Sticking Point 4: “Click Next” eLearning. My interest with it involves Storytelling. Storytelling is not just an art, but is an effective communication tool that has evolved over the centuries. It simplifies complex ideas, making complex ideas at any level understandable to your audience. I believe this is foundational in the structure of teaching and learning. It can be done in all areas, technical and non-technical, bringing effective communication to the masses.

 

With e-learning becoming more to the fore-front, whether in the workplace or the classroom, I would employ strategies and techniques that will support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs within the classroom and workplace setting. These strategies would be used to enhance learning, develop communication skills, social interaction and help meet a students’ goal. It would be very diverse using different strategies.

 

In the Addie Model, I would emphasize both Analysis and Design. Effective storytelling first needs analysis of your audience, your target learner. You need to understand them and what correlates with them. This works hand in hand with Design, the need to execute not just an idea, but to help understand an idea and to put it to use. The analysis and design incorporate different objectives on both cognitive and psychomotor skills.

 

My instructional team:

1. would be diverse, experienced and flexible, with skills and expertise in analyzing and designing content.

2. I want visionaries that see growth in the future and are willing to be long-term.

3. I want team members that are willing to reach out to SME’S (Subject Matter Experts) if needed.

4. The team would start out small, as a 2-person team. The original 2 members would be a Project Manager that would oversee the project, and a Learning Designer to analyze and design the project. Opportunities to add new team member will be employed as the project grows and needs are dictated. This starts slowly, building the team as the vision comes to fruition.

 

Desired Learning Outcomes:

1. Includes measurable and observable demonstrations.

2. There would be numerical scoring to include assessment through testing and projects.

3. The student would need to demonstrate effective communication and team involvement.

4. Memorization is just that, memorization. I want them to learn and be able to apply it. Of course, this can be changed to reflect the flexibility of the instructional team. Of course, assessments can always be changed, just like the project itself.

 

Learner reluctance: It's always a challenge to engage learners. They come from different backgrounds, learning abilities and motivations. First and foremost:

1. Build a positive relationship, especially with a student that is taking a course that is required and it’s not their choice. There will a reluctance in their attitude. You will need to overcome this, which means you need to work towards building a positive relationship, by engaging and motivating them.

2. Make clear your goals and expectations of them and be willing to work with them.

3. Be responsive, let them know you welcome their feedback.

4. Build trust with them. They need to know that you want them to learn.

5. Communicate, communicate, communicate.