Creating Design Strategies through Mind Mapping

Posted by

0

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

Take advantage of the brains ability to make connections through mind mapping. This technique allows learners to brain dump all of their related thoughts, ideas, and concepts into a visual process that can be constantly edited. Once you feel you’ve captured every idea into the map, you can begin to make sense of what you’re trying to accomplish with the information or end result. In the instructional design process, mind mapping addresses the needs assessment by providing space to answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how. Then use this information to build out your goals, objectives, and proposed outcome.

This process is helpful for instructional designers who are looking for ways to capture all of their thoughts and ideas in one place. It can be hard to know where to start in instructional design and this technique breaks down the process in a way that lets you free your brain of all of your ideas to explore which will be most effective. This resource was found through ATD, the world’s largest association for talent development, so it comes with a great reputation. The article is equipped with five steps to get started making this an easy resource to use.

Marrapodi, J. (2019, May 1). Mind mapping for better instructional design | ATD. https://www.td.org/magazines/td-magazine/mind-mapping-for-better-instructional-design

eLearning and Knowledge Management

Posted by

0

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 Journal, 6(1), 928-936.

Teaching Medical Procedures. How Do I Apply Instructional Design?

Posted by

0

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

When you go to a medical appointment or visit someone in the hospital, do you ever wonder whether the physician or nurse has been properly trained in central or IV-line insertion?

In the Medical Science Educator Journal (a peer-reviewed publication of the International Association of Medical Educators (IAMSE)), Cheung (2016) proposes that using instructional design provides effective and consistent training methods for medical procedures to professionals.  Like many professions, healthcare can have inconsistent training methods which may lead to patient safety concerns.  If you have studied Gagne’s nine events of instruction, you might enjoy the article’s description of a blended instructional design model in an example of how teach a chest tube insertion to staff (Cheung 2016).  Although the design was clearly described, the proposed educational model did not provide outcome results in staff/student actual skill performance.  Cheung only measured the learners’ perceptions of their training in a Likert scale pre- and  post-evaluation (Cheung 2016).  Hopefully, we will see future studies in job performance outcomes with this instructional design.

When you read this article, consider for yourself whether you might apply this instructional design to your clinical workplace!

Cheung L. (2016). Using an Instructional Design Model to Teach Medical Procedures. Medical Science Educator Journal, 26, 175–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-016-0228-9

Finding Value in Self-Directed Learning

Posted by

0

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

Self-directed learning in higher education is a relevant topic in today’s e-learning world.  Learners can visit Khan Academy, YouTube, and TedTalks in order to achieve self-directed learning.  The article, 13 Ways to Develop Self-Directed Learning and Learn Faster, discusses how self-directed learning works.  Ho (2023) breaks down self-directed learning in five ways: what is self-directed learning, self-directed characteristics, how to develop self-directed learning, final thoughts, and gives more tips for learning.  The author also gives the reader productivity tools for staying organized, focused, and energized. Another helpful component of this article is how to develop self-directed learning. To most people, self-directed learning is a concept that you either have or you don’t.  Ho (2023) states that there are tips to help a learner develop self-directed learning.  “Self-directed learning is the key to having a more enriching learning experience.” (Ho, 2023)

Self-directed learning is so relevant to higher education.  The author explains that self-directed learning falls into 3 Ls:  lifelong learning, leverage, and labor of love.  This article is beneficial for a number of reasons:  it breaks down the meaning of self-directed learning, gives the reader different tools for improving self-directed learning, and gives a number of strategies to develop self-directed learning. The author concludes this article by suggesting different articles that can be valuable to the reader.

Reference

Ho, L. (2023). 13 Ways to Develop Self-Directed Learning and Learn Faster. https://www.lifehack.org/851922/self-directed-learning

Purposeful Tech Teaching

Posted by

0

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 published by Society for Human Resource Management, Nicole Lewis (2022) explains that one inhibitor of employee retention is the employee not achieving a sense of growth in the workplace. Additionally, the pandemic promoted quantity of training. However, employees are looking for quality and relative purpose. Lewis (2022) presents the solution of alignment. This means that learning designers should first identify the performance gaps within the company or individual employee. Once needs are identified, the trainer should work to keep learning related to those needs through other technological strategies such as virtual reality and contextually relevant platforms such as YouTube. 

Individuals will find this article useful if they are teams who are researching best practices in learning strategies. Others include institutions or designers who may have already provided too many resources and are now looking to decrease learning inventory in the efforts to become more aligned. This source originated from the Society of Human Resource Management which is a source used by many in the field to retain their employees or refer to laws and other information relating to human resources and employee development. 

Reference

Lewis, N. (2022, September 14). Learning technologies will drive innovation and growth, study shows. SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/technology/pages/learning-technologies-will-drive-innovation-and-growth-study-shows.aspx 

Where’s the Tech in Informal Learning?

Posted by

0

This post comes to you courtesy of your convivial and continually-learning guest blogger, Daniel Liestman a master’s degree student in the Training and Development program at the University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL). 

Moore & Klein (2020) accept that most learning in the workplace is informal, but realize the bulk of resources are provided for formal training.  In a survey (N=385) and subsequent interviews (n=20) of trainers they found T&D professionals engage in informal learning to foster informal learning by passing along articles or link to targeted individuals.  Trainers also supply just-in-time job aids and tools.  In addition, they create and curate learning objects and related materials for just-in-case situations.  Alternatives not explored might include brown bag sessions or walking about and engaging with staff.  Fostering informal leaning is a resource-efficient approach to counter budget and staffing shortfalls while improving organizational performance.

IMHO (in my humble opinion), Moore & Klein (2020) address an intriguing topic.  The rub is that the suggestions in the survey and those offered in the interviews are pedestrian (email, help sheets, filing away digital objects, etc.)   How might technology be better deployed?  How might online organizations foster those watercooler moments?  Could corporate maker-spaces foster creativity and discovery to grow the bottom line?  How can informal learning be tracked and evaluated?  The profession seems to have a wing-and-a-prayer approach to informal learning.  The research would have been more satisfying had the authors dug more.  I do hope this is not as deep as they could go, and this is all that they can offer.  Perhaps these topics can be pursued in subsequent research?

Moore, A. L., & Klein, J. D. (2020). Facilitating informal learning at work. TechTrends, 64(2), 219-228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00458-3

Nano-Learning: Learning Nuggets For Fast-Paced Learning

Posted by

0

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

Nano-learning is a technique that delivers learning resources in small formats, such as short videos, texts, and sound bites, which are approximately two to ten minutes long. These “nuggets” of information make learning easily accessible within a short time, enabling learners to grasp key concepts quickly and retain information without feeling overwhelmed. Nano-learning has become increasingly popular due to the shorter attention spans that have emerged in the digital age.

The article only cites another article about attention span. However, the original piece was an interesting read about how society’s digitalization has impacted how we learn. It highlights the benefits of nano-learning, which enables learners to consume small chunks of information for faster and more personalized learning. Overall, the article effectively explains the reasons and methods behind nano-learning. As our world continues to evolve, the needs of learners will also evolve. 

Reference
Stoddard, J. (2023, April 22). Embracing nano-learning: Bite-sized education for the digital age. LinkedIn. Retrieved May 28, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-nano-learning-bite-sized-education-digital-stoddard-litd

Wellbeing Resources at your Fingertips

Posted by

0

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

Technology resources that support mental health are addressing a high demand by providing convenience and accessibility. From apps that track moods to online therapy to mindfulness tools, the sky is the limit to the support that technology can provide to employee wellbeing. Employers that promote digital mental health resources play an important role in addressing & overcoming the stigma around asking for help. Embracing digital technology to support employee wellbeing can provide analytical tools and measurements to build better processes for employee wellbeing and simultaneously boost company productivity.

This information can be helpful for leaders who are trying to care for their employees as a whole person. Wellbeing is being closely looked at right now, especially post pandemic, and managers could benefit from exploring the options available to supporting their team’s mental health and wellbeing. I think this article is great at a high level and providing evidence of the benefits; I would like to see additional information or a follow up from employers that have implemented digital mental health resources and what has worked well and any lessons learned.

Using digital tech to support employees’ mental health and resilience. (2021, July 8). McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/using-digital-tech-to-support-employees-mental-health-and-resilience

Emerging Technologies and eLearning-Raising the Bar

Posted by

0

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

E-Learning is evolving to create the ultimate self-driven and self-paced yet interactive design. It is emerging into an interactive model that is intuitive for the learners’ needs. Is this what learners need and want? Will this aid them in achieving their goals? Mangalvedhe examines this in this 2023 article. The author examines how emerging technologies can influence and transform learning and development moving forward. In the article, the author examines how artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gamification, mobile learning and microlearning will change how we interact and respond within the learning model to a more profound level than we have in eLearning.

This is an excellent article for content creators and instructional designers that are seeking ways to provide interaction and take learning to an application level. The author examines in detail how each technology can be integrated into instructional design. Mangalvedhe (2023) also discusses how each technology can fulfill and appeal to the various needs of learners. Examples are provided to suggest how these technologies can be executed successfully in the created content. These examples will be a starting point to consider using these advanced technologies that workplaces are already utilizing to raise the bar of flexible and efficient learning while expediting the upskilling process.  

References

Mangalvedhe, A. (2023, January 12). The emerging technologies in Elearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-emerging-technologies-in-elearning

Getting Trainees to be “In Their Element”

Posted by

0

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