for communication and information sharing, but the primary task of the employees is serving customers. We identify some challenges to introducing e-learning in this kind of environment. A primary emphasis has been on using participatory design techniques during the planning stages and evolutionary prototyping during the implementation stages. We describe a conceptual framework for analysis that takes into account technological, pedagogical and organizational factors. The data we present include interview excerpts and video recorded images and it documents the planning, implementation, and preliminary use of a moderately successful e-learning pilot system. The paper provides new insight into the successful co-existence of old and new technologies and multiple information seeking strategies.