Page 44 - Global Focus, Issue 2, 2018

EFMD Global Focus_Iss.2 Vol.12
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What are the different types of technology-
enabled learning approaches?
Although these terms tend to be used
interchangeably, we distinguish among four
different types of technology-enabled learning:

Traditional e-learning: This is built on the
assumption that individuals can acquire
knowledge by clicking their way through a fixed
one-way online programme. A large amount of
content is presented over the course of several
lessons, either in written or spoken monologue
form. Some limited engagement is mimicked
through simple comprehension tests. Learners
are expected to click through a fixed number of
modules. Typically success is measured by the
accuracy of one’s answers on the final multiple- A vision of digital and virtual learning that
choice test. creates long-lasting impact
Learning is not a destination, it is a journey.
Digital learning: This is asynchronous, Our view is that future digital learning requires
self-paced online interactive learning, typically a shift towards an employee-centric approach,
conducted over several modules. The modules with Bloom’s taxonomy as its basis. We believe
are tailored to the participants' mastery level, that future sustainable digital learning should
learning styles and motivations. Multiple focus on social, collaborative and interactive
learning instruments are used, allowing elements. Learning as acquisition and learning as
for instant interaction, questions and group participation are not mutually exclusive approaches.
reflection. The modules are designed to Digital learning must provide opportunities for
create engagement, interaction and a lasting applying newly-introduced skills and behaviours
the participant’s everyday context. Analytics, 90% to the learner’s actual work environment. In this
learning impact that can be transferred to
approach, individuals should be able to “pull”
gamification, coaching and mentoring can online learning just-in-time. There need to be
be included as elements. Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting built-in opportunities for learners to receive
Curve tells us that up to 90%
of everything we learn today real-time coaching and personalised advice on
Virtual learning: This is similar to digital can be lost within a week. how to use the knowledge in their own context
learning in terms of flexibility of location, but is We believe, and the 70:20:10 at the times when learners need it.
principle reinforces this
synchronous and not self-paced. Virtual learning idea, that lasting impact Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve tells us that up
utilises online digital platforms (like Webex or comes when digital learning to 90% of everything we learn today can be lost
Adobe Connect) and involves a live facilitator is anchored in people’s within a week. We believe, and the 70:20:10
daily activities
who interacts directly with participants. Virtual principle reinforces this idea, that lasting impact
learning often includes breakout rooms and other comes when digital learning is anchored in people’s
elements that encourage peer-to-peer discussions daily activities. Learning content should be available
and other interactive learning methods. in an interactive format that allows learners to
select what they need to learn and how they
Blended learning: This is learning that blends collaborate with others on the development journey.
together traditional in-person, virtual, and digital This learner-centred focus requires dynamic
learning. This approach takes advantage of and flexible approaches from learning providers,
all methods to create high-impact, time and both in terms of technology and in terms of design.
budget efficient, programmatic interventions Technology can further be used to facilitate
that permanently anchors learning and learning by screening the learners’ level of
behaviour change. mastery and motivation before and after their
learning experiences.
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