Tuesday
Sep042001
215 - Does the Classroom Have a Self-Concept Problem?
September 4, 2001
#215 - - - Sept 4, 2001 - - - 41,987 Readers
*** Elliott Masie's TechLearn TRENDS ***
e-Learning, Training and e-Collaboration Updates
Published by The MASIE Center: http://www.masie.com
Host of TechLearn 2001 - Oct 28 - 31 - Orlando, Florida
Does the Classroom Have a Self-Concept Problem?
A TechLearn 2001 Think Piece
By Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center
This morning I had a really strange conversation. I was meeting with
three colleagues in the learning field and realized how everyone's facial expression went sour when I mentioned the classroom. Is the classroom a dirty word? Does classroom training suffer from a public relations or self-concept problem?
It is undeniable that e-Learning has taken the bulk of the spotlight in the last 20 months. There are dozens of seminars, trade shows and
magazines all about ways to do learning without ever having to enter the classroom. In fact, a good number of learning vendors go out of their way to tout their ability to classroom-proof your learners. There are new press releases every day about Learning Management Systems or Virtual Classrooms. Yet, I can't find a single press release about new white board paper or other nifty tools to make the classroom a better environment for learning.
When the benefits of e-Learning are rolled-out, almost every presentation compares and contrasts the approach to the “old” model of classroom training. It is cool to be an e-coach, e-trainer or e-learner. However, if you show up at a local trainer’s meeting and state that you love teaching stand up classes, people often move to the other side of the room, not unlike the reaction to the litter in Alice's Restaurants (sorry, a 60's reference!).
I am probably as guilty as most folks in this industry for the poor rap that the classroom has gotten in recent days. I stood up at a Lakewood event several years ago and told the trainers "To Get Wired or Get Fired!" But, I didn't mean that the classroom would be sent to the woodshed.
And, I marvel at the wonderful ways in which I can deliver learning
experiences from my e-Lab without ever having to get on an airplane. Yet, I feel sorry for the undeserved reputation that the classroom has
suffered.
I do not believe that the classroom is dead! In fact, the more that I
take e-Learning courses, the more I am drawn into a classroom for a very different type of experience. The classroom can be a great approach to learning delivery when:
* The learning activity involves discussion or live role modeling.
* The learning target is a motor skill that requires the use of equipment.
* The audience is small and it is easier and cheaper to put a subject
matter expert with a learner, than to produce a digital learning module
that will be used by just a few people.
* The content requires intense concentration for an extended period of
time, which may not be available at the workplace.
* The event is a ritual or landmark event that will signal a major
benchmark or promotion in one’s work history.
* The learning activity is linked to a social objective to meet and work
with colleagues or executives.
* The bulk of the content is gained from a Socratic dialogue with fellow
learners.
* The subject matter is not appropriate to an on-line experience.
* As a strong learner/manager preference or a change of pace.
While there is a significant increase in the use of e-Learning and Blended Learning, we have not seen the death or demise of the classroom. There are changes afoot in the classroom world:
* Shorter duration classes.
* Use of pre-class and post-class learning via technology.
* Developing Communities of Learning or Practice surrounding the class.
* Targeting of classroom learning via Learning Management Systems.
* Use of simulation and other e-Learning resources in class.
Let us respect the role and power of the classroom, at the same time that we explore the capabilities and potential of e-Learning. Ultimately, we will drop the “e” from our dialogue and talk about the most strategic formats and technologies to support learning and performance…. And the classroom will be one of them.
So, I tell you without shame, that I love to teach in the classroom. In fact, I am teaching a 3 day program starting tomorrow. I love the
doughnuts (though I am eating more healthy these days), but more
importantly, I respond to the magic that happens when motivated learners gather together in a room. And, I look forward to extending that magic beyond the last hour of the class with a range of powerful technologies. Long live the classroom! May it evolve as a cherished item in our training toolkit.
Note: There will be a range of sessions aimed at New Roles for the
Classroom at TechLearn 2001, to be held in Orlando, Florida from October
28 to 31, 2001. Info and registration at http://www.techlearn.com
*** Elliott Masie's TechLearn TRENDS ***
e-Learning, Training and e-Collaboration Updates
Published by The MASIE Center: http://www.masie.com
Host of TechLearn 2001 - Oct 28 - 31 - Orlando, Florida
Does the Classroom Have a Self-Concept Problem?
A TechLearn 2001 Think Piece
By Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center
This morning I had a really strange conversation. I was meeting with
three colleagues in the learning field and realized how everyone's facial expression went sour when I mentioned the classroom. Is the classroom a dirty word? Does classroom training suffer from a public relations or self-concept problem?
It is undeniable that e-Learning has taken the bulk of the spotlight in the last 20 months. There are dozens of seminars, trade shows and
magazines all about ways to do learning without ever having to enter the classroom. In fact, a good number of learning vendors go out of their way to tout their ability to classroom-proof your learners. There are new press releases every day about Learning Management Systems or Virtual Classrooms. Yet, I can't find a single press release about new white board paper or other nifty tools to make the classroom a better environment for learning.
When the benefits of e-Learning are rolled-out, almost every presentation compares and contrasts the approach to the “old” model of classroom training. It is cool to be an e-coach, e-trainer or e-learner. However, if you show up at a local trainer’s meeting and state that you love teaching stand up classes, people often move to the other side of the room, not unlike the reaction to the litter in Alice's Restaurants (sorry, a 60's reference!).
I am probably as guilty as most folks in this industry for the poor rap that the classroom has gotten in recent days. I stood up at a Lakewood event several years ago and told the trainers "To Get Wired or Get Fired!" But, I didn't mean that the classroom would be sent to the woodshed.
And, I marvel at the wonderful ways in which I can deliver learning
experiences from my e-Lab without ever having to get on an airplane. Yet, I feel sorry for the undeserved reputation that the classroom has
suffered.
I do not believe that the classroom is dead! In fact, the more that I
take e-Learning courses, the more I am drawn into a classroom for a very different type of experience. The classroom can be a great approach to learning delivery when:
* The learning activity involves discussion or live role modeling.
* The learning target is a motor skill that requires the use of equipment.
* The audience is small and it is easier and cheaper to put a subject
matter expert with a learner, than to produce a digital learning module
that will be used by just a few people.
* The content requires intense concentration for an extended period of
time, which may not be available at the workplace.
* The event is a ritual or landmark event that will signal a major
benchmark or promotion in one’s work history.
* The learning activity is linked to a social objective to meet and work
with colleagues or executives.
* The bulk of the content is gained from a Socratic dialogue with fellow
learners.
* The subject matter is not appropriate to an on-line experience.
* As a strong learner/manager preference or a change of pace.
While there is a significant increase in the use of e-Learning and Blended Learning, we have not seen the death or demise of the classroom. There are changes afoot in the classroom world:
* Shorter duration classes.
* Use of pre-class and post-class learning via technology.
* Developing Communities of Learning or Practice surrounding the class.
* Targeting of classroom learning via Learning Management Systems.
* Use of simulation and other e-Learning resources in class.
Let us respect the role and power of the classroom, at the same time that we explore the capabilities and potential of e-Learning. Ultimately, we will drop the “e” from our dialogue and talk about the most strategic formats and technologies to support learning and performance…. And the classroom will be one of them.
So, I tell you without shame, that I love to teach in the classroom. In fact, I am teaching a 3 day program starting tomorrow. I love the
doughnuts (though I am eating more healthy these days), but more
importantly, I respond to the magic that happens when motivated learners gather together in a room. And, I look forward to extending that magic beyond the last hour of the class with a range of powerful technologies. Long live the classroom! May it evolve as a cherished item in our training toolkit.
Note: There will be a range of sessions aimed at New Roles for the
Classroom at TechLearn 2001, to be held in Orlando, Florida from October
28 to 31, 2001. Info and registration at http://www.techlearn.com
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