“How can we find the most effective solution of formal and informal learning, of online and classroom training of performance support and learning?”
Ger’s Learning Notes #06
Choosing ‘and’ over ‘or’
I’m not sure why, when or where it happened, but I seem to have developed a tendency to think ‘and’ instead of ‘or’. When professionals have a preference for formal or informal learning it triggers me to shift and to explore .
I’m pretty sure my ‘and’ preference comes from the fact that I really like desserts. That’s right, the sweet delight at the end of a meal. I’ve always had a hard time choosing a desserts from the menu - it has always been an ‘or’ choice until the ‘Grand Dessert’ was invented. Combining chocolate mousse with cheesecake and ice cream. It’s the perfect ‘and’ choice.
In these learning notes you’ll find some interesting ‘and’ approaches. How about the Yin and Yang of formal and informal learning? Or the idea that the role of Instructional Designer is dead and alive?
Talking about desserts:
- Do you know who invented the Grand Dessert? I don’t, so please reply if you have any idea.
- The theme of this edition of the learning notes might suggest this is the last dish in our learning notes menu - don’t worry, there are many more to come.
Do you want to suggest a theme for the next learning notes? Let me know.
(1) The Yin and Yang of Formal and Informal Learning
by Allison Rossett and Frank Nguyen
What’s it about?
You’ll find a performance support tool created as a questionnaire with 15 questions. It will give you advice to adjust your approach to a better yin/yang of formal/informal learning for your situation. A link to a background article is included.
Why read it?
- The questionnaire and article are from two highly valued thought leaders in the learning industry
- It’s a perfect example of AND: a performance support tool combining a questionnaire with an advise and a background article
- You can use it multiple times – it is a great way to check when you start a new project related to learning. The questions might suggest an assessment at an organizational level but can be used project by project (also within the same organization)
Where to find it?
(2) Instructional Design is not dead!
by Shannon Tipton
What’s it about?
Shannon Tipton shows that the role of Instructional Designer is evolving – like many professional roles. New technologies are only a major threat for those who don’t adjust, it opens up new possibilities for those who find a professional way to incorporate them in their work.
Why read it?
- ‘Learning Rebel’ Shannon Tipton focusses on ‘evolve’ instead of ‘extinct’ when exploring the instructional designer’s role – a nice AND approach
- She shows the silliness of speaking in absolutes and shows concrete opportunities to find new ‘blends’ and to stay relevant as an instructional designer
- You will feel (re)energised by reading the positive perspectives and concrete tips! (Thanks Shannon!!)
Where to find it?
(3) Beware online ‘filter bubbles’ – TED video
by Eli Pariser
What’s it about?
Eli Pariser shows the downside of all things ‘personalisation’ on the internet. The algorithms of Google, Facebook and Netflix – to name a few – create a ‘filter bubble’ reinforcing our preferences and filtering out other resources. Not so good for ‘and’.
Why watch it?
- Personalisation sounds attractive: a provider that shows us information first that seems to be most relevant for us based on our search history but as Pariser shows also has it’s downsides.
- It makes you more aware of the possible filter bubbles around you and how they might affect you as a learning professional – and give you ideas to ‘break free’.
- It might create awareness and a reason for reflection for you as a learning designer: does my design possibly influence the ‘filter bubble’ of learners and is that OK?
Where to find it?
https://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles#t-59753
(4) AI and Humans: Focussing on what we can achieve together
by Professor Barry Smyth
What’s it about?
Barry Smyth shows the positive possibilities and concrete examples of humans and AI working together. A more realistic and well informed point of view. Very relevant for every professional – also every learning professional.
Why read it?
- By thinking in terms of humans or AI we only get what Smyth calls ‘dystopian fever’, feeling afraid AI will take over all our jobs soon.
- The perspective of AI working together with humans is much more realistic as Smyth shows us with concrete examples and from his well informed perspective.
- There is a huge opportunity for learning professionals in this – people need to learn to work together effectively with AI – who’s going to facilitate them?
Where to find it?
https://betanews.com/2017/03/29/ai-and-humans-should-work-together/
Ger Driesen
Loves to connect people, ideas and inspiration in the global learning community.
On the wish-list to learn: Forging (yes, as forging steel)
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