November 8, Sunday Evening Session

Elliott Masie’s E-Learning 2009 Conference

This conference of e-Learning practitioners started on Sunday, November 8 and ended on Wednesday, November 11. The following is my recollection of the various presentations made by guests that I attended.

November 8, Sunday Evening: Mobile Learning Keynote Address:

Elliott Masie:

Google learning has already in place many different and varying tools that is readily available to those involved in eLearning or mobile learning. Since these packages already exist, re-packaging content into these and others may be the efficient thing to do. Out in the www areas, content has already been developed on virtually any subject. Smart users and developers should know how to repackage the content, piece it together in creative ways for specific delivery methodology. In this fashion, skilled instructional designers will link up with Subject Matter Experts to create cultures where teaching happens in a collective. This may be the next important phase as America transitions into a new age – one involving the re-skilling of the workplace.

In this possible new area, leadership takes on another set of attributes… a constructor of a new culture that brings in this new environment. In this environment, certifications of mastery could be issued upon a satisfactory completion of course assignments and assessments. Involved in the re-skilling areas are a renewed interest in a type of “apprenticeship” program… one that places great importance on skills rather than understanding. Elliott Masie mentioned that story telling has great importance for conveying information for ages. This will continue to be important. Using the story concept combined with video creates outstanding possibilities.

Doug Lynch – Learning Myths

The real figures on the ROI of corporate training are between 10 and 20 percent no matter what some trainers say. According to research, only 20% of things learned by people are done in a formal fashion…classrooms, books, etc… 80% of learning done is thru a social activity or otherwise known as informal learning. It is in the context of this social learning that research is not available. The metrics are missing on the measurement of learning in a social environment. How much time does one spend in the social learning environment?, How much effort and how is it accessed? According to a 2009 ASTD study, this social learning aspect represents a strong potential.

Teaching thru metaphors needs a parody of thought – a period of contemplation planned in the activity. According to studies, learning is episodic in nature and not linear. People learn in chunks as long is there is some context applied to their interest.

There is a recognized importance on creating a culture of learning and this culture should start in the social environment where people teach / support other people. There is no evidence of inter-generational issues involved in the process of learning. Young and old both learn if education is properly administered.

It all gets down to the basics: Good Teaching results from Good Curriculum – it is foundational to the educational experience. Learning should be interactive, fun and engaging.