Training and Development: Manoeuvring Learnscapes!!!

• The rules of the game are different in the new learnscape, but traditional instructors hold their place; only the roles have changed
• The new age learning framework is more community-based and less individual-oriented

eLearning may have sounded alarm bells for learning professionals as most advocates of elearning have based the business case for web-based learning on the premise that it would help save labour costs. However, the good news for learning professionals is that the machine will not replace man; elearning will only place learning professionals in different roles and capacities.

eLearning took the corporate world by storm and people began making prophecies of how the learning function will be dominated by technology, making humans redundant. However, a decade down the line, one can see that while elearning has certainly changed the fabric of corporate learning, it has not hurt professionals in the learning space. However, the profile of learning professionals has undergone a dramatic change. They are more tech-savvy now and highly inclined to the new ways of doing business.

The new look

The learning landscape has undergone a sea change. What is most interesting about this change is that companies are willing to embrace new learning methodologies, not because it saves on labour, but because it is more convenient and user-friendly, and enhances efficiency of employees. In addition, organisations have also realised that employees are willing to learn, and their aversion or resistance to learning is only when learning is thrust upon them. They are committed learners when the learning is justified and in reference to the right context.Thus, with this as the premise for new age learning tools, organisations have adopted many new ‘learnscapes’, where the instructors find for themselves better and more interesting roles. Wiki gardeners, learning stewards, performance consultants and connectors are some of the most interesting and challenging roles for instructors. While there are no strict guidelines for assigning these roles, they certainly present instructors and learners with new opportunities in today’s digital habitat.

The rules governing the functioning of learnscapes are completely different from those dictating the old training and learning format. Today’s learning delivery method is more informal and community-based. The roles too are community-based, where employees exchange information in a community format. This new found community is termed the ‘digital habitat’, and houses many instructors in various capacities.

Action!

The following is an account of the various roles in today’s digital habitat:

Technology steward

Technology stewards are experienced people with expertise in gauging the technology needs of the industry or community they operate in. They also have the right technological exposure to lead the change and bring about the technological overhaul with ease.

On a macro level, technology stewards take the community vision forward by incorporating the right type of tools and technological platforms. In addition, technology stewards are also tasked to:

• Ensure that people in the community are crewed on the new technological additions
• Maintain continuity in the process
• Lead technology experimentation and innovation

Learnscape architect

Learnscape architects are leaders who lead the technological changes in the learning space. They are not technocrats, but real leaders who visualise the impact of the new technology on the learning environment. They champion the need to incorporate changes by providing the right infrastructure to support the initiative. In addition, the onus of monitoring progress and measuring success lies with the learnscape architect.

Producer

Producers are leaders who manage contributions from participants. They encourage participants to come up with their own ideas and use their discretion to approve it. They also filter ideas that they believe will not fit in the larger scheme of things.

Moderator

Moderators monitor the flow of information through learning conduits. They also help in maintaining the trustworthiness of the process by clarifying doubts expressed by participants.

Blogger

Bloggers bring issues of importance to the fore. They report information that is worthy of being shared, and acted upon in certain cases. They create the right environment for information exchange, and expression of views and ideas.

With the changes in the learning landscape, the roles continue to evolve and redefine themselves. Each of these roles is critical to accomplishing elearning objectives, and therefore, must be incorporated in appropriate spots in the learning cycle.

The onus of establishing proper learning culture, however, lies with the entire staff. Establishing the right pace for learning and pulling the right levers of change are important for accomplishing the desired learning objectives. Traditional instructors will continue to play a significant role in the new picture, as they know by experience the real pulse of the learner!

Reference:
The ManageMentor