Current Technologies

Getting Trainees to be “In Their Element”

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

In this article from The Organization Management Journal, researchers Praveen Kulkarni, Prayag Gokhale, Y.M. Satish, and Basavaraj Tigadi (2022) evaluated the effectiveness of gamification and employee motivation or productivity in the workplace. They found that the technology is effective only if the trainer applies relevant elements. These elements include examples such as trainees earning badges, placements on leader boards, or advancing to higher levels of training digitally. Additionally, for participants’ productivity to increase in the workplace, the game and elements must resemble the qualities and tasks that consist in the workplace itself.

This resource would be useful for trainers that are considering implementing games in their sessions. This article is an asset in creating a method of training that will help workers recognize progress in their learning and achievement. This will also allow companies to better align their training curriculum due to the need for the games to simulate the workplace. Thus, organizations can track the correlation between employee motivation in the game-based training and productivity in the job setting. Although this research is exclusive to software-based companies, the concept can be implemented in most settings to enhance organizational development.  

Reference:

Kulkarni, P., Tigadi, B., Satish, Y. M., & Gokhale, P. (2022, March 31). An empirical study on the impact of learning theory on gamification-based training programs. Organization Management Journal, 19(5). https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/OMJ-04-2021-1232/full/html 

Is Healthcare Ready to Learn in the Metaverse?

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

With the fast pace of healthcare, clinicians and their students need to learn the latest workflows, procedures, and methods for best patient care.  In the article by Thomason (2021) in the Journal of Metaverse (a double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal), the Metaverse is introduced as a new way of providing simulation learning for clinicians.  Metaverse is a virtual realty space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment. In this article, many new virtual healthcare environments are described and include Veyond Metaverse, Studyum, OptiVu Mixed Reality, and Accuvein (Thomason, 2021).  In these spaces, students and clinicians can view, practice, and simulate patient care scenarios such as performing a surgery, interpreting imaging, and providing rehabilitation. As there are many benefits of learning, Thomason admittedly shares her ethical worries of a healthcare metaverse. 

The article facilitates the idea that it might be time to keep up with the new ways of simulation-based learning using VR and a possible Metaverse especially in healthcare. Metaverse immersion might be the next big step to safer practice and collaboration between healthcare teams.  However, do you have anxiety about wearing a VR headset?

Thomason, J. (2021). MetaHealth-How will the metaverse change health care? Journal of Metaverse, 1(1), 13–16. Retrieved May 27, 2023, from

https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2167692

Technologies Changing Learning Landscapes

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

Cutting-edge technologies are making education more accessible and engaging. “How Modern Technology Is Reshaping the E-Learning Industry,” by Simon Moser (2021) for Entrepreneur, gives us an overview of which technologies are challenging traditional learning models to change. The author discusses the impacts of innovations like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and virtual reality. Algorithms let educators and institutions gain insight about students by analyzing large sets of data. Moser highlights how artificial intelligence is being used to predict learning needs and customize training plans. He also explores the ways virtual reality is being used to create interactive learning experiences that increase engagement. 

I recommend this article to those seeking a comprehensive overview of the ways that current technology is impacting e-learning. It provides insight on current technologies being used to identify topics that students need help with, and personalize the learning experience (Moser, 2021). However, the analysis did not mention the issues that this technology may pose in its wide-spread adoption. There is still much to be learned about the implications of storing large amounts of data and how to create algorithms that are unbiased. The reader should consider these issues with a critical lens and continue to learn about the technology.

Reference

Moser, S. (2021, January 10). How modern technology is reshaping the e-learning industry. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/science-technology/how-modern-technology-is-reshaping-the-e-learning-industry/361812

Links to an external site.

ChatGPT: What’s it doing for/to me?

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This post is brought to you by your genial novice blogger, Daniel Liestman, a graduate student in the University of St. Francis’ (Joliet, IL) MS in Training and Development program.

Last November, Open AI released an advanced chatbot like no other.  ChatGPT (generative pre-trained transformer) draws on Internet information.  It’s RLHF, or Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback component, however, provides the human-like quality.  While ChatGPT may stir anxiety in some, it can be used as an effective learning tool.  For example, how might learners construct an AI generated argument and then analyze and critique it?  Further, how might learners hone their own questioning skills to spark discovery? Such AI can also foster individualized learning as well as doing administrative work for instructors while also doing instructional planning.

Stephens, an educational consultant with degrees from Harvard and Stanford, has no idea what ChatGPT bodes. But neither do we.  AI, for her, has a place in learning, but also in reducing instructors’ grunt work. I recall the story of a professor who audio taped a lecture for a day he was out.  While the reel-to-reel played atop the lectern, a cassette recorder on each student’s desk taped the lecture. While the technology has changed,  AI may well imitate this cautionary tale at the moment expense of learning.

Stephens, D. (2023, May 16). ChatGPT examples to use artificial intelligence in education. Nearpod Blog.  https://nearpod.com/blog/chatgpt-ai-artificial-intelligence/

Technology Trends on the Rise

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

5 Emerging Technology Trends Higher Ed is Watching for in 2022 by Amelia Pang is an interesting read.  In the article, she discusses the 5 trends in technology that are on the rise in higher education.  Those 5 trends include the adoption of learning analytics and adaptive learning, mobile learning, artificial intelligence, short-form video-based learning, and advanced VR with immersive learning technologies.  

The article is an interesting read for both the facilitator and the learner in that it brings up the latest trends that can assist both sides of higher education.  From the facilitator’s perspective, these trends can be useful when organizing or creating content.  It allows them to integrate the latest technology. In addition to assisting the facilitator, the author is helping the learner as well by mentioning the latest trends that should be investigated. These emerging trends can assist with higher education as well as corporate training, presentations, and conferences.   

Pang, A. (2022, June 27). 5 emerging technology trends higher ed is watching for in 2022. Technology Solutions That Drive Education.        https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2021/12/5-emerging-technology-trends-higher-ed-watching-2022

Keeping Current in Learning Technology

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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

Need FAQ Support? Try Chatbots!

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Angelica Brodeur, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program

When planning e-learning projects, one of the most important aspects to consider is determining how to support learners in the e-learning environment. Learners will always need assistance navigating the e-learning system and depending on the ratio of Continue reading →

Crowdsurfing? More like Crowdsourcing

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

Have a big question about the future of education at your institution? Have thousands of college students and faculty who have opinions and possibly bright ideas on this exact topic? Jeffrey Young’s article for EdSurge highlights the efforts MIT implemented to sort Continue reading →

Enhancing E-Learning Through Video-sharing Technology

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Tricia DeFay, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MBA in Health Administration program.

Technology is a necessary component of any e-learning platform. Video-sharing technology has emerged as an educational tool that can be integrated into e-learning courses to meet learning goals, engage students, and encourage discussion. In the article “YouTube a valuable educational tool, not just cat videos,” Antonio and Tuffley (2015) Continue reading →

Skillful Transition or Sinking Like the Titanic?

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

Teachers around the world have been thrown into the deep end with having to rush to put their classes online due to COVID-19. How can they use technology to survive this perilous transition and keep their head above water instead of sinking like a rock? In this article, Youki Terada (2020) discusses the SAMR Model of technology integration to help keep educators afloat. Continue reading →