Educational and Training Philosophy
As a long-time educator, I believe every learner has the ability to learn, albeit in different ways. Any proficient educator will offer learners more than one avenue to access learning and resources. Choices are important for students and it is up to educators to provide those choices, along with direction and support. I view the educator’s role as a customer service position where every learner is a customer. Think about how you would like to be served when you visit a retail store or go to a restaurant. Our learners deserve nothing less than excellent customer service.
Students learn just as much from each other as they do from an educator. Providing an interaction-rich environment is key to the growth of learners – both in their educational pursuits and their social skills. Provide them with a framework and let them experience taking responsibility of their learning. Their progress and growth will be beyond what you could have ever imagined.
Learning & Development
For me, the golden rule when developing training and learning solutions is to start with the end in mind. My first step will always be “what does the learner need to know or do” at the end of the training. Golden rule #1 is to know my audience. Who are my learners? What are their current skills? What about their attitudes on participating in training? Once I know the “what” and the “who” I can begin my task of developing the “how”.
I believe the learning sciences hold the key to a successful training experience and that concepts of working and long-term memory are at the heart of a positive outcome. Cognitive information processing strategies are central to that positive outcome.
Digital Media & Technology
Digital media is a blend of technology and content. As the world advances in technology know-how at a supersonic pace, there is a cautionary tale of which to be aware. All of us tech lovers want to learn and use the latest and greatest technology tools. It is fun and shows our tech aptitude. We wear it like a badge of honor. Companies further this desire by asking that tech professionals be well versed in the latest technology authoring tools.
If digital media is a blend of technology and content, the central component should be the content. Take the metaphor of a bee colony. The queen bee is the central component of the colony. The worker bees are there to serve the queen bee. Technological tools are just that – tools to enhance and help access the content. They exist to be of service to the content and not merely a gratuitous element of a training or lesson. Lovers of digital content and technology would do well to always keep this in mind, as superior learning outcomes are the goal.