Teacher training for postsecondary faculty

Apr 02 2010 Published by under teaching concerns

Tony Bates wrote a blog article, ““What do teachers need to know about teaching with technology?” Although referencing technology, he presents a framework for faculty education in teaching and learning, taking them beyond their subject matter expertise. Tony doesn’t assume this will ever happen. However, the framework presented is a good guide for anyone wishing to engage in some self study of the field to enhance teaching knowledge and abilities. Of course, now we are talking about informal learning. The question to ask is how we encourage those lacking in the area to participate on an informal, or formal, basis? Also, which technologies would best support such informal training and education to create and maintain engagement? There are going to be some differences between new faculty and those already in the system.

I was there as a new, term contract instructor in a traditional classroom. I recall being overwhelmed by everything else I needed to prepare, so I’m not sure that was the best time to introduce more. We did start with an instructional skills workshop that helped, and my concurrent studies in the Master of Distance Education program provided benefit as I developed as an instructor and later taught online. We did also have ongoing faculty development opportunities, including a session with Tony Bates back on April 29, 2004 (signed book on shelf beside me).

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Conversation about learning and performance

Mar 22 2010 Published by under workplace learning

If you are interested in informal workplace learning, you will want to watch this 4-part video series, In conversation with Jay Cross about Learning and Performance, each about 5 minutes, between Jay Cross of Internet Time Alliance and Peter Casebow of GoodPractice. Here’s some points to listen for:

  • How do you help people work smarter?
  • Good Practice research about the frequency and effectiveness of activities of managers when they have a challenge, with informal or social learning being prominant. (82% talk to colleagues and 62% use Google.)
  • Skills needed, such as analytical, research, and critical thinking.
  • On-the-Job Training is very effective.
  • How are managers supported and what work skills are being provided?
  • Who is charge of the learning?
  • Learning is often thought of as formal without consideration for other learning.
  • You learn through reflection and need to make time for it.
  • The problem with trying to formalize informal learning.
  • Perhaps refer to ‘formal learning’ as ‘traditional learning’ and refer to ‘informal learning’ as ‘independent learning’ or ‘interdependent learning’ (as learning is social).
  • Goal is to get people working smarter.
  • How to maximize informal learning and build in formal learning as necessary.
  • Words not to use with management.

If the topic interests you, it is certainly worth the time to take in what Peter and Jay have to say.

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Microblogging, learning, and reflective writing

Mar 18 2010 Published by under microblogging

This discussion started with an excellent blog post by Yogesh Agarwal on The Upside Learning Solutions Blog, How to Use Microblogging in Workplace Learning. I provided a comment that linked microblogging, reflective writing, and increased informal learning. Yogesh respectfully replied, “Microblogging doesn’t help in reflective learning as content is limited to a small number of characters. It does help get link to some great resources or blogs.”

I also received a request from a Twitter follower, @ShellTerrell (Shelly Terrell), for a guest post on the topic. She kindly published the post, Do We Learn More through Microblogging?

So far, I’ve seen follow up tweets that support microblogging for the learning that does occur, and I’ve received a couple of private messages that specifically address reflective writing. I’m going to watch with interest over the next few days for any further comments.

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Informal learning, e-learning, and the workplace

Nov 03 2009 Published by under workplace learning

When one thinks of workplace e-learning, the first thoughts may be of learning management systems (LMS) and self-study of predesigned courses. This, however, may not be the primary interest for research going forward. How about the informal learning that occurs and the use of social media to work with and capture it? How is it being used, how can it be used, and what does it mean for the individuals and the organizations? The scenarios are endless. I look forward to reading about and discussing more opportunities where informal workplace e-learning is happening.

Yesterday, I replied to a blog post about “making the case for social media” in workplace learning. I invite you to read the post and my reply:

http://goodpractice.com/blog/making-the-case-for-social-media/

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Web 2.0 and workplace learning

Oct 08 2009 Published by under workplace learning

Does your workplace promote or support the use of Web 2.0 for learning? If it does, I would appreciate knowing how it is being used. Is it formal or informal? What tools are used? Is it closed to the company, or can you go beyond corporate boundaries? What role does IT play in supporting or hindering the endeavor? Is it something required by the employer and, if so, does that change the interest in participating?

I’m really interested in the engagement of learners in the workplace through e-learning, and I’m attempting to isolate the research questions that will interest industry and the academic community. Your input is invited!

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Workplace E-Learning

Oct 04 2009 Published by under workplace learning

I posed a question on Twitter this morning and will repost it here. What e-learning tools/approaches would you like to see tested in workplace e-learning research?

One thing is clear: there is a lack of research and writing regarding the use of e-learning in the workplace. First, just how much e-learning is taking place and in which forms is it occuring? Is it formal and informal learning? Does it fit the “vending machines” approach suggested by Dr Marc Rosenberg at the 2009 E-Learning Debate“? Is it self-study, how interactive is it, and does it actively include workers in a Community of Practice? Are the workers engaged in their learning?

As I prepare a plan to do post graduate research in the area, I welcome your comments as to the research needs you see. Let’s not forget the older workers as well as the younger digital staff!

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