E-Learning Curve Blog

Using Non-formal Learning in your Organization

As discussed in my last blog entry, learner intention – specifically deliberative learning (where the worker schedules time to learn) is a key definer of non-formal learning.

As such, the development of

1. an educationally-sound theoretical framework
2. pedagogical approach
3. and instructional design process

are essential in developing a non-formal e-learning environment that is conducive to the requirements of knowledge workers – and that works both synchronously and asynchronously.

At the same time, the content model must make effective use of available technologies, with the express purpose of countering the effects of cognitive overload. In my experience, learners consistently remark upon the imbalance between text and other media types (audio, video, animations, diagrams, workflows, conceptual imagery, and so on) in training and knowledge-building.

Given this deliberative context to learning, what better place to use a non-formal approach than in the classroom?

…but with a twist.

So let’s use the classroom that people are already familiar with, but extend reach of the learning via the Web.

I have developed what I call the Information Session Approach (ISA) to learning delivery. As a learning modality, ISA optimizes classroom-based and electronically-deployed learning: it is designed to align with well-established learner-centric instructional principles, and uses a non-formal philosophy in enabling learners to reach outcomes (see Table 1).

Table 1 Information Session Approach High-level Typology

Function	Approach
Theoretical Framework	Social-Constructivist Model
High level ISD Process	ADDIE & RIO/RLO Model
Strategy	Based on Blooms Taxonomy of Educational Objectives
Structure	Based on Gagné’s Conditions of Learning
Content	Uses a multimedia mix of text, slides, images, animation, Flash and video demonstrations
Delivery	The events are hosted as live Subject Matter Expert (SME)-led events, presented in the following format
Synchronous	Asynchronous
Live audience at Information Session location	On-demand post live event
Synchronously streamed on the web	DVD-ROMs available to KWs. Each DVD-ROM contains one series of 10±2 Information Sessions

Specifically, ISA uses

• a Constructivist theoretical model
• a fusion of the ARCS Model and a Systems Design approach for the instructional design of content
• a modality of Gagné’s Assumption is used as the basis for the Information Session structure
• the presentation format adheres to Gagné’s Events of Instruction (1-5, 7)
• content is developed according Rapid E-Learning principles
• presenters using ISA are guided through the content development process by an experienced e-learning production team

An important aspect of Information Sessions is the simultaneous use of face-to-face presentation with synchronous Web delivery, as well as post-event asynchronous distribution of content via the Web, and of portable media platforms like DVD and flash memory key, ensuring the widest-possible distribution of content and ensuring just-in-time access to knowledge and domain expertise across an organization.

More…

–

May 28 2010 03:30 pm | e-learning

One Response to “Using Non-formal Learning in your Organization”

1. Yet more on Evaluating Non-Formal Learning | E-Learning Curve Blog on 18 Jun 2010 at 12:58 pm #

   [...] Typically, I consult for small- to mid-sized enterprises in Ireland. The type of learning interventions being discussed here are what I call Information Sessions. Information Sessions are learning events designed to disseminate a broad range of knowledge and information about an organization and its products. The term ‘Information Session’ is carefully chosen: these events are not formal training, nor are they informal learning; they are informational by definition and design, though they are developed according to a strong instructional design process: click here to find out more. [...]