In this episode of the Leading Learning podcast, Tagoras founders Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele focus on some of the questions raised during a Webinar that launched the Association Learning + Technology report. Topics include emerging formats like microlearning, MOOCs, and digital badging; major technologies like learning management systems; and thoughts on how to to approach strategy in the context of technology-enhanced and technology-enabled learning. Cobb and Steele also highlight the launch of Learning • Technology • Design™ (LTD), a learning experience designed specifically for professionals in the business of continuing education and professional development.
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Listen to the Show
Read the Show Notes
[00:18] – Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele preview what will be covered in this episode where they will share insights and answer questions about the Association Learning + Technology report that came up during the webinar where the information was initially released.
[02:01] – Jeff and Celisa thank YM Learning, formerly Digital Ignite for sponsoring both the report and the webinar.
[02:21] – Where to obtain a copy of the report, about the report, and what types of questions arose during the webinar.
[04:30] – A discussion about the difference between an LMS (Learning Management System) and LCMS (Learning Content Management System) and the importance of knowing the difference in the terminology for each.
[06:43] – Celisa and Jeff emphasize the importance of staying up to date on the various technologies/formats for learning available. They explain that even though some things are characterized as “emerging”, they have actually been around for a while (i.e. MOOC’s, digital badging, flipped classrooms) and that you need to make sure you are familiar with these and fluent in the language of learning in general.
[08:30] – A further discussion about terminology and the fact that most terms are covered in the primer of the report.
[09:11] – The topic of subscription learning is addressed and Jeff and Celisa share that this is going to be a model that has a lot of potential for associations going forward.
[10:57] – A conversation about mobile learning and how this will likely be a significant area of growth for organizations since it has the potential to be the main delivery mechanism for things like subscription learning or microlearning.
[13:35] – Celisa and Jeff address the topic of platforms and follow up on questions from the webinar regarding scale and whether learning management systems are best suited for larger organizations because of their significant cost. They explain that the size of the organization should not determine whether or not an LMS is appropriate and that making use of a platform can help you operate more efficiently.
[15:32] – Jeff talks about what is important to look for when trying to choose a platform explaining that it needs to be equipped to accommodate the needs of a trade and professional association market (i.e. ecommerce capabilities, familiar with integrating with an association management system, handling requirements around continuing education, etc.)
[17:54] – A reminder that it is important to first be clear about your overarching objectives when selecting an LMS. It is also mentioned that this topic will be addressed during the next Leading Learning webinar: LMS Selection: Mastering the Process, Avoiding the Pitfalls to be held on 2/18/16.
[18:35] – The issue of personalization is addressed from a marketing perspective in order to automate recommendations. From the standpoint of personalizing content, it is discussed that, at this point, it might not be worth the investment.
[21:42] – Celisa and Jeff tackle a question raised in the webinar–“Currently our online learning platform hasn’t been extensively used by our members in meeting attendees, however there is a sense that in the future there will be greater interest in this possible functionality. What happens though if you build it and nobody comes?” They discuss the role that both technology and strategy play in this.
[24:20] – A discussion about strategy and how the survey behind the report showed that most organizations (71.9%) don’t have a formal documented strategy that covers how technology is going to be used for learning. Jeff and Celisa suggest starting with the outcome in mind, without making assumptions. They also stress that there needs to be discipline and leadership in order to identify a strategy.
[29:25] – Jeff and Celisa talk about a new question in the survey regarding leadership in education businesses such as Chief Learning Officer (or similar C-level title) to see if learning and education are given visibility at the higher levels in organizations.
[31:32] – A discussion about what to do if you don’t have a CLO and what you can do to help advocate for one.
[36:14] –Feel free to contact Tagoras if you have any questions that weren’t addressed in the webinar or this podcast.
[38:26] – Wrap-Up
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[39:58] – Sign off
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