Technology and Learning

Technology and Learning

Advancements in technology have undoubtedly changed the way we live, learn, train, and play.  Learning and training especially are experiencing a continuous metamorphosis of sorts that will impact the way institutions educate students or corporations train employees.  Many technological innovations have already influenced education and training programs across the country.  I believe we will continue to see the impact of technology on learning and training for years to come.  My top five picks for technologies changing the face of future learning and training programs are below with a description of their impact.

 

1.     E-learning offers some advantages other online training methods have not yet incorporated.  Noe says “e-learning initiatives are designed to contribute to a company’s strategic business objectives” (Noe, 2013, pg. 325).  These e-learning initiatives allows “training to be delivered faster and to more employees in a shorter period of time” and “”offer training to geographically dispersed employees at their own locations” (Noe, 2013, pg. 327)  E-learning can be accessible to not only employees but suppliers, vendors, and potential customers as well.  Companies such as Lucent and Nike uses e-learning for product training.    

 

http://langevin.com/workshops/e-learning-links

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+for+e-learning&qpvt=images+for+e-learning&FORM=IGRE

 2.     Podcasts are “audio or video program content distributed in episodes using software such as RSS” (Noe, 2013, pg. 345).  Podcasts are best used for “narrative-based content that inspires the user’s imagination using music and sound effects” (Noe, 2013, pg. 345).  Learners can use podcasts to study interviews, stories, or role plays created by SMEs.  Many portable devices such as iPhones, iPads, or notebook computer support podcast technology.  Therefore, learners or trainees have the advantage of listening and learning on the go.

http://www.podcastalley.com/

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+for+podcasts&qpvt=images+for+podcasts&FORM=IGRE

3.     Blended Learning, in my opinion, offers the best of both worlds of online and face-to-face learning.  Noe says “blended learning courses provide learners with the positive features of both face-to-face instruction and technology-based delivery and instructional methods” (Noe, 2013, pg. 338).  He goes on to say “in comparison to classroom delivery, blended learning provides increased learner control, allow for self-directedness, and requires learners to take more responsibility for their learning” (Noe, 2013, pg. 338).  Other advantages of blended learning includes discussing and sharing observations with classmates, “provides for more social-interaction”, and gives learning a real-life meaning.

http://www.educause.edu/library/blended-learning

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+for+blended+learning&qpvt=images+for+blended+learning&FORM=IGRE#a

4.     Social Media are defined as “online and mobile technology used to create interactive communications allowing the creation and exchanges of user-generated content” (Noe, 2013, pg. 335).  Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, and wikis are all classified as social media.  Some of the advantages of learning using social media are “being used as a coaching and mentoring tool”, linking to resources for learning new content, “reinforcing and sustaining learning”, and “engaging Generation X and millennial employees” (a huge advantage in my opinion)  (Noe, 2013, pg. 335)

http://www.onextrapixel.com/2011/05/06/35-examples-of-well-integrated-social-media-links-in-web-design/

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+for+social+media&qpvt=images+for+social+media&FORM=IGRE#a

5.     Thinkering Space is a new up and coming child-friendly space that’s positioning itself as “the new digital landscape [that] is radically changing how and where kids learn, play, interact and experience the physical environment” (Fahnstrom & Moura, n.d.)  A 2008 acticle calls Thinkering Space “a hybrid system …designed to support face-to-face collaboration [in addition to] accommodat[ing] remote and mixed reality interactions” (Moura & et al., 2008, pg. 148).  Thinkering Space aims to support thinking skills such as “teambuilding and innovation” (Moura & et al., 2008, pg. 148).

http://thinklab.typepad.com/think_lab/2007/06/thinkering_spac.ht http://blogs.birmingham.k12.mi.us/thinkeringstudio/category/authors/jordywhitmer/

http://relibraries.wikispaces.com/file/view/Thinkering_Space.jpg/265191230/400x299/Thinkering_Space.jpg

References

Fahnstrom, D. &. (n.d.). Thinkering Spaces. Retrieved Apr 9, 2014, from IIT Institute of Design: https://www.id.iit.edu/research-projects/faculty-led-research/thinkering-spaces/

Moura, H. F. (2008). Thinkering Space, An Experiment in Exploratory Learning. The International Journal of Learning, 147-156.

Noe, R. (2013). Employee Training and Development. New York: McGraw-Hill.