Technology and emerging practices in organisational learning & development
Nov 15th, 2011 by Alison Bickford
Examination of a work-based virtual learning environment: Design and practice implications
I will be adding videos to this blog that step though my doctoral research analysis and key points. The first is an overview:
I’d be very happy to receive comments and questions. Thank you.
Jan 15th, 2011 by Alison Bickford
Just a quick note to say I will be presenting part of my thesis findings at Global Learn Asia Pacific in March 28 – April 1, 2011. Title: Lessons Learned from Corporate VLE Design Experience.
Click here for conference details.
Nov 18th, 2010 by Alison Bickford
I presented some of my findings on lessons learned today – at last I’m beginning to contribute some thinking. The presentation came from a draft conference paper I have prepared entitled Lessons Learned from Corporate VLE Design Experience.
Abstract: Four purpose-built virtual learning environments were designed and developed by learning practitioners of an Australian consulting firm using the enterprise wiki Confluence 3.1 (Atlassian Pty Ltd). The intention of the asynchronous environments was to support and extend knowledge and skill development from the classroom into the workplace. Action research methodology was used to both facilitate the design approach and reflect upon the design process. Design decisions were biased by practitioner perceptions of learning, technology and professional practice. Lessons learned were synthesised into practitioner perceptions of VLE usefulness (content, learning tasks, facilitation approach) and ease of use (interface design, platform administration). Although vibrant asynchronous social learning activity was not achieved, learning practitioners from three programs considered the VLE a successful and worthwhile initiative. The design experience resulted in a refinement of workplace learning strategy, adjustment of expectations of learner commitment to a virtual environment, creation of a learning technology consultation framework and clarification of practitioner roles and responsibilities.
(VLE = Virtual Learning Environment)
Jul 18th, 2010 by Alison Bickford
With the launch of Connect Thinking E-Learning Academy on July 26, I will be separating my online journaling focus. I will focus this blog exclusively on my doctoral research development and outcomes. The Academy will contain a blog where I will post trends in organisational learning. Click here to access the Academy blog.
My next time out to focus on my research and thesis is August 9. Look out for a post around then. Thank you.
Jun 13th, 2010 by Alison Bickford
Connect Thinking E-Learning Academy is launching end July.
It is an online learning space designed to help upskill learning practitioners and subject experts on e-learning strategy, design and project management. Members will access e-learning courses, resources, moderated doscussion forums and have 1:1 access with the e-coach, me.
Membership is by the month or annual. Special price on launch. Stay tuned for more information or contac us via the Connect Thinking website.
Jun 6th, 2010 by Alison Bickford
The poster I presented at the recent FASS conference was titled “Practice transformed from design experience“. It superficially outlined the research opportunity and the approach I will take to examine the data; using a new model I have created called the Technology Perception Design Acceptance model (TPDA). This model attempts to represent the influence of practictioner perception on technology and practice during the design of the four wiki-based virtual learning spaces (VLS).
I will need to spend some more time researching:
I have also committed to writing the design experience of each of the four VLS as a narrative – to help capture that which is greater than the data alone.
Jun 6th, 2010 by Alison Bickford
I’ve spent the last 2 days emerged in the annual Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student conference at UTS. Amongst other key learning was the statement said to me “we are writing a doctorate, not a Nobel Prize”. This statement came in a flurry of pragmatism around getting my domains of inquiry circumscribed so that I can start writing deeply and purposefully.
I get it! I gotta let go of all of the other possibilities that my data could take me and settle on what seems right for my passion today.
They are:
May 30th, 2010 by Alison Bickford
In partnership with Tonkin Academy, I will be running 2 day workshops in Sydney and Melbourne in August 2010 and March 2011. The title of the workshops is Social Media Learning Solutions. Session titles include social learning theory, exploring options, business value proposition and project planning.
Day 2 is an opportunity for participants to deeply explore 4 key areas of social media learning:
We will explore what these platforms mean in relation to connectivity, learning activity and visual design. We will conclude day 2 by formulating a plan to build a strong business case. For more details, please visit Tonkin Academy or click on this PDF Social media learning solutions workshop. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
