Knowledge Management – Building the Foundation for eLearning

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

Efficient, fast, accurate, streamlined – these are some of the many words used to describe communication technology.  While business and education are keeping up with digital trends, they can manage and impart information through eLearning.  Before eLearning can be implemented, a strong foundation should be built through strategic planning, organizational mission, and cultural vision.  Author Rommel Benedick Lim (2021) discusses the importance of preparation before implementation.  Through change management and strong leadership, businesses can create the perfect setting for knowledge management to be effective.  ”The combination of business goals with learning programs will make eLearning sustainable in the workplace” (Lim, 2021). 

I recommend this article for anyone interested in setting the stage for an eLearning program in their workplace.  The information speaks volumes of the importance to prepare first, implement next, and sustain going forward.  The article does not go into detail about eLearning itself, but instead focuses on the activity that should take place before eLearning is brought onboard.  The author recommends understanding the “learning culture” and “communication channels”, when preparing to implement eLearning.  Overall, the article is insightful of the steps to truly understand organizational needs, so that knowledge management of an eLearning program can be effective and successful.   

Reference

Lim, R.B. (2021, April). How to Implement and Sustain eLearning in the Workplace. eLearning Industry.com. https://elearningindustry.com/how-implement-and-sustain-elearning-in-workplaceLinks to an external site

Self-Regulated Learning in Online Education Using AI

This post is provided by guest blogger, Erica LoBurgio, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program.

In this article Supporting students’ self-regulated learning in online learning using artificial intelligence applications, authored by Yannis Vovides, Sara Sanchez-Alonso, Vasiliki Mitropoulou, and Gwendoline Nickmans, published in 2023 in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, studies how the use of artificial intelligence can improve students in self-regulated learning during their online education. The article explains how utilizing artificial intelligence’s adaptive learning patterns, emotional assistance to students, and personalized responses help as tools and techniques required for the student’s needs.

The article delivers the importance of utilization of artificial intelligence for learning environments. There is a study that explains combined teacher support and constructed feedback, and the importance of it for the student. Specifically, learning outcomes in the online environments which help to assist the students in management of their learning processes more effectively.

Vovides, Y., Sanchez-Alonso, S., Mitropoulou, V., & Nickmans, G. (2023). Supporting students’ self-regulated learning in online learning using artificial intelligence applications. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. Retrieved from https://educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-023-00314-9

Who Cares? The Affective Domain & Training

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

How well do new resident physicians manage their money?  Apparently, not too well.  Hence the need for training.  Learners reported positive responses to the training.  Trainers incorporated Level 2 multiple choice and open-ended questions to gauge attitudes and behaviors toward the training.  In follow up they also self-reported new behaviors in setting financial goals and other manifestations of financial planning ranging from acquiring insurance to systematic retirement planning.  They also self-reported improved habits of increased savings and long-term financial planning.  Incorporation of training is considered an operational measure of the degree to which learners respond positively within the affective domain.

This study realizes the affective domain does not stand on its own and acknowledges cognitive and behavioral factors are essential to training success.  However, the further the study moves from Level 1, the less clear the impact of affective motivation.  Moreover, the authors narrowly define affective as positive feelings in response to the training. Fear of failing financially could easily be an affective response.   This study is unique in its assessment of affective motivation.  Yet, there is much more to consider in assessing  how learners respond to training.  How do the basic emotions impact learning, retention, and behavior.

Shappell, E., Ahn, J., Park, Y. S., McKillip, R., Ernst, M., Pirotte, M., & Tekian, M.  (2021, July). Affective, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes from a resident personal finance curriculum pilot project. AEM Education and Training5(3), p.e10619-n/a. https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libdb.heritage.edu/pmc/articles/PMC8246005/pdf/AET2-5-e10619.pdf.

Management Education – the Unique Gem

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

This article focused on changes that were implemented for students of management education and management education educators in the post COVID-19 era. The world had to pivot in 2020, and adult learning was no exception. This article explained changes that transformed learning. Management education is unique in such that the education is provided for business leaders, administrators and provides professional or expert advice. This is a specialty area of education.

This was an awesome article; this article would be beneficial for graduate students doing research for training and development programs or for instructional design program students. This is also a great article for professors who teach management education.

Ratten V. (2023). The post COVID-19 pandemic era: Changes in teaching and learning methods for management educators. The International Journal of Management Education21(2), 100777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2023.100777Links to an external site..

M.S. in Talent Development – Things have changed and so have we!

The University of St. Francis recently launched a new program in the area of talent development and training. The M.S. in Talent Development is an online program – 10 courses – to earn a Master’s degree.

Contact Dr. Bonnie J. Covelli for more information. bcovelli@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-5071

M.S. in Talent Development – Things Have Changed and So Have We

Embrace the future with a M.S. in Talent Development from University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois. The new curriculum aligns with the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Talent Development Capability Model™. If you have earned the distinguished Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) or Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP®), then you only need nine courses to earn the degree because you can earn credit for prior learning. #ATDmember

The Talent Development program offers employment possibilities such as a talent development manager or director, human resources manager or director, learning and development manager or director, training or education manager or director, manager of organizational learning, employee relations manager, HR administration director, human resources operations manager, development manager, education director, learning manager, staff training and development manager, training and development coordinator, training and development director, training director, training manager, director or dean of continuing education, higher education administration, director of adult or community education, human performance consultant, trainer, consultant, instructional designer.

Students will find both personal and professional growth in the study of talent development. In this program, students have the opportunity to complete assignments they can apply to their organization, institution, or place of employment. They will gain hands-on experience with effective ways of building organizational capability practices including the design, delivery, management, assessment of talent development initiatives uniquely suited to adults. The Talent Development program supports students if they want to move up in their current organization, secure a position in another organization, or make a career change.

The talent development program provides employers with professionals who have expertise in the areas of human resources and learning and development. Students will understand how developing a learning organization leads to improved performance in the workplace, and they will have an awareness of internal and external environments that will enable them to position talent effectively within their organizations.

Program Mission

The Master of Science in Talent Development program provides quality educational experiences in an applied curriculum for professionals in the fields of talent development, human resources, and the delivery of programs for adults.  

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Increase knowledge of organizational capability practices including the design, delivery, management, assessment of talent development initiatives uniquely suited to adults
  2. Develop professional capability and awareness of ethical practices in the field of talent development
  3. Consult with various talent development stakeholders while building personal capability in the area of lifelong learning

Learn more at:

A Comparative Study of the ADDIE Instructional Design Model in Distance Education

This post is provided by guest blogger, Arshpreet K Thind, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program.

A study investigated the usefulness of the ADDIE instructional design model in online education. Researchers analyzed 58 articles on applying ADDIE in distance learning environments. Their findings showed the ADDIE model to be effective across various online educational settings, with a preference for asynchronous learning (without real-time interaction). The study also identified successful teaching practices within the ADDIE framework, such as using multimedia presentations, providing feedback, and encouraging interaction among learners. Overall, this research suggests that the ADDIE model remains a valuable tool for designing impactful online courses, particularly asynchronous ones.

This study’s reliance on a meta-analysis (analysis of existing research) offers a broad perspective, but the quality of the 58 articles included is unclear. While the ADDIE model’s effectiveness is supported, the focus on asynchronous learning might limit its generalizability.

Despite these limitations, the resource is valuable for educators considering the ADDIE model for online courses, especially asynchronous ones.  Instructors and instructional designers interested in incorporating multimedia, feedback, and interaction would also find this information useful.

Reference:

Spatioti, A. G., Kazanidis, I., & Pange, J. (2022). A comparative study of the ADDIE Instructional Design Model in distance education. Information, 13(9), 402. https://doi.org/10.3390/info13090402

Technology of deep brain stimulation: current status and future directions

This post is provided by guest blogger, Arshpreet K Thind, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program.

In this article, the author talks about the deep brain stimulation. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that uses implanted electrodes to deliver electrical signals to specific parts of the brain. It’s a common treatment for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and tremor. The technology behind DBS has been around for a while, but recent advances are making it more effective and adaptable. For example, new electrodes can target specific areas of the brain more precisely, and closed-loop systems can adjust stimulation automatically based on brain activity. These advancements are expected to improve the benefits of DBS for patients while reducing side effects. Additionally, future DBS systems might be wirelessly controlled by doctors, but this raises security concerns that need to be addressed.

A more critical analysis would acknowledge the inherent risks of brain surgery and potential side effects of stimulation. This review article, offers a credible source for understanding DBS technology’s evolution. While valuable for healthcare professionals and researchers due to its in-depth exploration of technical advancements, it lacks mention of risks, limitations, and broader ethical concerns. Patients seeking general DBS information might benefit more from a source discussing these aspects alongside the positive developments.

Reference:

Krauss, J. K., Lipsman, N., Aziz, T., Boutet, A., Brown, P., Chang, J. W., Davidson, B., Grill, W. M., Hariz, M. I., Horn, A., Schulder, M., Mammis, A., Tass, P. A., Volkmann, J., & Lozano, A. M. (2020). Technology of deep brain stimulation: current status and future directions. Nature Reviews. Neurology17(2), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-020-00426-z

Empower Your Workplace: E-Learning Enhances Training and Development

This post is provided by guest blogger, Erica LoBurgio, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program.

In this article “The use of e-learning Course Management Systems to support learning strategies and to improve self-regulated learning,” authored by Y. Vovides, S. Sanchez-Alonso, V. Mitropoulou, and G. Nickmans, published in 2007 in the “Educational Journal Review,” studies how e-learning platforms are capable of improving educational capabilities by supporting numerous learning strategies as well as adopting self-determined and well-prepared learning. The effectiveness of course management systems (CMS) is studied in facilitating custom-made and personal to one’s self-learning paths, encouraging student engagement, and redefining academic outcomes by empowering learners to harness their own educational goals in self-monitoring, self-assessment, as well as goal setting.

The many approaches and insights that are used in this article can improve many areas of need in a company training and development programs. These improvements can be made by the information provided on performance tracking, increased engagement, personalized learning, enhanced employee training, and cost effectiveness – all discussed in depth in the article. All the approaches considered would lead a company into a more trained, capable, competent, and effective workplace environment.

Reference: Vovides, Y., Sanchez-Alonso, S., Mitropoulou, V., & Nickmans, G. (2007). The use of e-learning Course Management Systems to support learning strategies and to improve self-regulated learning. Educational Research Review, 2(1), 64-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2007.02.004

Taming the AI Beast!

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

Rather than fretting about AI taking your job, Boysen (2024) suggests using AI to enhance your job. AI algorithms can analyze data on colleague’s performance, preferences, and progress to generate customized content and exercises. Opportunities include personalizing learning paths.  Adaptive learning platforms dynamically adjust the content based on learner responses.   With its ability to sort through swaths of information, AI can curate content.  Wanna play a game? AI can help.  AI predictive analytics can preemptively identify skills gaps.  Chatbots provide learners with a guide on the side in their learning experience. AI also offers ongoing training rather than periodic sessions.

Boysen (2024) offers some not yet realized possibilities for T&D AI in the not-too-distant future.  Her suggestions are thusly anything but reassuring.  Each of these applications are tasks AI can do quicker and probably better than mere mortals.  Frankly, I wonder if T&D will even be needed as AI can perform duties in which we train learners. The truth tends to lie somewhere between the idea that the status quo will prevail, and the dark dystopian predictions of displaced humans rendered useless by AI.  As long as AI is subject to our direction, things should be fine…shouldn’t they?

 Boysen, S. (2024, January 5). Harnessing the power of AI in training and development. ATD. https://www.td.org/atd-blog/harnessing-the-power-of-ai-in-training-and-development