Not sure why I've been resisting blogging for so long. Maybe it’s the time commitment. Maybe it’s an innate resistance to self-promotion or an aversion to be grouped with those who I have previously deemed to be self-promoters. Whatever the reason, I’m committed to getting over it.
So here goes. My deep-seated philosophy of learning is best captured in a quip by Winston Churchill when he said, "Personally, I'm always ready to learn, although I don't always like being taught." I chose the title Rapid eLearning to put the emphasis where it needs to be—on learning rather than training and on speed rather than perfection in instructional design.
As eLearning guru Jay Cross is wont to say, fully 80% of workplace learning happens informally, with only 20% of learning being accomplished through formal training methods. So why the heck are we spending 80% of our precious time and limited resources focused on training? Although often used synonomously, the distinction between training and learning is essential. According to my workmate Seb Grady, training is something that is done to you (for better or worse!) and learning is something you do for yourself.
Having been an internal training practitioner for 14 years and external provider of learning-related serivces and technology now for the last seven, I feel I can contribute productively to the dialog on learning in the workplace. And that contribution will be centered around a few key themes: speaking common sense instead of trainerese, appreciating how learning in the workplace really takes place, and understanding how workplace learning can be facilitated to have greater positive impact both on individual performance and business outcomes.
I'll share my thoughts and experiences candidly about how eLearning can live up to its potential and how we as learning professionals can make a positive impact on the learners, subject matter experts, and organizations we serve. And along the way I hope discover a few kindred spirits and probably stir up a little dust with those of you who disagree!
And I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend and colleague Jay Cross who serves as a role model for having the courage to speak his mind and taking the time to do so for our collective benefit. Thanks Jay!
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Enterprise Learning in the 21st Century
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1 comment:
[Blush.] Ted, this is great. I'll give you the $250 next time we meet. Just kidding.
You wrote that we invent new words too easily, yet we need one for what you've written here. This isn't a blog. That's good, because I don't think the blog-form suits the depth of your observations. Most blogs still betray their DNA, as link lists to share with your geek buddies. You're using the software to an entirely different end.
Why am I writing this? Ted, now you are free of the requirement of posting daily or weekly or whatever.
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