Technologies have, and will continue to have, an impact on
training and development environments.
According to Noe (2013), new technologies “have made it possible to
reduce the costs associated with delivering training to employees, to increase
the effectiveness of the learning environment, and to help training contribute
to business goals” (p. 319). For this
week’s blog assignment, five technologies used in training will be explained
that make an impact on how people learn and interact.
New technologies have made it possible to deliver training
to different geographical locations and allow for content to be delivered to
multiple trainees in different locations at different times. For this blog post, the following
technologies will be reviewed:
·
Mobile Learning
·
Social Media
·
Blended Learning
·
E-learning or Online Learning
·
Augmented Reality
These five technologies are effective training technologies
that many organizations use today.
Mobile Learning
Mobile Learning is training that is delivered through a
mobile device such as “a smartphone, netbook, notebook computer, or iPad” (Noe,
2013, p. 344). This technology allows
learning to occur anywhere, at any time, and at a person’s own pace. Through mobile technologies, a larger
audience can be reached on a device around the world. Convenience is key when it comes to mobile
learning. Smartphone and iPad apps are
used as primary training tools, incorporating video and interactions (Noe,
2013). This allows for employees to receive
training, even if they are traveling.
Social Media
Most people are very familiar with Social Networking tools
such as Twitter, Facebook, Wikispaces or Wordpress. More and more, organizations are beginning to
utilized them for the invaluable learning tools. According to Smith (2011), “blogs, podcasts,
tags, file swapping offers students radically new ways to research, create and
learn.” These tools are being used as
part of formal and informal employee training to help employees share knowledge
(Noe, 2013). Through Social Media,
people are able to connect with other professionals, regardless of their global
location.
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines methods such as online learning,
face-to-face instruction and other learning methods to deliver instruction (Noe,
2013). By combining face-to-face
instruction with web based training, it allows learning and training to reach
further than just inside the classroom. Blended
learning allows for self-directedness, increased learner control, and increases
the responsibility of the learner to learn (Noe, 2013). While this method is being utilized by
corporations such as Farmers Insurance Group (Freifeld, 2013), it has also
found its way into K-12 school systems as a tool for learning and communication
(Lenz, 2011). This method allows the
learner the ability to constantly make themselves better through web based
follow up trainings which can be highly effective.
E-learning or Online Learning
E-learning and online learning refers to “instruction and
delivery of training by computer through the Internet or the web” (Noe, 2013,
p. 323). Learning has been changed using
this technology. Learners no longer have
to attend training at a single physical location. Instead, learning can be delivered
worldwide. This type of learning gives a
trainer the ability to reach their audience from any computer, or mobile device,
around the world.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is the evolution of the concept of
Virtual Reality. With this tool, one can
superimpose computer-generated images on top of real-world views (Shein,
2014). Companies such as Volkswagen use
AR to allow users to see how actual vehicles will look and drive (Shein,
2014). It combines real and virtual
objects in a real environment to create a reality-based interface. This allows people to view, discuss, and interact
with 3D models simultaneously. When it
comes to training in technical skills, this interface to prove to be innovative
and cost-saving, too.
References
Freifeld, L. (2013, October 10). Farmers insures success. Training.
Retrieved from http://trainingmag.com/content/famers-insures-success
Lenz, B. (2011, December 14). Is
blended learning worth the hype? www.edutopia.org. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/blended-learning-effectiveness-bob-lenz
Noe, R. A. (2013). Employee training and development (6th
ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Shein, E. (2014, May 6).
Augmented reality gains traction for training. Communications of the ACM. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from
http://cacm.acm.org/new/174686-augmented-reality-gains-traction-for-training/fulltext
Smith, F. (2007, April 20).
How to use social-networking
technology for learning. www.edutopia.org.
Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.eductopia.org/social-networking-how-to
You shared a great summary about technologies and their use in modern training and learning. I liked your section on blended learning. You stated that, “by combining face-to-face instruction with web based training, it allows learning and training to reach further than just inside the classroom. Blended learning allows for self-directedness, increased learner control, and increases the responsibility of the learner to learn (Noe, 2013).” This blended approach serves both the modern learner and those who need face-to-face instruction. As training programs advance this blended learning approach is becoming more common since technology is readily available and user friendly. Self-directedness is a great illustration of how blended learning can meet this demand for the adult learning. I’ve seen blended learning on the rise and serving as a great transition training for trainers who want to meet various needs of the learner.
ReplyDeleteNoe, R. A. (2013). Employee training and development (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Jocelyn,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very informative to read and learn about various technologies. In particular, I have experience with the blended learning and know the great benefits it offers. As instructor, this is useful to incorporate in your instruction. One way that I have used it is to supplement in class discussions or assignments. Videos or podcast on the content is posted online and the students can watch or listen to it as many times as they like. This way it helps reinforce the content in different mediums. Secondly, if a student misses a class for some reason, they can go online to watch the resources on the content to assist them with understanding the material.
Great post, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Bonnie
Hi Jocelyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your summary of technology in education. While I am a technology enthusiast, I had my doubts about social media in education. I could not wrap my mind around transitioning from entertainment to education. I could easily see Twitter being employed by a school to send messages to student and parents, but I could not imagine how it would work in a classroom to educate students. While preparing for this post, I found an interesting research by Rey Junco who used Twitter as an extension of his classroom. The participants in his study were more engaged in their courses. The completed class assignments and Twitter was used as an extension of the classroom discussion. You can view a summary of his report here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVOY2x81_bg&feature=youtu.be
Camille