Exploring Continuous Assessments

This post is provided by guest blogger, Breanna Winters, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

This article provides insight into the transition from traditional assessment methods in higher education to continuous assessments with a focus on integrating multiple choice assessments multiple times throughout a semester. Additionally, there are four studies reviewed in the article that question continuous assessment and alternative learner needs. The results of these studies support that having continuous assessments can help recognize when learners are becoming disengaged or experiencing a major life event. The results also confirm that the use of continuous assessments does not create a significant negative learning struggle for those with alternative learning needs (Playfoot et al., 2022).

This article can be useful for anyone whether in higher education, the corporate world, or the non-profit sector. It explores continuous assessments and brings to light the importance of considering if your learners have alternative learning needs and how assessments can impact the learner and feedback provided.

Reference

Playfoot, D., Wilkinson, L. L., & Mead, J. (2022). Is continuous assessment inclusive? An analysis of factors influencing student grades. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2022.2150834

Considering Values in eLearning

This post is provided by guest blogger, Breanna Winters, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

In this article, Liz Johnson (2021) questions the framework of distance learning and shared ideas on using Paul and Elder’s Concepts Depicting Ethical Behavior and Motivation. She reviews that these concepts are rooted in behaviors such as empathy, compassion, kindness, forgiveness etc. which are displayed through a comprehensive chart. Johnson (2021) expresses the need to incorporate these behaviors to create a framework before considering the technology that is to be used, as well as what policies are put in place. Additionally, she emphasizes throughout her article the importance of being socially responsible and speaks of the collective future.

This resource could be utilized by those in higher education or any business looking to implement eLearning technologies into their learning experiences. In particular, this would be a useful conversation to have when developing policies around eLearning, creating expectations of experiences for the learners and selecting technologies to implement. The resource is reliable and provides credible references.

Reference:

Johnson, L. (2021). Do values in online learning in higher education really matter to our collective future? JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE FOR POLICY IMPLICATIONS, 9(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.15640/jsspi.v9n2a1

eLearning and Knowledge Management

This post is provided by guest blogger, Breanna Winters, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

In this article, a review of eLearning is established. The article identifies some specific challenges of eLearning and provides a review of technology-enhanced learning, also referred to as TEL. In further detail the article reviews Knowledge Management (KM) and how they are all intertwined. The main focus is how eLearning, TEL and KM have a similar goal: employee skill building that will ultimately increase organizational performance. The article continues to explore some additional components of eLearning such as through mobile apps and how these apps can create life-long learning (LLL).

This article reinforces some of the benefits of eLearning and the importance of quality of content. It could be important for a training team to review when discussing eLearning options for a company and how they want to relay their content to their employees.

Reference

Alsharhan, A., Salloum, S., & Shaalan, K. (2021). The impact of eLearning as a knowledge management tool in organizational performance. Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal6(1), 928-936.

Keeping Current in Learning Technology

This post is provided by guest blogger, Breanna Winters, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

In this article from eLearning Industry, CEO and Co-Founder Morten Zetlitz and CTO and Co-Founder Anders Heivoll of Apprendly present on various trends in corporate learning for 2023. It includes a brief overview of training and technology and then addresses seven core considerations that optimize the learning experience. These seven considerations include: 1) remote work options 2) gamification 3) customizations 4) microlearning 5) cultural competency and diversity 6) flexible platforms and 7) learning experience platforms (LXPS).

This source is ideal for training and development leaders in an organization that are exploring options on how to enhance their current training services to their staff. The review of these considerations can help provide a guideline for what to look for in a potential training service, such as when considering an LXP. Although the article does not provide a list of specific technologies that are currently on the rise, the specifications can help pinpoint the search and inspire questions like “does this platform create a simulation of a reality?” It is a good basis for identifying emerging eLearning needs.

Reference:

Zetlitz, M. & Heivoll, A. (2023, January 31). 7 key corporate learning trends in 2023. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/key-corporate-learning-trends-in-2023