Many colleagues have asked what I think will emerge in workplace learning in 2015. Some put it this way, "Have you read anything worthwhile that summarizes trends for 2015?" Or this, often this, "I should be assessing my learning organization as we move into a new year. It's an opportunity. Got a bumper sticker on trends, 2015?" I don't have that bumper sticker. What I do have is enthusiasm about reflecting on emergent directions in workplace learning. I've been reviewing what others (such as Malamed, Deloitte/Bersin, and Taylor) have to say on this matter. Here is where I think workplace learning will trend in 2015. I'm consciously … [Read more...]
A Training Professional Seeks a Yoga Practice
February 26, 2014 by
Malinka My first ever yoga class happened six miles from my house. I was annoyed about the distance, but because Malinka had strong recommendations, I drove across town. Malinka, not her real name, was known as a laid-back teacher, which appealed to me. The last thing I need is a yoga instructor that encourages my competitive streak. As I drove to the session, I wondered about who would be in the class and whether I would be able to keep up. I looked around but couldn't tell anything about my classmates. In Malinka's dark living room, I could discern seven lumps lying quietly, each in a personal cave comprised of four fluffy blankets … [Read more...]
Sue describes her online learning as excruciating
January 10, 2014 by
Sue got caught texting while sitting in her car at a stoplight. She was just sitting there when law enforcement nabbed her. But that's another matter. We are here to talk about how Sue dealt with the ticket she got. In California, those of us who get tickets may reduce the penalty via traffic school. Some turn to Clown Traffic School or my personal favorite, Shop 'til You Drop Traffic School. There are even gay and lesbian training options. Sue decided that e-learning made the most sense for her. She did it for the usual reasons associated with online education: access on demand, novelty, and location, location, location. She paid up. … [Read more...]
Compliance Training: Doing Something About the Least Popular Training on Earth
May 10, 2013 by
Compliance training satisfies few who experience it. Not only do we often fritter away this opportunity, I have come to believe that compliance training promotes cynicism about all of workplace learning. Complaining about compliance is not good enough. I convened a panel devoted to improving compliance training at the Corporate Learning Summit conference in Chicago. Meet the panel I sought panelists who believe in enhanced compliance and regulatory training. Meet three optimistic and active learning executives. Samantha Hammock is Vice President, Regulatory Learning and Administration, for American Express. Justin Lombardo was … [Read more...]
Why We Need Instructional Design More Than Ever
February 22, 2013 by
In spite of gripes about relevance, congruence with new technology, and sluggishness, I remain an instructional design fan. Why? ID is not perfect, but it is what we have, and it does tame the chaos that surrounds us-- to some extent. I'm one of those people who appreciates the good old days of ID. Then we were devoted to clear and articulated outcomes, matching strategies to them, and provision of worked examples with lots of practice and feedback. Now, there are new ID frameworks, welcome additions, in my view. I know that choice, guided choice, is motivating, and that this new world is characterized by self-direction, … [Read more...]
Reflections on Two Decades and Three Degrees
October 7, 2012 by
Jolie Kennedy is my guest blogger. I think you will enjoy her take on her learning experiences. Jolie writes: Summer 1989: Queens College, City University of New York. Madonna’s Like a Prayer blares on my headphones. It’s my first semester and I’m low man on the totem pole. I get classes no one wants… statistics and ethics. Ugh. College sucks! Stats class is a bust. I struggle with those pesky word problems. I don’t get them and the teacher doesn’t care. I fail stats. I am more interested in learning about Hasidic Jewish culture from my classmate. I work and pay my own bills. Soon I will get my first credit card. I will graduate with a … [Read more...]
A World Without Objectives– Please NO
July 12, 2012 by
Here is what a world without objectives might sound like-- "I don't know. What do you think? Last year we covered ice breakers. How about a session on humor this year?" "Well, I'm not entirely certain what scenario-based elearning would do for us, but I know our competitors are doing it." "I want to build a great program for the reps, but not sure what to do. Role plays? Job aids? Videos? Drills? All of them? How do I decide?" "We got a really good speaker. She is funny, really a hoot. Let her talk about whatever." "Mobile devices are all the rage and I think we should put this on them, so they can check them out whenever." "I … [Read more...]
Needs analysis– something old, something new
May 31, 2012 by
When I was a young professor of instructional design and technology at San Diego State University, students often sought advice on how to make decisions about outcomes and strategies. At that time, back in the late 70s, mostly they were concerned about instructional design for face-to-face classes. Even when working on classroom programs, they were flummoxed by the scores of decisions they had to make. My students wanted help with planning. Some call that planning needs assessment. Others prefer needs analysis. Many weigh in for performance analysis or front end analysis. One nickname that makes me smile is disambiguating whatchamacallit. … [Read more...]
Is Your Training On the Trivial?
May 24, 2012 by
I’d like to introduce you to a friend, Rob Foshay. Rob is my guest blogger and a pal for decades. Here is what Rob has to say: So, you know what the gaps are between your company’s average performers, and their expert performers. And, you’ve done your analysis of the job skills involved. And you’ve done your gap analysis to figure out what the highest priorities are for training. Are you really focused on what’s most important for your company (or client)? Maybe not. There might be an entire category of job performance that your analysis has missed: It’s what your master performers have – but it may not even be understandable to … [Read more...]
My daughter, poster child for 21st Century learning
May 17, 2012 by
Welcome two guest bloggers, Ken and Darby Hubbell, father and daughter. First, from Ken-- It is my humble opinion (and rather biased, I will admit) that my 8th grade daughter, Darby, is a prime example of what it means to be a 21st Century student. She is well on her way to a lifetime journey of learning, limited only by having enough time to obtain all the information and skills she desires. And just how does my prodigy achieve this array of abilities? Is she a savant? Is she genetically enhanced? No, she has simply grown up in the generation that acknowledges the classroom is just one small element in the larger educational picture. … [Read more...]
