Synapsys Blog - October 2004

Facts and Figures in Adult Learning

Here are some interesting figures (many U.S. based) for how adult learning is faring and meant to grow over the next few years.

Link here...

Roberto Maragliano on eLearning

This is an interesting article that echoes a lot of the conversations we heard at the eFest conference... Can eLearning be effective if it doesn't just mean a change in technologies, but also a change in pedagogical approach?

"For now, let us simply say that e-Learning is a practical advantageous solution, but to a problem of which we do not yet know the full extent. We are just starting out on this: we have answers but we do not yet know the questions to which they are the answers. We mistakenly think sometimes that on-line training is a virtual version of traditional/classroom teaching. Far from it."

More here...

Categories of eLearning

We've just been sent a great resource from George Siemens that offers a compelling and structured view of the eLearning universe. It dovetails nicely with the paper we presented at e-Fest last week, stressing the importance of understand learning objectives and approaches over particular technologies and methods.

"A danger exists in discussing various segments of elearning: paying too much attention to distinctions across categories. The real focus and unifying theme is (or at least should be) learning – whether it is in a classroom, online, blended, or embedded. Each category presented here is most effective when properly matched with the appropriate learning environment and desired outcome."

More here...

Managing the Gamer Generation

Here is an interview with the authors of a new book, Got Game: How the Gamer Generation is Reshaping Business Forever. The book expands on Marc Prensky's digital natives/digital immigrants message with a profound wake-up call about the ways in which games have changed a whole generation of employees. It also seeks to dispel myths and clarify many assumptions about gamers, including the myth that gamers are loners:

"This is one of the huge points creating the generation gap. Gaming is actually much more social than boomers understand. A lot of it is very social, done with friends, and now increasingly, over the Internet. Maybe as a result, gamers really value other people—more than people who didn't play games growing up. They also firmly believe in a team environment."

More here...

e-Fest Presentation and Paper

I just presented a paper at the e-Fest conference entitled 'The eLearning Edge: Leveraging Interactive Technologies in the Design of Engaging, Effective Learning Experiences'. My premise is that interactive media are good for particular learning objectives and should be utlised as part of a blend that draws on the best of each media option.

The paper also includes lots of references to learning theory that substantiate the use of interactive media. Both the paper and presentation include examples of various learning games and simulations that demonstrate these principles.

View the paper... (PDF)

Click to view the presentation... (HTML)

Are You Managing Knowledge Effectively?

This is a great overview of a discipline in transition by Gartner analyst Laurie M. Orlov. It cuts through the confusion to illuminate the key questions organisations should be asking themselves about knowledge management endeavours:

"...when they peer into the knowledge management abyss, IT execs may see an initiative that is long on evangelical fervor — but short on specifics that translate into a project plan. Rather than attempting to saturate the organization with knowledge management lingo and practice, firms should ask themselves these six questions that focus their efforts on solving a specific business problem."

More here...