Defining the Learning Environment

Assignment 1: Defining the Learning Environment

EDU 500: Adult Learning Theory

Outline the most significant elements or steps of the task upon which the training will focus (See Assignment 1). Using the selected adult learning theory from Assignment 1, analyze the how the theory would support the learners’ mastery of the task. Justify your response

Training is defined as the process of acquiring specific skills which are needed to perform a job better. These skills are important since it helps people to become qualified in doing some jobs. In most cases, training is being facilitated by the organization so that their modified behavior will contribute to the attainment of the organization’s goals and objectives. Materials required in training may include workbooks, audio –visual aids, training manuals, and computer-based lessons and audio-visual aids. The steps of the task upon which the training will focus include;

Propose one or more instructional settings for the training being planned based on the nature of the task(s) and the selected theoretical model (e.g., instructor-led in a classroom or self-directed online.) Provide a rationale for the setting(s) selected.

• Identify the objectives of the training program. Since it is an IT company, the objective of the training program will be to teach the IT experts how to access and navigate various software programs. The retailers will be thought how skills on how to increase sales through ecommerce such as identifying the prospects.
• Develop a training plan. A plan is defined as an overview of how training will be approached. It will include the schedules of the training program, key learning objectives as well as the list of the available resources.
• Creation of a list of necessary training materials; the necessary materials will include hands-on access to participants in a software training program. It will give an outline of what class participants will expect to learn after progressing through the training materials.
• Dedication of a separate section to each learning objective; an example of this involves creation of online module for babysitters. An entire chapter consisting of various first aid lessons.

Firstly, I propose Performance Aids for the training being planned based on the nature of the task. This aid will include technical manuals such as decals, and flowcharts for performing the task. It will remove the cognitive load requirement from the performer and places it in an artifact. However, instead of training the people to remember all the necessary details for performing some complex task, we will help them through the provision of tools that will aid complete the tasks. For example, Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS) will help the IT experts master the contents faster since it includes wizards and Help Systems. They are more convenient instead of use of the manuals which must be printed before being transferred to all the locations where it is required; an EPSS can be updated instantly. If the task will require high technical skills or even if the worker does not have the necessary skills, Performance Aids will not be used.

Secondly, I propose the use of Social learning theories because they explain the forms of learning and it will involve others across the social site. The training through this social site will happen either through direct or indirect contact. Direct contact involves face-to-face interaction between learners who are either in classroom setting or an on-the-job setting. On the other side, indirect contact involves learning on social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and online course discussion boards.

Training through the social media is important since learners are able to share experiences and have enough time to research new knowledge, and then combine the two to create a new knowledge for peers. It will result to better learning as well as improving self-affirmation. The method should be adopted since it is widely used learning strategy especially in adult learners. The trainees will gain knowledge through sharing performance experiences, learning lessons, and acquiring creative ideas.

Indicate all needed technology components that you plan to integrate into the training. Determine how the selected adult learning theory could influence your technology selection. Recommend strategies that you would use in order to accommodate the learners who may not be familiar with technology.

The technology components that I plan to integrate into the training include the use of technology resources such computers, tablets, social media platforms and networks, and internet. Since the training involves IT experts, the above technological resources are helpful. Successful technology integration in the training will be achieved when the use of technology is: routine and transparent, readily available and accessible, supports the curricular goals, and helps the students to reach their goals effectively.

The requirement for a successful integration of the technology is the willingness to embrace change. The trainees will be required to be learning continuously even if they are working because the technology is growing rapidly and keeps on changing and evolving. However, an effective integration of technology will be achieved when the trainees are able to select technology tools which will help them obtain information. With the IT experts, technology should become their integral part of how the classroom actually functions.

However, adult learning theory may influence technology selection in that the trainees may fail to concentrate on their trainings because as they begin working, they acquire experience that becomes an increasing resource for learning. His/her motivation to learning becomes internal.

The learners who may not be familiar with technology will need to attend extra classes so that they will catch with others. Furthermore, more time will be dedicated for them so that they finish the training process in a successful way.

Propose a timeline for development and implementation of the training, providing a rationale for your views. Determine how the selected theoretical model and the intended audience characteristics could influence the time needed to develop and teach the identified tasks.

For this type of training, a time line is required to ensure the training has been done. The method which will used is the follow-up support to the participants and evaluation of the training program at the end.it will involve the provision of the necessary materials to the trainees then support them in activities such as supervision, mentoring, coaching, etc. The training is supposed to be done before the employee starts working. The time which will be required to carry out this training is a period of one week. However, when each employee is hired, it will be necessary to be oriented once in a month so that those employees who will be employed at that month will be trained at the same time.

Developing a timeline schedule for the training is ideal. For example, orientation in the IT Company will be done every Wednesday of every month. The first and second Monday will involve training in promoting sales by retailers and communication skills. Trice every year, in March and September, creating ecommerce will be taught to meet the requirements of the company. This timeline schedule will allow better communication to the staff, reduces communication issues, and allows planning of future by employees.

The selected theoretical model and the intended audience characteristics could influence the time needed to develop and teach the identified tasks. This may happen as a result of failure to find the employees at the scheduled time of training. They may be away for official duties or some of them will have shifted to other employments.

Propose three (3) strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of the training during and after development. Determine how the selected theoretical model and the intended audience characteristics could influence your evaluation strategies.

The main goal of corporate learning through training should help to see a return on the investment of training as well as improving the skills of the people. Since the need for employees is increasing day by day, most organizations are required to focus on ways that will educate and train their new employees. With this initiation, it will allow them to focus their time, and resources needed during the training period. Thus, the strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of the training during and after development are important. These strategies include;

Visual Confirmation; here, learners will demonstrate their knowledge by performing a role-play. The use of technology such as internet allows them to take roles-play. For example the IT experts will share their visual information instead of demonstrating knowledge that may not be true to them. The sharing includes uploading a video.

Social Ownership; it will put the new employees who are undergoing training in the position to also teach others by showing them how they will apply concepts in their real world. The concepts will help engage employees in the learning process among them. Furthermore, it also provides managers with the ability to measure how well concepts are being implemented within the organization.

Skill Assessments; the IT Company will serve to create a visual assessment of the skills of employees and their performance before and after training. An example, involves testing the sales from the current retailers sales skills before training, then retesting the individual after the training to see the delta.