CCK12
I’m going to try and participate in Connectivism & Connective Knowledge 2012 (CCK12), which is being conducted by Stephen Downes and George Siemens. While it does represent yet another thing to do, I think it is a great opportunity to participate in a project with these thought leaders and other similar-minded people from around the world.
Personal Training metaphor
Traditional IT training sucks. The number one problem is the time spent:value obtained ratio, which, due to the terribly watered down version of content that will appeal to the broadest audience, is never very favorable.
I think a better (but admittedly much more expensive) approach is to consider the role of a personal trainer. If I join a gym and sign up for a personal trainer, they will spend a considerable amount of time listening to me and conducting tests to determine where I am and where I want to go. They will of course apply a standard framework to my activity, but I will do different things if I want to lose weight than I would if my goal were increased flexibility. The trainer’s job is to analyze my current state, establish a customized plan based on my goals, and to observe and coach my efforts (usually for a short time) to be sure I’m able to apply what I’m being taught.
Personal training is expensive and there are those who can do just fine with an aerobics DVD in their living room for a much lower cost. For those who are just beginning or those who have very specific (and often challenging) goals, the cost of a personal trainer is acceptable.
Those working with professionals to assist them in gaining new tehnology skills can benefit from the same approach. Focus on the challenge/goal and not the tool (not many people desire to become a master of the electronic treadmill interface, but many want to run faster). Understand and support as much of the learning process as possible. Don’t become, as Rob England (aka The IT Skeptic) puts it, a “binder chucker” who feels their job is done once the stack of materials is delivered and briefly reviewed. If you paid someone to help you train for a marathon and your investment was rewarded with a 30 minute review of “best practices” for marathon running and a copy of “Marathons for Dummies,” you’d probably be pretty upset, not to mention not very likely to do very well on race day. Much of technical “training,” however, is stuck in this modality.
Again, England:
The best way to achieve real results is for training to be customised to the needs and situation of the trainees, and to include onsite coaching, support, follow-up, feedback and refreshers.
Kirkpatrick Model
When a concept is simple to grasp then I believe there’s a greater likelihood it will be embraced.
One such example is the Kirkpatrick Model for evaluating training programs. How can you argue with this:A “Level 1” learning experience is where the student REACTS positively to training.
A “Level 2” learning experience is where the student actually ACQUIRES new knowledge or skills.
A “Level 3” learning experience is where the student actually goes back to work and CHANGES their behaviour.
A “Level 4” learning experience is where the student’s new behaviour IMPACTS the business in a positive and measurable way.
Here at Pink we’re undertaking a review of all of our education products to ensure we go beyond levels 1 & 2.
from http://blogs.pinkelephant.com/index.php?/president/comments/experiential_learning_translating_knowledge_into_results/
Crosswalk to Fretwell
They installed a traffic circle in front of the Fretwell Building a few years ago. Overall it seems to have been a good thing, but traffic is nasty at certain times of the day no matter what the pattern looks like…
