Blog M4.4 – Learning Blog Assignment and Discussion

How do you see a Facebook page as adding value to the learning environment that you are creating?

I feel that Facebook could add tremendous value and exposure to my learning environment in many ways.   Facebook can be utilized to communicate training opportunities, events, and calendars to employees. It can also provide access to online discussions and collaboration, allow for the sharing of training materials and resources, provide links to videos and other multimedia, share pictures, provide instructor biographies, and allow instructors and students to interact.  Since employees are located around the country and in Canada, it would be nice to allow learners to view pictures of other employees and create groups for collaboration and sharing purposes.  I can also see this being extremely useful for new hire orientation, helping students navigate their learning requirements and opportunities.

Given that you would use private pages for internal postings, are there ways that you would try to encourage an ongoing community or commitment through the Facebook venue?

In order to sustain an ongoing community or commitment to the learning environment through Facebook, I would encourage students/learners to like the page to be eligible to receive training updates and offerings, access to course ratings and reviews, and training news. It can also communicate motivational messages, daily updates, team-building opportunities, provide access to free downloads, and interactive polls and surveys, to name a few.  In addition, they would have access to their individual groups, employee images, and employee contact information.

How would you plan on maintaining such an outward-facing social presence?

In order for the Facebook page to be a useful resource for employees, it would have to be relevant and contain timely information.  It would need to be maintained and updated consistently to include new information so employees return to it often and reply on it for informational purposes.  It will be important to know the audience and what is important and relevant to them. What do they expect to see? What types of information would keep them returning to the page?   I would want to understand what they expect to find on the Facebook page and what they feel would be beneficial to them.  I can think of so many great topics that can be included.  It is a great way to communicate scheduling changes, instructor changes, new course releases, training requirements and upcoming compliance deadlines.

Would you maintain this yourself or share the responsibilities with the learners in your environment?

I think I would probably maintain the core components of the page myself, however I can see many benefits with allowing learners in my learning environment to share feedback, questions, comments, pictures, etc. Of course this would need to be moderated, but I can definitely see value.  I would want to establish rules for posting content, and share guidelines and best practices for doing so.   We would also need to establish policies and procedures for employees to follow in regards to use of offensive terms, and clearly state what will and will not be considered acceptable.

Are there other comments and notes that you want to make about your personal learning and/or the challenges that will lie ahead as you start thinking about the expectations that others may have as outcomes from your learners?

In terms of Facebook, I would need to work closely with IT to discuss potential risks or concerns.  Would Facebook be available to employees from within the Intranet?  What would this entail?  Security would be a big concern overall.  As a company, we are in the process of rolling out a new Intranet later this month.  It will offer employees access to newsfeeds, communities and other collaboration and sharing tools.  Facebook could be a nice fit for this type of interactive environment and something that should maybe be considered.

Also related to Facebook and security, I would like to consider placing a link to the learning management system from the Facebook page.  This would allow learners to enroll directly from the page where they are viewing upcoming training opportunities.  It would be nice to have these integrated.

I am sure there will be many hurdles and challenges with implementing this, but I think it could be a real asset to the learners in my learning environment.

LETTP M3.4: Use of Video in a Blended Learning Environment

Based on videos that you have created and observed, what other ways (beside the video you created) can you envision using video in your finalized learning environment or in your communication areas in general?

I would consider video to be a critical part of my blended learning environment in many ways.  This topic is actually extremely relevant for me at this time.  In my organization, I have a large safety department.  I was recently approached by one of the safety managers who is interested is recording safety related videos himself.  He would like me to make them available on our leaning management system for employees’ companywide to be able to utilize and learn from.  At first I was not sure of the quality so I didn’t want to commit to anything; however, after seeing a prototype I have to admit I was impressed. I think videos like the one he created would add value to my learning environment for sure. My only concerns, which I am still looking into, are whether the amateur-style videos are safety compliant and also compliant from a legal aspect.  If the feedback is positive from the employees I have contacted to review the video content, I think I will move ahead with making them available to all employees.  I was excited to be addressing the topic of videos during this module. It was helpful to have the additional insight into the topic.

In addition to using video as tutorials and for other forms of training, I can also see it being a valuable resource for course pre-work as well.  Learners can be asked to watch a video or series of videos prior to attending a classroom session.  It is a great way to have all learners come to the class with a common foundation of knowledge. 

How can you keep your videos timely and engaging, without getting too cute?  (Or, do you want to be cute at some times? Cute can have great appeal to the right audience.)

I think there is an important balance when creating videos for training purposes.  When a learner takes an eLearning course, they can typically proceed through the content at their own pace.  With a video, the presenter is pacing the delivery.  I think it would be important to my learners to keep the video short, topic specific, and to the point, without speaking too fast or too slow.  The content delivered via video needs to be practical, engaging and applicable to the learner.  When creating the videos, I believe it would be important to scope out the content to be delivered so it doesn’t come across as rambling. The more focused and concise the video is, the more useful it will be to the learner in the end.

I like offering objectives at the beginning of the video and also offering a wrap up/review at the end.  This would allow the learner to determine if the video is right for their needs before watching it. I think images and transitions throughout the video help to set the pace and music to begin or end the video can be somewhat of an attention-getter if it is used wisely.

Video training can be helpful, but often you need to provide written directions too – how can you do create multiple training formats without creating too much work for yourself? What about considering the extra steps in creating the captioning file in YouTube so that a script is available too?

I think this is a true benefit of blended learning.  For a video that may require a written component as well, I would probably look to embed the video itself within an eLearning course rather than just a standalone video. That would allow me to create content leading up to the video, then the learner can watch the video as part of the course, and then review the content via a wrap up or summary. I can even choose to end with an assessment or acknowledgement if the content lends itself to that.  I think that would offer the most flexibility and allow me to repurpose content as well, saving time and money on development.

How can you create videos that truly engage the different intelligences?

Everyone learns differently and at different speeds. Learning from video is no different.  I would look to develop videos that are available at various levels. I may look to address a topic over three different videos at introduction, intermediate and advanced levels.  This would allow the learners to build upon their knowledge as they learn.   Also, I would incorporate images to visually represent the content whenever possible.  Much like the video I created for our module 3 assignment, I would probably be creating those types of demo videos for my learners.

Are there other comments and notes that you want to make about your personal learning and/or the challenges that will lie ahead as you start thinking about the expectations that others may have as outcomes from your learners?

One big challenge I can envision related to the use of video in my learning environment is related to the hardware and bandwidth available at the branch locations.  In order for the video to be watched, they would need sound cards and speakers on the equipment at the location.  My understanding is that all locations have the capability and bandwidth but I cannot be completely sure.  In order to really make an impactful blended learning environment, I would need to make sure that all employees are able to access the training I make available in the learning environment.

I would like to utilize video components for areas of training including new hire, sales, safety, ethics, technology, compliance, and leadership to name a few.

Below is an interesting article from Training magazine.  It offered many good points related to incorporating video for employee training.  I added the link below in case you wanted to check it out.

http://www.trainingmag.com/3-ways-use-video-effective-employee-training

Reference:

Hanzlik, Vern. Training. 3 Ways to Use Video for Effective Employee Training. February 10, 2014. http://www.trainingmag.com/3-ways-use-video-effective-employee-training. Retrieved March 1, 2015.

LETTP M2.5: Learning Blog

Based on the standards and organizations that you have found related to the

learning  environment that you are creating, do you think that your environment

will map to the expectations within a subset of that larger organization and its

needs?  

It is definitely a challenge to meet the needs of the over 12,000 employees throughout my organization.  Taking into consideration the needs that I am aware of, I believe that my learning environment will accommodate the expectations of my learners.  In addition to addressing the various needs of the learning community, I am also trying to proactively address future needs as well. I plan to use surveys, learning forums and blogs to try to determine areas for improvement.  Improving communication, collaboration and overall course offerings using various delivery methods will help me to accomplish this.  I consider the needs of the learner population to be fluid and varied, requiring ongoing change and adaptability as the needs of the business change.

How is “learning” or training done in a conventional sense within this field – and what would you like to bring to the field that has not been done or was not achievable in the past?  

Within my learning environment, there are many courses and certifications that need to be completed by employees based on their role with the company and/or their location (state, country).  Although many courses are available in a web-based format now, there are certain courses that require an element of hands-on training.  One example of the conventional type training would be our equipment operator certification training.  Although learners can complete various interactive training courses on equipment knowledge and equipment safety, they cannot complete the practical component without a hands-on portion delivered by an instructor.  Another example is harassment training required for managers in the state of California.  The majority of the training requirements related to harassment can be done online, but once a year managers also need to attend an instructor-led session on the topic of harassment.

In terms of what I would like to bring to the learning environment, it would most definitely be a mobile learning platform.  Many employees are on the road extensively and also travel frequently for business so having the ability to download online courses and then complete them in an offline environment at a convenient time would be extremely beneficial.  We require our employees to complete many courses quarterly on a quarterly basis, so making the process more convenient for them would certainly be welcomed.

Are there other comments and notes that you want to make about your personal learning and/or the challenges that will lie ahead as you start thinking about the expectations that you might have of your future learners?

It is important for me to learn about and understand what options are available in terms of emerging technology in learning.  As the needs of the organization (and the learners) change, I want to be able to provide them with the tools they need to succeed by offering engaging and effective training, within budget.

One of my biggest challenges is determining what limitations I may encounter from a network infrastructure standpoint.  All employees company-wide have access to a PC or laptop.  Many employees also have smartphones and others even have tablets.  The resources are in place to support technology – I just need to determine what would be the best fit for the content I am working with.

My learners have expectations.  We ask a lot of them in terms of their own training and development.  Training is a pillar in my organization.  I don’t want what we offer to be considered stale or outdated.

Although learners don’t necessarily know that that they need mobile learning options, but many of the comments I receive have to do with taking courses on their mobile devices while tracking their completions.  It is my responsibility to meet their current needs and expectations and try to foresee future needs and expectations. 

My First Blog for LETTP - M1.6

Reflections on Learning within e-environments

What did you learn about learning itself when working with technologies?

I have learned that technology can significantly improve the learning experience.  I believe that technology opens the learner up to a whole world of knowledge.  Through technology, learning can be adapted to meet the needs of the individual learner – allowing them to learn in the way that is most conducive to them.  I also learned that learning is fluid when working with technologies.  It changes and adapts as the needs of the learner and learning environment change.  Technology makes knowledge easier to share and allows it to be more relevant.  Collaboration and networking are improved through technology and the ability to simulate actual experiences adds to the overall learning experience. 

Where there any aspects of new territory in what you attempted within this module – and how did you address your own learning needs if that was the case?

There were definitely aspects of new territory that I faced so far in this module.  The biggest challenge for me had to be Second Life.  I had heard of it before, but never used it.  I have a background in eLearning and I have used tools like webex for meetings but I never spent any time in a virtual environment.  I struggled at first with my avatar. We still have somewhat of a love/hate relationship.  I tried to look at it as a challenge instead of feeling overwhelmed.  Once I found my way to ESC Island, I felt more in control and was able to learn how to navigate, fly, run and walk.  I thought I was prepared and had some control over things in SL until the night of our meeting.  My avatar decided to get stuck in the basement of the Rotunda.  I have no sense of direction in real life – I was hoping to possibly have more in SL, but I guess not!  In addition to needing to be saved from the basement, my avatar kept walking over chairs – quite the entrance she made – and dropping her head and snoring occasionally during the meeting.  I could not figure out how to make her stop and was afraid to make the situation worse, so I just decided to not stress and just go with it – not an easy task for me usually.  I was relieved to see others struggling a bit with their avatars during the meeting as well.  To overcome some of these obstacles, I took to YouTube.  I watched many videos both there and in Moodle.  Doing this helped me quite a bit.  I am by no means a SL expert – far from it – but a little more comfortable with trial and error now.

In addition to SL, I was also introduced to other tools such as Blogger, Slideshare and Diigo.   I am definitely enjoying the exposure to these various tools.

In what ways did your review of the work of others help you learn about your own future work?

I have enjoyed reading the posts and presentations of others so far in the class.  It helps me to recognize and understand common goals and challenges we all face in dealing with emerging technologies.  It seems to me that many of the goals we have and the challenges we face are similar whether we are dealing with children or adults, and in a classroom or corporate learning environment.  We all come from such diverse backgrounds yet many of the experiences we have had are similar.  Also, it helps me when others share their experiences – many times they communicate ideas and concepts I had not yet considered for my own future work.  Through the collaboration and sharing of these experiences, and the feedback and support we provide each other, I feel we will all benefit.

Are there other comments and notes that you want to make about your personal learning and/or the challenges that will lie ahead as you start thinking about the learners with whom you will someday be working?

There are definitely many challenges that I will face with my learners moving forward.  In our post, we needed to share what we considered to be our greatest challenge.  For me, this was a challenge.  I feel there were so many options that I could have chosen.  The way I see it, it is best for me to focus on and handle the challenges that are most in my own control.  For example, I am able to develop content in a clear, concise way incorporating emerging technologies.  I can develop more simulation and scenario based courses to improve transfer of knowledge.  I can increase the course/topic offerings available to employees.   I can help my learners to achieve a sense of ownership over their own individual learning.  I can promote networking and collaboration. I can make my learning environment effective and measurable by making better use of the learning management system. 

Other things, like mobile learning for example, will require additional budget and resources to implement.  I don’t have as much approval power over that and would require others to get involved to make it happen.  In addition, keeping up with technology and the growing needs of the learners as they mature and adapt will also be a challenge.  Our employees are diverse and decentralized making technology a major part of the success of my learning environment.