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

(L)earning (M)ade (S)upportive Through LMS Data 

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, researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia analyzed whether LMS data is useful in understanding learners and their needs. Video based learning management systems were assessed by monitoring how many times a student clicked on a video and the amount of time that video played. Exam results were also reviewed to determine whether LMS data can assist student learning. First, it revealed students’ preferences for learning. Additionally, students can reference back information or work on their own time. They also revealed that shorter videos and content receive the best results when instructing through this LMS. 

This source is helpful for organizations who are deciding what factors to assess in their LMS to support student learning. If individuals adopt this form of analysis to support learning, it is important that they carefully choose the best LMS features to assess. This will avoid limitations in data. For instance, it’s important to consider how engaged students are when watching a video. Therefore, the number of times clicked on a video may not necessarily correlate to whether the viewer is actively paying attention to the video to assist in their learning. 

Reference 

Maloney, S., Axelsen, M., Galligan, L., Turner, J., Redmond, P., Brown, A., Basson, M., & Lawrence, J. (2022). Using LMS log data to explore student engagement with coursework videos. Online Learning26(4), 399–423.

Assessing Micro-Learning in a Healthcare Education Environment

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

This article on the healthcare education micro-learning environment measure (HEMLEM) is a research article aimed at creating an evidence-based measurement tool for assessing clinical micro-learning environments across several healthcare professional student groups. The authors suggest there may be gaps between what healthcare professional students should be learning and what they learn. The authors took a mixed methods approach to create a micro-learning environment measure. They acknowledge that teaching quality, staff attitudes, and behaviors are critical for a good micro-learning environment. 

The article is helpful for anyone attempting to measure how micro-learning within the education of a healthcare professional environment affects students’ learning. The authors created a measurement tool through a step-wise approach: literature analyzing existing tools, generating new items through thematic analysis of student experiences, the Delphi process involving healthcare educators, piloting the prototype, and item reduction. The item reduction tool was a twelve-question survey of the students with differing healthcare professions. HEMLEM seems to be an efficient way to measure success or what needs to be improved in a micro-learning environment. 

References

Isba, R., Rousseva, C., Wolf, K., & Byrne-Davis, L. (2020). Development of a brief learning environment measure for use in healthcare professions education: The healthcare education micro learning environment measure (HEMLEM). BMC Medical Education20(110). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-01996-8

The Training Debate: Online vs Face-to-Face or BOTH!

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

Online learning vs face to face training by Georgina Cooke (2023) is a thought-provoking article.  In the article, Ms. Cooke (2023) discusses the difference between online learning compared to face-to-face learning and goes on to discuss a blended model. She digs into the notion that today’s workforce leans toward online design. Ms. Cooke (2023) gives the reader advantages to online learning that are beneficial to both the company and the employee involved with the training.  She concludes the article by expounding on the benefits of a blended program.  She advises the reader that there are strategies and approaches that can make the blended model the most attractive for all involved.   

The article is an interesting read for both the training department and the employee in that it brings to the forefront the difference between all the different models.  Ms. Cooke (2023) gives clear and concise definitions with tips and strategies that can be implemented.  From the organization’s perspective, this article can be useful when organizing or creating content for remote training, face-to-face, or a blended model.  It allows them to research which model fits their staff’s needs. This article can also be helpful for the remote staff going through the training.  The author explains the importance of all three methods and makes it easy to understand why a company moves towards one approach compared to the other models.

Reference:

Cooke, G. (2023, April 5). Online learning vs face to face training. Elucidat. https://www.elbothucidat.com/blog/online-learning-vs-face-to-face-learning/

E-learning Assessments Guide for Beginners

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

Wondering how to determine if your e-learning course is effective? Assessments, such as tests and quizzes, can provide valuable data. However, if you’re new to e-learning, you may be unsure of what constitutes a good assessment and what metrics are essential to measure. In this article, Bianca Woods (2022) addresses the most commonly asked questions about creating a practical e-learning quiz. Woods explains what e-learning assessments are, if assessments are always necessary, when learners should be assessed, what types of questions to include, and how to design effective assessment questions. 

If you’re new to online training and want to evaluate whether your course is well-designed, I highly recommend checking out this article. Woods (2022) recommends incorporating assessments at multiple points throughout the course if it aligns with the instructor’s goals. This article offers tips for beginners, and I plan to implement them in my work.

References

Woods, B. (2022). The beginner’s guide to effective e-learning assessments. E-Learning Heroes. Retrieved June 8, 2023, from https://community.articulate.com/articles/overview-of-e-learning-assessments

Wholistic e-Learning Through e-Portfolios

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.

Researcher Patience Kelebogile Mudau identifies perceptions of e-portfolios as a form of assessment. E-portfolios are digital spaces for a user to compile projects that highlight qualities about themselves. This assessment enables users to be actively involved in their learning. Students can also engage in the process of reflecting on feedback before they submit activities to their e-portfolio. Despite the possible need for technical training, Professors at University of South Africa agree that e-portfolios are effective in promoting student-centered learning and growth in digital literacy. 

This article’s data were gathered qualitatively through interviewing lecturers that have participated in administering e-portfolios as a requirement for their online students. This firsthand account of information will assist other instructors who are weighing the benefits and limitations of digital student-centered assessments. This entry also serves as an asset because it is published in the International Journal of Educational Methodology which provides readers with pedagogical techniques that succeed around the world. In a world where digital workplaces are on a rapid rise, it is beneficial to consider different techniques, needs, and outlooks in our ever-growing communities. 

Reference: 

Mudau, P. K. (2021). Lecturers’ Views on the Functionality of e-Portfolio as Alternative Assessment in an Open Distance e-Learning. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 8(1), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.8.1.81

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.