Notes from Video Arts Webinar: Put the Learning Back into E-Learning

Martin Addison, Martyn Sloman 7 years experience of e-learning

3 distinct waves in which e-learning has had an impact
1990s the huge availability of PC - promise of transforming training??? Stand alone cd roms did not have the promised impact
Next wave e-learning - incorporation of the internet (tom peters in ASTS Florida 2001) Very helpful
ASTD records what % is delivered through learning technology (10% plateau) progressively mover to 30% currently.
CIPD 2008 monitors progress of e-learning - latest 12% total training time delivered through e-learning. Roughly half of available e-learning is taken up.

Q e-learning = ? learning delivered or mediated through technology.

We are demanding something from the learner. It is about learning, not technology. Keep your eye on the skills that people need to learn.

Potential of e-learning is huge, but progress is patchy, a lot to learn.

Relevance drives out resistance. Good design engages the learner and embeds activity in the organisation. No good just providing product if it is not linked to what is going on in the organisation.

Good training managers will use good content (like video snippets) and incorporate into their own programmes.

"the second-generation of internet-based communities that encourage collaboration between users" Is this the killer app? I'm a sceptic.

Are learning preferences differences across the generations? Overwhelmingly the learning preferences are the same for all generations, but more comfortable sophistication with technology in younger gens.

Survey (Changing Skills at Work)
47% in the UK report computing is an essential part of their job. (three quarters of workforce use automated or computerised equipment)

What we have got now is that there are a whole series of different ways in which technology will affect learning at work; googlisation of learning, expert opinion, discussion threads, information repositiories, on-line assessment, electronic job aids, webinars, virtual worlds, online support.

EPSS (electronic performance support systems)
As people are using the pc at work, devices will pop up to help them to learn. This has not turned out to be popular (Moorfields Eye Hospital have a good example of this)

Learning is a self-directed work-based process, leading to increased adaptive processes.

We have to align organisational and individual needs.

There are lots of good practice examples.
Cable and Wireless; single portal for learners to access learning programmes. Partnered with Skill Soft. Not worried about how many people access the training - nuggets are available on demand. Search and Learn (iLearn). This assumes high degree of motivation and sophistication. Certain e-learning modules are compulsory (eg health and safety)
Learning technology interventions need to take account of the need for behaviour change.

CIPD website for more information about e-learning.