Putting it all Together

While e-learning is used frequently within our organization, we currently do not leverage Web 2.0 technologies to enhance the learning experience. Also, most of our training is not conducted over a long period of time. These tools would most likely be used for our induction programs that run for several months and include classroom workshops, e-learning and on-the-job training. While several of these tools can be used together, implementation would most likely take a phased approach. It would be too overwhelming to get them all going at the same time.

RSS Reader – This is a pretty straight forward. The preliminary work to get this implemented would be to get a simple job aid created that includes the basics – signing up, adding a subscription and organizing your sites. While this information is usually available, having the basics written out is helpful as not everyone is as comfortable with new technologies. We often have learners who vary in age and computer exposure. The implementation could be simple as adding it as an exercise within the induction program itself. Also, this would ensure everyone is using the same RSS Reader. (eg: Google Reader) As a final step, providing a short list of required sites to subscribe to will help everyone get started.

Twitter – Since this is a social networking site, it’s unlikely this will be used within our company because these types of sites are usually not available at work.

Blogs –I believe blogs could be best used by the facilitators to keep the learners up-to-date on what’s happening that day in class – kinda like an online calendar. Having each person keep their own blog would not be beneficial in this environment. Including additional resources and reading materials would allow learners to ensure they know what they are responsible for, as well as, allow them to extend their learning circle if they choose to do so. A key element of implementation is ensuring the facilitator (or whoever is running the blog), keep timely posts. However, after the first time around it would get easier as postings could be leveraged for the next wave of learners.

Online Photo Sharing – While this is a great tool, I don’t think it would provide much value in terms of learning. However, it could be leveraged a social tool to help people get to know each other better. It can often be intimidating being in a large group of new people. Prior to getting the learners to upload their own pictures, having the facilitators and a few key players post their pictures first would be beneficial. This provides learners with something to look at before they have to create their own photo profile. Flickr could also be used to share photos of events. We often celebrate events and never know how to share the pictures from everyone’s cameras

Podcasting – While I feel podcasting would not be created by the learners themselves, I believe the real benefit would come from incorporating podcasts in the e-learning that learners take as part of the induction program. One area where it would lend itself nicely is when dealing with client scenarios. It’s often a bit dull when you have to read a conversation. Creating a more realistic approach with two people actually talking creates a more realistic experience. Including audio allows for the learners to hear the changes in tone and the actual degree at which a client may be upset. These elements get lost when reading a conversation. As for implementing audio podcasts into our courses, it would not be difficult as we already have the software required. If we used ourselves as clients, it may take a bit longer to get the right feel for the podcast. An alternative is to higher actors to play the roles or leverage audio software and have a computer talk. One advantage of the computer taking is making changes down the road is easier since you would not have to track down the original person to re-read the script. Also, we’d have to keep in mind the challenges of translating the conversations into French.

Wikis – The main learning goal of implementing wikis is to share information. Assuming we are able to house the wiki internally, implementation is based on getting buy-in from the team. If no one sees any value (i.e. what’s in it for me), then it will never get off the ground. Additionally, having moderators manage the content and the update is important to ensure it does not become a free-for-all or a “one person opinion”. Proving a framework for content is the first step. A blank page could create some uncertainty of “what am I supposed to do”.

Social Bookmarking – While these are great tools, they would not play a significant role within our induction programs. Most learners would not have Internet access to be able to bookmark their sites. However, the facilitators may find it useful to keep track of learning sites.

So, all-in-all I think several of these tools could play a role in providing an enhanced learner experience. An overall element of implementation is getting participation by the training department, management and the learners. If no one uses it, it will go no where. Before implementing everything, I would recommend to run these as a pilot. It would allow for feedback from facilitators, training and learners. Also, not all the tools may have the outcome we originally expect. It may need to be tweaked or removed all together.

While I know implementation of some of these tools is a bit further down the road, I look forward to sharing these with my team to discover how we can use the tools to better communicate and share ideas.