November Meeting Review:
Training for the New Generation

by James W. Korth, Member, PR committee

Does it seem like most attendees sit through training sessions looking bored or otherwise not engaged because the material is way over their heads or far beneath them? Does it become apparent mid-session that the delivery method is just wrong for them? How do you deliver a single package of training material to vastly different audiences? Perhaps you should consider a blended training approach.

Clare Davis and Mel Haughton of MLink Technologies, the featured speakers at LSC’s November meeting, presented “Applying the Latest Training Technologies.” Clare and Mel delivered an entertaining, enlightening program on determining the specific combination of training technologies and delivery methods to suit the unique attributes and needs of any audience.

Blended learning adapts the content and delivery method to the audience’s learning style and learning needs. It directly targets the different learning styles adopted by each generation. Blended learning finds the right mix of virtual and physical resources, such as eLearning complementing paper-based job aids. It creates a variety of learning activities using different technologies with different interactivity levels.

The blended learning components include video-based learning, interactive self-paced learning, community-based learning, and mobile learning. Additional elements include audio-based learning, virtual learning, game-based learning, and reference-based learning. Many of these components can be combined in a blended approach for the audience.

Video-based learning works well for younger Generation X and Y learners. This media can be placed on a Web site, like YouTube, and is well-suited to those learners who have shorter attention spans. Community-based learning succeeds in collaborative settings such as online mentoring, blogging, and discussion threads, where specific topics are addressed, participants can advocate their positions in a safe setting, and consensus can be reached.

Mobile learning suggests delivery of short messages for quick, customized tutorials using podcasts, RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feeds, and links to social messaging sites like Twitter. Virtual learning incorporates avatars and Web seminars, and may be adapted to virtual worlds similar to Second Life’s Manpower Island. Game-based learning works well with service organizations such as restaurants and hotel chains where employees in training need to work their way through specific problems using specific customer scenarios.

Each technology can be applied to the generational and educational levels of the viewing audience and the nature of the material that is being delivered. Clare and Mel provided a contrast between the traditional and passive Web 1.0 delivery and the highly interactive Web 2.0 menu of technologies. The right training, delivered in the right format, to the right audience, using the right technologies, is all within reach of the well-informed trainer.