Issues in Today's Workplace Characteristics of the New Paradigm Shift to Media Formats New Learning Formats "New" Media Terminology Did You Know? Media Comparison Examples of Online Courses

ISSUES IN  TODAY’S WORKPLACE

·       Staff numbers have been reduced significantly

·       Replacement costs are an economic factor

·       Timeliness is essential - “just in time” response

·       Accessibility must respond to the needs of a 24 hour / 7 day per week workforce

·       Format must address the needs of different learning styles

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW PARADIGM

·       Greater emphasis on self direction

·       Ease of  access 

·       Timeliness - on demand

·       Varied delivery formats for different learning needs based on adult learning principles

·       Integrative process that demonstrates outcomes in the workplace

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SHIFT TO INCREASED MEDIA BASED FORMATS

The use of media is a good way to provide broader access to information.  The Media Graph shown (Click here), demonstrates how important  simple media such as videos, books and computer based programs are used to increase learning opportunities.  Two major advantages are timeliness and  accessibility.

Learning modules which include objectives, resources and self assessment provide a vehicle for self directed learning.  The self paced nature and diversity of media responds to a variety of learning styles.

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NEW LEARNING FORMATS

 New technology offers many additional formats that can provide quality interactive education to meet the “just in time” learning needs both within the organization as well as from remote / linked sites.  These include:

·       CD ROM programs

·       Courses delivered “on-line” via an Intranet or Internet

·       video / audio “on-line” conferencing

 

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THE "NEW" MEDIA: Terminology

Internet	A world wide linkage of computers that has the ability to  provide information, send email,  search out information from all of the links,  and provide a forum for  user dialogue via audio / video and on-line conferencing.
Intranet	A “closed” system of linked computers, usually within an organization or functional group. It is protected from unauthorized use by a “firewall” that limits and screens access.
Extranet	The ability to transfer information from an internal network to the outside world
Multi-media	Programs that use a variety of media formats are considered to be “multi-media” eg: Video and  printed manual,  computer based plus video,  print and audio, CD-ROM +Internet etc.

 

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DID YOU KNOW?

By 1998, it is estimated that:

• 35% of all training hours will be delivered using Multi-media compared to 16% in 1996

• other delivery formats (i.e.: self paced modules, videos, manuals etc.) will account for 15% of total training hours

• instructor lead training will be reduced from 68% (present level) to 50%

• 38% of workstations will be capable of handling Multimedia programs compared to 21% in 1996

• 44% of employees will have Internet Access in their workplace compared to 24% in 1996

Source: Training Magazine September 1996

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MEDIA COMPARISONS

(Note:  Increase bandwidth has overcome many of the Internet  barriers in 1999)

MEDIA FORMAT	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES	COMMENT
Audiotapes	·       simplicity ·       ease of use ·       inexpensive	·       only 50% of population are audio learners ·       not interactive	·       requires additional materials to enhance learning effectiveness
Videotapes	·       simplicity, ·       ease of use ·       appeals to broader range of learning styles	·       more costly to produce ·       not interactive ·       difficult to update	·       requires additional materials to enhance learning effectiveness
Computer Based Learning Programs	·       ease of distribution e.g.: distribute on diskettes (if small) or CD -ROM ·       can be interactive and highly effective if well designed ·       can function on stand alone computers	·       costly to prepare therefore requires large audience to offset expenses ·       ineffective if poorly designed ·       PC speed and capability determine response time and media elements (e.g.: sound, video etc.) ·       difficult to update (CD-ROM)	·       well designed learning programs can provide highly effective, interactive education that is very cost effective
Internet Delivery	·       ease of access ·       interactive ·       broad network of participants expands the interactive knowledge base ·       very cost effective ·       easily updated ·       service can be extended to include video or  audio conferencing, or “discussion” groups	·       audio / video components limited ·       requires reasonable computer speed, and hardware e.g.: sound ·       can tie up phone lines ·       reliability of the service provider is a major factor ·       cost is a factor	·       Internet courses often have additional components (e.g.: CD-ROM, manuals, videos etc.) to address different learning styles.
Intranet Delivery	·       ease of restricted access via internal server or network ·       interactive ·       easily updated ·       offers on the job education             ·       enhances organizational learning and communication. ·       cost effective	·       audio / video components limited ·       requires reasonable computer speed, and hardware not always available on workstation computers  e.g.: sound ·       cost of the network and equipment ·       cost of program development and maintenance	·       may be part of a complimentary system of learning resources used to provide effective and timely on the job training

 

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EXAMPLES OF ONLINE COURSES

To check out what education is currently available “on-line”,   I have listed a variety of examples that demonstrate interactive on-line learning as well as courses offered on-line from colleges and universities. 

 

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