|
|
You Never Stop Learning Newsletter
January 2007
|
|
|
|
ALD, Inc. Newsletter for Training & Development Resources
|
|
| |
Happy New Year!
As is often the case at the beginning of a year, some things change.
This year ALD is approaching you from two training perspectives
to improve our support of your training initiatives and
to provide more information you can really use.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
1. Training & development resources – we’re focused on a select set of materials to supplement your training efforts & this newsletter will highlight those resources & their recommended uses monthly. We have the highest regard for our publishers and have seen outstanding reactions to the materials.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
2. YOUR training strategy - how do you make that training “stick” once it’s delivered, how do you get a return on your expectations, how do you create an integrated learning strategy? Each month we’ll send you a second newsletter devoted to this topic: integrated training solutions.
We’ve even launched a second web site – MakeYourTrainingStick.com – for a look at how to begin an integrated learning process in your organization – get a return on your training investment and expectations!!
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
So we look forward to working with you again in 2007, working to create stronger and more effective leaders within your organization.
Best wishes, Christine Johnson
|
|
|
|
Leadership Matters...
To Blend or Not to Blend Your Training
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Should we take advantage of the technologies available and go beyond our classroom training solution?
Will it work, will the training "take", is it worth it?
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
From a training perspective, sophisticated technologies provide endless opportunities for the delivery of training. They offer just about every combination you can think of between the classroom and online. In a recent study on lifelong learning trends, students preferred a moderate amount of technology in their learning programs, viewing it as supplemental to classroom instruction.
|
|
| |
With the need for companies to keep their employees engaged in the business and its mission, to satisfy customers both internally and externally, and yet at the same time to offer employees learning opportunities, technology can be one of the major keys if applied properly.
|
|
| |
If applied properly…blended learning typically segments course content, dividing it up by delivery method. One portion of a course may be completed online, another portion taught in the classroom, wrapping up with supervisor coaching. Properly applied, the blended approach is really about using distance learning for the “teaching” of concepts followed by some type of synchronous learning to “apply” that knowledge on the job. The reinforcement of concepts through application is crucial to the learning.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Basics of Blended Learning
Originally, most people thought “blended” learning would save them time in the classroom. What we are finding is that rather than saving time, blended learning offers higher value and more effective training. When people come into class they have already learned the basic terminology and skill points and are ready to discuss and practice. In addition they have the advantage, following class, to return online and see the skills practiced on our videos. This is what real blended learning is all about.
|
|
| |
Organizational Learning and Student Perspective
More than 80 percent of chief learning officers responding to a recent study conducted by the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) indicated that online learning strategies would play an increasing role in their companies over the next two or three years.
Studies also indicated that learners appreciate trainers who use the technology wisely to guide participants through online learning and add value to the process.
|
|
| |
Then, there is the quality and alignment of the content so that there is a strong connection between the material taught to employees and the practices and objectives of the business. When training and business practices are in-sync, productivity and improved performance are not far behind.
|
|
| |
Ideas for blended learning vehicles:
- Live instructor-led classroom training
- Live online webinars
- Online recorded sessions available 24/7
- Virtual classrooms
- Telephone-based one-to-one training
- Onsite training
- Podcasts
|
|
| |
Blended Learning Gone Strategic
Look for organizations that provide both online components and classroom elements that mirror each other. These components might include fully- accessible online videos and skill practice exercises that can support the classroom component and that could be replayed by the learner at a later time for reinforcement of the skills learned. The flexibility of the online component allows you to structure the learning segments for use before and after the classroom portion of the course.
|
|
| |
ALD, Inc. can help you with your blended learning strategies. We have readily available programs in formats that allow you to transition and blend traditional classroom training with online.
|
|
| |
Blended learning has gone strategic –
is it time for your organization?
|
|
|
|
How Does ALD Assist You With Blended Learning???
|
|
|
|
One of our favorite and most successful resources…
The Supervision Series
Twelve independent courses - The Leadership Essentials - make an ideal education package for new managers, team leaders, pre-management development candidates or as a refresher for incumbent managers.
Coupled with Leadership PLUS, the entire series provides complete education and training in the intricacies of leading people.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"The challenge is not simply to incorporate learning technologies into current institutional approaches, but rather to change our fundamental views about effective teaching and learning and to use technology to do so."
(Higher Education in an Era of Digital Competition:
Choices and Challenges by
Donald E. Hanna and Associates. Atwood Publishing, 2000, p.61).
|
|
|
|
©2007 ALD, Inc. All rights reserved.
ALD, Inc. values every subscriber and respects your privacy. We do not rent, sell or exchange email addresses. This FREE publication by ALD Inc. is sent only to those who have requested it.
ALD, Inc. | 3021 Lake Forest Drive | Hayden Lake, ID 83835
|
|
