E-Learning Council

Clive on Learning has a great post summarizing Learning at work: e-learning evolution or revolution? http://snipurl.com/90es4  [www_managers_org_uk] a a paper published In October 2008 by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The paper is based on a study conducted in the UK by Professor William Scott-Jackson, Terry Edney and Ceri Rushent from the Centre for Applied HR Research at Oxford Brookes University involving an online survey of 1087 CMI members and in-depth interviews with fifteen leading public and private sector organisations.

 

Wall Street Journal has an excellent article that emphasizes that the key to effective training isn’t what happens in the classroom.  It’s what you do afterwards.   Organizations spend billions of dollars annually on staff development and some studies suggest that 10% to 40% of training is ever used on that job–shocking!

To make training and development programs yield better results, the article suggests that change management strategy needs to be employed.   Change management strategies suggested include:

• Having trainees write down how they plan to use new skills or knowledge on the job.  Outline what needs to be done, when, and with home reduces confusion and helps trainees visualize the outcome and provides a document against which progress can be assessed.
• Having trainees discuss their progress with supervisors and peers.
• Measuring Results by doing a post-training performance assessment.  The post training assessment should measure specific behaviors targeted by training. 
• Supporting superiors greatly increase the odds that employees will apply what they learned in training.  By assuming the role of coach or mentor, the supervisor can communicate expectations to trainees, keep them focused, provide encouragement and help eliminate the roadblocks to success.
• Access to Experts can provide the additional information trainees need to finalize and deploy an action plan.  Additional information can be provided by access to reference materials, additional data, or more training.  

I agree with Dr. Martin, that organizations need to extend training out of teh classroom and make learning transfer an important part of any training effort. 

Looking for great mileage? Want to fill your tank with knowledge?

Get into high gear and join us at the Texas Distance Learning Conference to be held April 6-9, 2009. You’re certain to make a truck load of new friends and find a wide variety of workshop offerings and presentations that will fuel your imagination. Hit the road to Corpus Christi and join us to discover a wealth of “green” ideas that are sure to provide excellent savings at the gas pump. Casual attire is encouraged to make the most of your conference trip. Breakout sessions, food, networking, exhibits, entertainment and fun are all available in a relaxed atmosphere.

Online registration is now open for the best distance learning conference in the region, and you are encouraged to register before the rates increase:

REGISTER ONLINE AT:
http://www.txdla.org/conference/2009/registrationhome.aspx

And don’t forget to reserve your hotel room before the best selection disappears.

HOTEL INFORMATION AT:
http://www.txdla.org/conference/2009/hotels.aspx

 

You won’t want to miss this high octane opportunity to learn how “Distance Learning = “No Gas Required”!

K-12 Participants:
For the first time, CPE credits will be available for Hands-On sessions!