eLearning Part Time

I have had some trouble finding time to do this blog. Had plenty of family-related schedules, office work, community conference and a car aircon breakdown.

Which led me to this blog. Well, it's not directly related but it gave me space to give an excuse and a topic to discuss.

Can eLearning be like my schedule, in chunks, seemingly random and unformatted? Can you do eLearning today, ILT tomorrow, after you've done coaching yesterday? On the same topic?

This question seems simplistic to me. This is blended learning. But as a rule, teaching methods should be fitted to the learning type and not the other way around.

We know that students learn differently and it is better to use different teaching methods make learning better.

Sadly, our schools seem to focus more on ILT, varying it a bit with discussion and question and answer sessions. eLearning is still in its infancy (if not the embryonic stage) and is not even seen as an alternative, much less better and more viable.

But technology-based learning has a great potential.

More on these in the coming months.

A Short Post

I am swamped with work lately. But I still think eLearning.

Some thoughts.

Analyze eLearning Readiness Survey from ManCom
Create a short Learning session using eLearning
Identify Technical Requirements for Intranet Web
Evaluate Online Course Offerings

Learning Management Systems

From the e-Learning Centre (http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/guide2elearning/1-1/1-1-3.htm)

A Learning Management System (or LMS) is software that launches content and manages, tracks and reports on employees' learning. The functionality of LMSs varies from basic training management systems to sophisticated enterprise-wide learning management systems that include competency management.

The article also tackles the question "Do I need an LMS?"

An LMS is basically a tracking system for student performance and managing content.

With this definition, is it necessary to have one from the beginning of implementing your eLearning strategy, from the standpoint of small organizations and public schools in the Philippines ?

My safe answer is a conditional no. A straight answer is not yet.

An LMS is good to have but not necessary. The main objective of implementing eLearning is LEARNING. Having an LMS does not guarantee learning. Concentrate on the learning aspect of eLearning first. When you have that, the rest is details.

Can we live without LMS? Definitely. It is like asking, can you live without a mobile phone? Without a mobile phone, you still can communicate through a regular telephone, though mail or face-to-face. But having a mobile phone makes communiation easier. In developing an eLearning strategy, an LMS should not be the main concern. However, it must always be included in your long term plans. Initially, an LMS will not be needed. But as your eLearning program develops, your proficiency improve, an LMS is a natural next step.

In any eLearning program, be it for a hundred people or a thousand, the primary concern should always be learning. An LMS should be secondary. Only after you are sure that your eLearning courses are effective in terms of content, interactivity and responsiveness to your learning needs should you move to the next phase. And that would be an LMS.

The eLearning dilemma

The factors for implementing eLearning in organizations have been proven already. Less travel cost, self-paced learning, anytime, anywhere access and million other things make the case for eLearning a strong one.

But why is it so hard to convince people, even those in training, and specially management to adopt an eLearning program?

Personally, I can sum it all up in this: ignorance. Not knowing what it takes, a fear of the unknown, resistance to change.

I've seen these manifestations first hand.

First, we have the skewed organizational vision and culture of an organization. Many companies see training as an add-on, not an integral part of the system. In times of crisis, the training budget is always the first one to get cut. It does not help that the company culture sees training as an afterthought. There was once a company that sent its people for training abroad. And though it was not said explicitly, many viewed it as a an excuse to travel. The catch? The company ties you to a contract, where you have to render x number of years of service to the company, or else pay the training cost. In the late nineties, the trainind department of a local company explored the possibility of developing their eLearning system. It was a short lived exploration. It didn't even get past the the idea stage. They got burnt really good. Recently, somebody began pushing for eLearning again and the supervisor said "I'm not optimistic of our chance. Remember, we tried before and got no support from management. Do you think they'll buy into it this time?"

Two years ago, I brought up the issue of eLearning in our department. One co-trainer said, "But if we use eLearning, you will be replacing us. We will lose our jobs!" Technology to replace the teacher? Not true!

Another critical issue is resistance to change. Some people have gotten used to the traditional training environment, the classroom setup, that they are afraid or unwilling to change. And this, coming from people in training, who are supposed to be at the forefront of championing learning. Ironic, isn't it?

But for me, the main concern would not be these things.

The greatest factor to be considered in setting up an eLearning program is the LEARNER. Before even thinking of what system to use, and what courses to implement, assess the learners needs first. Is the Learner prepared? What are their fears? What's in it for them? For any kind of training program, all these questions should be asked. And addressed. The Learners needs should come first. But in a company, it's always cost vs the benefit right?. So the Benefit part in eLearning should be the learner's benefit. Not just the company's pocket.

Is it impossible to implement eLearning? How do we address these concerns?

We wait for the next post. =)

First Impressions: Audacity

Audacity 1.2 is a free cross platform audio editor. I just played with it a bit as I needed audio that would playback music as I narrate my presentation. It can record and save in several audio formats including .wav and .mp3.

What impressed me with Audacity was the ease at which I was able to mix, cut and record my audio requirement. From my speakers, the audio quality was good enough for what i needed to do: audio for a slide presentation.

It also have effects such as fade, change pitch, amplify, bassboost, etc. along with silence, white noise and tone generation.

Audacity is a winner in quality, effects, ease of use and platform independence. Overall, and with the free price tag to boot, it rates a 10 in my book.

For more info on Audacity, visit: for free at http://audacity.sourceforge.net