S-Blog 1 – Workplace Learning

The topic this week was workplace learning, trends in learning, and the importance of training to retain a competitive edge.

In my research on trends, it was not surprising to see that many of the trends involved e-learning. What was surprising to me was the method of delivery for the content. Many of the trends emphasized content presented through web 2.0 outlets such as social networking sites, interactive media, and even gaming/simulation environments. As someone who embraces technology and finds it’s use as a training tool exciting, I think this is a great trend. However, I do wonder how it affects the way knowledge is passed on from the older, retiring generations. Part of my job involves training users on our system, and while I can see how e-learning could benefit some employees, I think it would hinder the passage of invaluable knowledge from older employees that are more resistant to technology.

Another interesting trend I came across was the use of personal learning environments (PLEs). Michele Martin, who writes a training and development blog called “The Bamboo Project,” wrote an informative series on PLEs. In summary, her description of a PLE is that:

• They are personal - what is learned is dependent on the interests of that person. How it is learned is dependent on the tools that the person prefers.
• They are about Self-Directed learning – The person uses their own research and information processing skills in the PLE.
• They are dependent on a supportive environment – The organization implementing a PLE must provide a supportive and nurturing environment… a “culture of learning.”

The concept of a PLE is similar to what we are doing in this course. Though we as distance learners create our own learning environment, the tools used are similar. Some examples of PLE tools Michele gives are blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, books, magazines, engaging in activities, and writing in journals (blogs).

While looking at websites on the topic of workplace learning, there was a lot of focus on the need to train America’s workforce in order to remain competitive. It seems that the sources I found agreed that knowledge is a major component in retaining a competitive advantage, and is something that needs to take the front seat in US organizations.