U-BLOG-6

This semester I have realized how effective blackboard really is. Taking this course completely online made me use many of it's different tools over and over again. There are enough tools to completely work together with a class during assignments, group projects and anything else a class involves. Also, seeing that the professor stuctures it, with the right layout, enough information provided and clear learning objectives like we had this semester, blackboard is all you need for success. The only thing left is self determination and avoiding procrastination which will surley result in a good grade.

U-BLOG-5

For this blog post I decided to write about our training project at the Lowman Home. I have to admit that this was probably one of the most fun and effective school projects I've ever been involved with. It required everyone to work together and be hands on while working towards a real training session. All the while we knew in the back of our heads that it was up to us for the training session to be effective. Lastly, the fact that people actually wanted to learn from us and were very interested in what we had to say. It was a good feeling and even more rewarding than I thought it would be when we finished the project. It actually made me want to volunteer and do things like this more often because there is no better experience than going out and carrying out real training sessions like the Lowman Home Project.

U-BLOG 3

For U-blog 3 I decided to talk about how mandatory it really is to be on top of the activities and assignments to not fall behind. I tend to do well with time management/staying on top of task, but this is my first online course and I've realized just how easy to get behind. I learned it the hard way by not working for a couple days due to personal reasons and came back to find a mound of work to complete. I must add though that if you do stay on top of it, check the modules daily, work ahead on the projects etc. that it is easily doable. As for all the assignments and quizzes presented in the modules, I have found them very accessible, self-explanatory and reasonable. But as I've been explaining, just because the course is layer out very well and we have all the ingredients present for success, I strongly believe it's mandatory to stay on top of an online course daily.

U-Blog 2

For this post I decided to discuss how effective I have found it to read other classmates blog post and give feedback through comments. I believe it works very well by making me get involved and seeing how my views differ or relate to others. I have learned alot by doing this already from the couple of blog assignments thus far. This is my first experience with any type of blogging and I like how easy and effective it has been. I will continue to blog even after this class is over, now that I know how easy and effective it can be.

U-Blog 1

So far the course activities, readings and assignments have been pretty straight forward. I am new to the online course experience but one thing I have noticed is, blackboard makes everything easier. The layout, how everything is easily accessible and self explanatory, definitely makes the class easier to keep up with. As far as the activities go, I've found them to be very interesting and I've actually learned a lot already. The reading hasn't been bad either, and the main reason for me is that I've been interested in the content. And lastly, the assignments such as setting up this blog, and the discussion boards etc., were also new to me but have proven to be very helpful and a fun way of learning. If the rest of the semester follows the same format, I will be very pleased with the course as a whole.

Workplace Learning

"WORKPLACE LEARNING"

There are many trends occurring within workplace learning right now. We are moving from an “Information Era”, to a “Knowledge Era”. During the information Era, businesses focused on finding better, faster ways to process and manage information with the use of technology to gain a competitive edge. Now with the growing interest in knowledge, success is said to be in the hands of those companies that can increase their knowledge the fastest, and use it most efficiently.
With that being said, workplace learning is changing rapidly. With the growth of technology, we are now able to learn anytime anywhere. Computers, cell phones, video teleconferencing, and other are examples of where we are headed with workplace learning. Learning will not have to be planned in the workplace, but instead we will be able to learn in cars, on airplanes or at home, just as if we were behind a desk at work. As this trend grows, more and more people will want to learn this way instead of waiting on planned learning sessions at work.
From the employee’s perspective, knowing that knowledge will gain a competitive edge, we will search for those businesses that encourage learning and have the option available. This doesn’t mean that we should rely on the company to do everything and expect them to ensure that we gain knowledge. Organizations will find and hire those who will step up and take responsibility for their own learning. Someone who can learn on spot, with an abundant knowledge of technology to use it in all that they do.
So as we can see, things are changing very fast and changing dramatically. Knowledge is becoming the key factor that will give companies the competitive advantage they need to rise above all others. And with advances in technology, the way we go about gaining this knowledge will be changing as well. We will be learning on the spot, from anywhere we might be. “Workplace learning”, is nearing the end of its life cycle and is transforming into, “learning anything at anytime, anywhere.”