When reviewing some of the more popular technologies incorporated within many training approaches, some can be seen as more effective then others when it comes to addressing particular learning styles. For the purpose of this post I will be discussing the impact that interactive video’s, blend
ed learning, simulations, and groupware has and will continue to have on how people learn.
To begin let’s look at interactive video’s and how they work. Interactive video’s consist of a combination of video and computer-based instruction that provides a one-on-one approach to learning. The interactive features of the video is often executed through either a monitor and keyboard, or a touch screen that allows the trainee to combine both visual and kinesthetic learning styles to the lesson. The possibilities of interactive video’s can be seen through the development in which it has flourished from the day’s of simple keyboard commands to complex touch screen capabilities that are currently being implemented. By combining interactive video’s with other learning tools, the amalgamation of learning strengths and weaknesses could allow a dramatic improvement within the learning curve of trainees.
The second area of interest within the topic of high-tech training that I find interesting consists of blended learning. This pertains to the combination of face-to-face contact with instructors, and also the distribution of learning content through digital delivery. Such forms could be the combination of podcasts, distance learning, and mobile technology such as PDAs. By providing multiple choices to learning, a flexible approach to learning is ultimately creating opportunities for individuals to continuously learn. Raymond A. Noe states that “blended learning capitalizes on the positive learning features inherent in both face-to-face and web-based instruction” which can be seen as providing the best of both worlds when it comes to learning tools. Face-to-face learning has always provided an excellent form of immediate communication between the learner and the instructor. In addition, digital learning tools have also provided creative ways to deliver content in such a manner that ensures interest and focus is maintained throughout the content. By combining both of these crucial elements, blended learning can provide an endless array of learning tools that will satisfy most learners.
The third area of interest deals with simulations. Now there are many forms of simulations when it comes to learning. However, software and/or computer technology based simulations is the area in which I find interesting when it comes to high-tech training. Often simulations are combined with interactive video’s that provide multiple choices similar to real world settings. The benefit of providing simulation settings when it comes to learning a particular task is in the area of quality assurance. Learners or trainees have the ability to perfect a task in an environment that doesn’t effect either customers, produces, image, or quality of work. Once again, the possibilities of simulations can be seen through the development in which they have flourished from the day’s of simple role playing to complex touch screen capabilities that are currently being implemented. By combining high-tech training provided through simulations, trainees will be able to produce a superior level of quality within the product or service expected by them.
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/a-simple-roadmap-to-better-rapid-e-learning/
The last area of interest that I will be discussing is in groupware. You ask what is groupware, well groupware is electronic meeting software that provides a form of communication between geographical locations. For example, email, document management, and electronic bulletin boards are all popular forms of groupware. Many organizations are even developing intranets that are developed from some of the basic applications of groupware that allows additional forms of sharing content and ideas in a synergetic approach to learning. Now the direction that groupware is heading is one that offers a bit of everything for everyone. For example, social networking sites such as facebook, twitter, and myspace all implement the basic concept of groupware within them. The impact that these social networkings sites have had is historical in the area of connecting millions of individuals together in a creative cultural learning process. What the future has to offer in the area of groupware can be seen through the journey in which it has already taken.
Sincerely,
Mark
Mark's Blog 
Hi Mark,
I enjoyed your post. During your explaination of blended learning, some came to mind in reference to the use of PDAs in training. When I was deployed to Iraq, one of my peers was taking college classes and his school issued each new student a PDA for use in their classes. Instead of being issued a textbook, the book was formatted as a pdf file and could be accessed by the hand held PDA device. In addtion to the textbook, he was also given weekly podcasts to watch from the PDA. Personally, I don’t think that I would prefer to read my textbook in digital format, but this allowed him to continue his education in an untraditional environment. I love my IPad, but I wouldn’t find it fulfilling to read my text from it. I still prefer to highlight important ideas in my book. What do you think? Do you think that you could function in college with only the text and videos on a PDA device?
Mark,
I appreciated the link to the rapid-learning website, good resource.I was looking for more information on the implications of using interactive video. It’s true it has come along way in it’s development; however, you never said what other technologies could it be combined with it in the future. You mentioned the advantages of using Blended Learning strategies. What are some of the limitations/disadvantages that the instructional designer needs to be aware of when designing a blended learning environment. I appreciated your comment about simulations allowing learners to perfect their task in a safe learning environment. However, when you look at all the implications of using this technology, what are some of the limitations that the instructional designer will need to address?
Mike
Hi Dr. Burke,
Sorry about that. Let me explain what I see to be the future of interactive video’s in the area of training. To begin with interactive video’s will eventually be a collaboration of many different forms of simulations. For example, I developed a series of interactive learning modules for a friend of mine that started a logistics software company. The software allows multiple logistics company’s to communicate with each other in a synergetic approach. However, many of the truck drivers lacked the basic computer skills necessary to effectively use the software. As a result, I essentially created a video through screen capturing software (Captivate 5) that demonstrated the necessary steps involved with posting and accepting a load. The driver are able to view the complete video first, and then go through the task themselves. In order to provide such an environment, I imbedded invisible interactive buttons on certain areas of the screen. At every point that the driver had to click on a certain button, I paused the video. If the proper area on the screen was not clicked, then an error message would come up. On the other hand, if the driver clicked on the proper area the video will then continue to play to the next necessary click. Now this is a fairly simple combination of video and simulation, however it does challenge learners through a kinesthetic approach to learning.
Now some of the limitations that the instructional designer will need to address when developing a blended learning program would have to consist of the following areas that was collected through an evaluation by students involved in a blended learning environment by Aleksej Heinze and Chris Procter.
Weaknesses
Not enough guidance despite the reduced contact time
Blackboard usage technical issues (access, navigation, etc.)
Lack of communications on the VLE, late ice breaking session. Poor use of discussion boards
Unsatisfactory use of the face to face session time
Strengths
BL is compatible with working life
Suits different types of learners
Flexible, reduced attendance, increased e-learning
Good student support
Mark