Final Assignment - Web 2.0 Implementation Plan

Final Assignment - Web 2.0 Implementation Plan

For my organization, e-learning is still a relatively new experience. Although, in some ways, we are behind the times – this is not necessarily a negative, perhaps it might even be viewed as somewhat positive. The reason for this is because now that we are turning towards the implementation of e-learning technologies, we have unlimited possibilities in terms of what technologies we choose to implement.

I have learned much about Learning Management Systems (LMS) and learning tool add-ons which enhance the LMS software itself. These applications alone could take years to go through, yet alone master. They are very powerful tools by their own rights, and are important technologies to consider during the e-learning implementation process.

However, until taking this course I did not fully comprehend just how these available technologies might be used. If a software package included a voice recording program – I most likely would have ignored it, never realizing that this action would limit the overall learning experience of my learners.

Through-out the Adult Learning Certification program I have discovered the importance of meeting the needs of the various learning types. A facilitator must consider learning styles such as: auditory, visual, kinesthetic and multi-model.

From my own online learning experience, much of the learning methods have been visual. Resources are presented via text, they are read and responded to via online discussion forums.

I feel as though my own e-learning experiences have somewhat hindered my outlook and approach to e-learning. Until taking this course, I had not considered that there may be other possibilities (rather than text) for presenting content. I had a very narrow focus and am incredibly happy to have had my view expanded.

In terms of ideas for implementing Web 2.0 technology into e-learning courses within my organization. I believe that there is much possibility.

1) Twitter and Weblogs. I feel that this technology would be wonderful for grade-school/university students and reflective activities. In terms of corporate training, I think that we may have difficulty convincing management that weblogs should be incorporated into our training processes (for reflection that is).
However, instead of having our learners create individual weblogs – the learning department can make use of this technology by offering a weblog in which it continuously updates. If new programs are being offered, or departments will be effected by potential learning opportunities, we can use a weblog to let everyone know. This technology will really help to keep us connected with our employees.

2) RSS Feeds can also be incorporated within our organization. There are many sites that offer Standards/Codes/Practices/Trends which are continuously being updated. If these sites can be linked to a corporate Aggregator, employees will have access to the most current information, perhaps without even realizing how. I truly believe that this is a simple technology which can be implemented, but that will offer great benefits to all disciplines.

3) Flickr Account – I believe that this is a wonderful program, however, in terms of a corporate environment we may consider using it to promote team experiences however we must be careful due to privacy issues. What we don’t have to worry about though, is promoting our own company. We can take pictures of our projects and post them to a portfolio/slide show. Our company can have its own Flickr site to promote itself, as well as to give those outside of our organization (as well as inside) an idea of what we do. We can use this type of slide show / website during our employee orientation sessions – the slide show is quite professional and I think would enhance the overall impression of our new employees.

4) Skype/Chat Forums – This technology is very handy. My organization currently makes use of it as many of our employees are international. Until taking this program I did not realize that Skype supported conference calls. It’s nice to know in case our software ever “crashes” at an unexpected moment. ; )

5) Podcasts/Screen-casts – I think that this technology will enhance the overall learning experience of the learners. I love the idea that lessons can be audio as well as text based (visual). A learner can read along if they wish, or they can listen – whatever their preference. Incorporating podcasts (or audio clips) into an e-learning lesson will really help to engage the learners, it is different than traditional learning and after spending all day at work, employees will most likely appreciate the ability to listen to their lessons (or portions of it). Clips can easily be incorporated into the lessons now – or if we modify the lessons, have the flexibility to enhance the lesson. Learners with audio preferences will definitely appreciate this technology! Also, if my “-casting” skills as improved, I will consider incorporating short video clips to vary the content delivery mode.

6) Wiki’s – For the Wiki assignment, I described the advantages of having a Wiki within our organization. A Wiki would help departments better understand each other – help “fit” the organization together (how departments relate and influence one another) and internally, departments can make use of them to help offer explanations of varying subjects (i.e. what is a switchgear?). I believe that Wiki’s have the ability to help the entire organization work together and learn about the overall “happenings”. They are easy to use and with enough time, have the ability to really enhance not only the learning experience, but the work experience.
To incorporate a Wiki we will need a lot of support from our employees, many of them have their own questions which are easily answered by others (Subject Matter Experts) … these experts will have to make time to help create the Wiki, I believe this can be done though. From my experience, most people like helping each other learn and derive a sense of satisfaction in knowing that they were able to contribute to the overall “picture”.

Currently, my organizations learning goals is to bring us up to date with current industry learning practices, provide flexibility to our employees in terms of availability and time (hence e-learning implementation) as well as help to bring our overall organization together.

The above Web 2.0 technologies will help to contribute to all three functions. They will help to keep our organization connected – internal communication as well as external information sources (i.e. RSS Feeds). Because they are Web based technologies, employees will have access to them no matter their time or location (accessibility). The applications will also provide a higher quality of learning experience as well as help to meet a variety of learning needs/styles because there is more opportunity to use different functions (i.e. audio, visual [pictures/movies], interactive media). Finally, because the information will be accessible to all, employees will have no excuse for not being informed; this will bring the organization together as a team.

As I discovered myself, new technology can be daunting. However, with enough “championing” and encouragement from upper management, the push to use these technologies will be felt. The training department will have no choice but to team up with the technology department in order to create a strong support system in which employees can rely upon while discovering how to use the new technologies we chose to implement.

I believe that as long as we are patient, take measures to help employees understand how to use the new technologies available to them – the long term benefits will be felt.

To sum it all up, the course is only the beginning for me in terms of these technologies. I have come to understand that we are not limited to traditional methods of communication or training styles. Web 2.0 technologies offer so much in terms of variety and as facilitators we must learn to make use of these resources so that we will be able to maximize the overall learning experience for our learners.

Thank you!