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Comparison between ASTDs 2010 and 2009 survey

In comparison to ASTDs 2009 survey (see below) (ASTD.Org, 2009), for the same question

How do organizations use e-learning? a rise in most of the aspects can be seen in 2010

survey. This shows that the use of e-learning as the method of providing training and

learning within the organizations has been increasing. These surveys show into what extentand in what ways the organizations utilize the e-learning methods for in-house training and

development. Both the surveys are multiple choice and they focus on for what purposes

the organizations use e-learning and to what extent and not on how many organizations

use e-learning methods.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Personal Learning environments are not only an application but also a new approach for

utilizing new technologies for learning and training. PLEs provide learners with their own

personalised spaces under their own control to develop and share their ideas. PLE

applications, if used within organizations, have the capability to facilitate training and

development and at the same time develop organisational learning within the enterprise.

Moreover, PLEs can facilitate a more holistic learning environment, combining together

sources and contexts for learning hitherto separate. Learners learn how to take

responsibility for their own learning. Critically, PLEs can abridge the walled gardens of the

in-house learning ecosystem with immense learning opportunity from the o utside world.

And importantly, the learners can develop the judgements, skills and know-how for using


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new technologies in a rapidly changing world. ( put this as the last paragraph in the main

report PLE section)

Scenario

For instance, let us consider a scenario of the critical work environment of a senior sales

professional in a big corporation like CISCO. A sales professionals job is quite dynamic and

very much client-facing. Hence, it also requires lots of travel and out-of-the-office job as

well. A sales professional is supposed to educate the clients and collaborate with their own

staff from the organization such as account managers, pre-sales officials and product

managers and that too on the move. Furthermore, there is also high requirement of

personal skills enhancements and self-controlled personal learning simultaneously because

of the nature of the job of sales professional. In addition, it would immensely help these

sales professionals if they can easily access information from outside world (i.e. social

learning) on their devices (laptops, PDAs, tablet PCs etc.) easily which would enable them to

have a better world view of their products and their clients as well. To accommodate all

these needs and to ensure intermittent flow of knowledge and ideas on the either side

which is not dependent on location and time, there is a need to have a common, portable

and integrated platform like a Personal Learning Environments (PLE) which provides the

sales professionals (learners, in this case) the chance to access learning and knowledge in

their own way and provide them with the flexibility of self-customization and to do learning

whenever they want to. The major benefit that a PLE would derive for the sales

professionals in this scenario is that it would enable them to feel comfortable and at ease

with in-house learning and knowledge sharing because of the flexibility, availability,

portability and independence provided by the PLE and would also facilitate exchange of

information from the outside world through social learning tools incorporated in it . In a way

the sales professional, with the help of a PLE can experience the benefits of learn -as-you-

go.

Bibliography

ASTD.Org. (2009). E-Learning Trends 2009. Retrieved August 04, 2010, from

http://www.astd.org/LC/2009/0109_trends.htm

Key Terms

Open Source Tools: Tools which can be used and improved by the end users freely and can

also be used to utilize open content.

Peer-to-Peer Learning: A learning method which allows sharing network resources and

enabling smooth sharing and exchange of data and information.

Rapid E-Learning: E-learning method which involves more dynamic content and up -to-date

information and keeps developing along with the technological changes.

Synchronous Learning: Learning method in which the learner and the trainer is present and

the exchange of knowledge and learning takes place simultaneously.


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Traditional E-Learning: It refers to old practices of delivering learning through computer

based training systems and online learning.

Virtual Classroom: A classroom where learners assemble to acquire learning with the help

of a physical trainer or online trainer who delivers the training with the help of online

materials.

Asynchronous Learning: Learning method in which the learner can access the learning

system anytime, anywhere and is not dependent on any physical or virtual trainer.

Key Insights (Virtual Learning Now!)

y Understanding the current status of virtual learning in organizations.y Brief discussion about current forms of virtual learning.y Brief discussion about few l eading trends in Virtual Learning.

Key Insights (PLE)

y Understanding the core idea of personal learning environments.y Understanding the technological concept involved.y Understanding the usability of the PLEs.

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