“Several surveys of company training practices suggest that although face-to-face classroom instruction is used by almost all companies, new technologies are gaining in popularity” (Noe, 2010, p. 296).
I doubt that technology will completely replace classroom training, but it will certainly be instrumental in the training process. As Noe (2010) states “Technology has allowed learning to become more dynamic” (p. 299). Through this writing I will look at five technologies or technological advancements used in training and explain the impact they have and will continue to have on how people learn and interact, and the implications for this training.
Multimedia
Multimedia uses different media technologies in training. These audiovisual technologies are used in conjunction with computer-based training. In addition to the computer based training, other multimedia technologies include: CD-Rom, the internet, video, virtual reality, simulations. Multimedia usually allows learner interaction and includes text, graphics, video, and audio. For example, an instructor presenting a PowerPoint presentation can include multimedia during their presentation by showing video clips from YouTube or if the presentation was to be delivered on a CD it could include narration of the presentation. PowerPoint presentations can also incorporate test quizzes which will require student interaction; games such as Jeopardy can also be included in a PowerPoint to facilitate learner interaction. Multimedia can be used in both instructor-led training and online learning. A great multimedia resource to include in the learning process is YouTube.com. However, prior to using you should review the video clip for accuracy and validity as a lot of the video clips are done by amateurs. In addition, trainers can create their own short video clips to incorporate into training. The use of multimedia will continue to allow learners to be creative and involved in the learning process by creating their own podcasts or viewing demonstrations/explanations relevant to their learning content. Multimedia allows educators the ability to develop and share content with one another. This could help develop content that is shared by all districts to provide quality, consistent education countrywide. Some additional advantages of multimedia are included in the topics below as they are forms of multimedia (i.e. simulation).
Resources: www.YouTube.com; www.TeacherTube.com
Blended Learning
Blended or hybrid learning is a combination of online learning with face-to-face instruction, as well as other instructional methods. While there is a more positive reaction from learners in the face-to-face environment, blended learning is more effective for motivating trainees to learn (Noe, 2010, p. 317). Blended learning can be utilized to provide a lot of the didactic online at the leisure of the learner; then bring the group together to demonstrate the knowledge or further enhance the learning process through group activities/discussion. For example the American Heart Association uses blended learning for the CPR , Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Life Support Classes. Students do the didactic and written testing online, then they go to a training center to demonstrate skills. The benefit of this is a substantial saving in training costs for the organization and all students receive the same message on proper life saving techniques. I think blended learning will be the most utilized method of training (at least for now) because it will help to reduce training costs, but continue to satisfy learner needs. However, as the younger generation grows they will be more comfortable with total online learning and technologies that maybe it will become obsolete. Only time will tell.
Resource: http://www.onlineaha.org/
Simulations
Simulation is a great training method where you can expose the learner to difficult situations. In a simulation, the learner can make decisions in a risk-free environment. Simulations emulate real life experiences/work environments, making the learning experience meaningful and realistic. There are various types of simulation: 1) Branching story – Trainees are presented with a situation, provide a solution and simulate progress based on their decisions; 2) Interactive Spreadsheet – Trainees need to make business decisions that will affect the business and the impact of decision-making is tracked and monitored through a spreadsheet; 3) Game-based simulation – Trainees play a video game on the computer, and 4) Virtual lab – Trainees interact with a computer representation of the job for which they are being trained (Noe, 2010, p. 318). I think simulations will continue to be an important part of training. They engage the learner, enhance the learning process and provide risk-free learning. It also allows the learner to relate to the learning from a real world experience which is far more meaningful. Simulations can also be used to enhance classroom training.
Resource: http://www.laerdal.com/us/doc/85/SimMan-3G?gclid=CNy-s461kq4CFeIQNAodOUoSLA#/comparison
Distance Learning
Distance learning allows training to be delivered to wide geographic areas and it can asynchronous or asynchronous. Distance Learning can include virtual classrooms that allow the projection of images, discussions between the learners and trainers, whiteboards, polling interaction, and sharing of software applications (Noe, 2010, p. 325). Interaction between students may occur through the use of discussion boards, blogs, email, and teleconferencing. Training may be delivered through the use of course management systems such as Moodle or Blackboard/ Simonson, Sandino, Albright and Vice (2009) state “the learning environment of the future encourages collaboration without the limitations inherent in the self-contained classroom” (p. 23). Distance learning will grow in popularity with not only educational institutions, but organizations as well. Distance learning allows for worldwide collaboration. In academia, it allows educational opportunities to be more accessible to remote areas, as well as learners from other countries. From an organizational standpoint, it is a cost effective way to deliver training 24/7 to multiple locations and promote/encourage an environment of lifelong learning.
References: www.moodle.com; www.blackboard.com
Mobile Learning
Park (2011) describes mobile learning (M learning) as “the use of mobile or wireless devices for the purpose of learning while on the move” (p. 79). Mobile learning uses various handheld devices such as cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, handheld computers, tablet pcs (IPad, Android, etc.), and personal media players. The biggest advantages of mobile learning are portability and accessibility. Mobile learning is viewed as an extension of e-learning and contributes to the learner having control over their learning. Through M learning students can access textbooks electronically, conduct research instantly, and collaborate through live chat. While there are limitations to m-learning, I think we will see this method of training advance in popularity. According to Wentworth and Green, “85% of companies provide mobile devices to at least some of their workforce” and “65% of employers are either using, considering, or currently developing learning for mobile devices” (p. 25).
References:
Noe, R. A. (2010). Employee Training and development (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Park, Y. (2011, 02). A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: Categorizing educational applications for mobile technologies into four types. International review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 12(2), 79-102. Retrieved 02 10, 2012, from EBSCOhost
Simonson, M. S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4TH ed.). Boston, MA, USA: Pearson.
Wentworth, D. & Green, M. (2011, July). Mobile learning: Anyplace, Anytime. T & D, 25.
Hi Lisa
ReplyDeleteI too think that blended learning can be more motivating for learning. A 2009 study by the U.S. Department of Education found that students learn better with a blended method than in a traditional setting or totally online. (U.S. Department of Education, 2009) Blended learning is increasing in the workplace also. No matter where blended learning occurs, developers and trainers should remember that the training is all about the learner, goals and requirements must be developed, and to remember that technology is an enabler of learning, not the driver (Collings, 2011, p. 58).
Sue
Collins, P. T. (2011). An insider's view to meeting the challenges of blended learning solutions. T + D, 65(12), 56-61.
U.S. Department of Education. (2009). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. Retrieved from http://repository.alt.ac.uk/629/1/US_DepEdu_Final_report_2009.pdf.
Hello Lisa:
ReplyDeleteThe mobile learning aspect of technology in the classroom is the new application being considered in my language learning facility. The use of Apple iPads to replace physical binders of classroom status documents will tie class visitors into the digital files that make up the class forms used in the facility. The digital age has been around for several years, but it is the portability and ease of use of iPads that has finally made those paper documents obsolete for the applicability in my facility. There is also a plan to have one iPad per class for the students' use in accessing the facility media server or other specified resource supporting a learning task. The interesting conundrum to this plan is the Army's fixation on cell phones and PDAs in the classroom as distractions to the presentation. This IDT course will by my leverage to get that attitude corrected at my facility and hopefully improve learner outcomes in the classes where instructors also get the logic of student access to digital resources during class.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou selected three technologies that I feel have great potential for the future of training and development: blended learning, distance learning and mobile learning. You made a very good point regarding the importance of viewing YouTube videos for accuracy and validity prior to using in a training session. I liked your suggestion for trainers to develop their own video clips and podcasts to enhance their instruction. What do you see as some of the advantages for the learner of using these different media during training?
I would agree that blended learning strategies can not only save money and time, but allows for a consistent message and content to be distributed to the learners. The blended learning provided by the American Heart Association is a great example of an effective strategy. You did a very nice job pointing out the many advantages of Distance Learning. What do you see as some of the current barriers holding back the proliferation of distance learning technology for education and training?
Greg made a good point regarding the mindset of administrators that cell phones and PDAs are a distraction to learning in the classroom. What other barriers do you see limiting the potential use of mobile technology in the classroom?
Mike