Research

I conducted research on current learning technologies and trending professional development approaches.

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Per the research I found (listed in the bibliography and cited below) the following changes have been made:

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 Traditional PowerPoints

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Traditional PowerPoints are converted and upgraded into dynamic, interactive elearning modules using currently trending software such as Captivate and Articulate Storyline. 

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First, the content is restructured to engage learners through storytelling.  This involves a setting, characters, conflict and resolution.

According to Diane Senffner, CEO of Cine Learning Productions, simply transferring a PowerPoint presentation into an e-learning module does not qualify it as effective or engaging.  “Its not instructionally sound; its simply words, some large, some small, and often irrelevant photos or bad clip art.”  To really transform this traditional instructional media, the ID can use storytelling so adult learners relate the content to themselves and become more invested in the material.

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Next, the content is presented using an authoring software, such as Captivate or Articulate Storyline, to further engage the learner.  As PowerPoints are most often linear and non-interactive, trending authoring software offers aesthetically pleasing graphics, sounds, animation, and an interactive experience  This will further attract the learner to the training module.

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Text Based Manuals

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Text-Based Manuals will be exported to e-learning modules using the authoring software described above, and then enhanced with gamification.

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While full-blown digital games can be expensive and time consuming to create, gamification elements can easily be incorporated into a learning module to engage the learners.  Elements such as Challenge, Feedback, and Rewards appeal learners on a level that traditional instructional approaches do not, as these elements incorporate competition and recognition which motivate an individual both intrinsically and extrinsically.

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Not only is gamification beneficial in engaging a learner, it is also a sound tool to develop highly honed skills by providing a simulated or surrogate experience for an actual scenario.  Learners can test out solutions, analyze outcomes, and learn to make the best choices by being able to fail a few times. “Freedom to fail…encourages learners to explore content, take changes with decision making, and be exposed to realistic consequences for making a wrong or poor decision.” (Kapp, 2012)

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Lengthy, Outdated Videos

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Lengthy, outdated videos will be replaced with podcasts and vodcasts for learners to enjoy.  Videos such as Ted Talks, and podcasts from NPR and other reputable sources will serve as visual and auditory simulation for a more engaging learning environment. In a technology driven work environment, such as Sneed Inc., the use of podcasting and vodcasting appeals to the digital generation of oncoming millennials as it allows for use of a more engaging media than old videos or text manuals. 

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An additional benefit is that content can be individualized on podcasting and vodcasting, allowing for the instruction to cater to those who may have different learning styles.  “It is nearly impossible to meet the needs of each and every student…with pod/vodcasting, modules can tailor specific content areas that may be unclear to a student, thus allows everyone to acquire the most out of the information.” (Schnackenberg, Vega, & Relations, 2016)

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Furthermore, the success of podcasting and vodcasting has been proven in several case studies. For example, in a study performed by Athens Technical College Professor R.J. Hollandsworth, it was found that “the ‘podcast’ class [compared to a traditional class] showed an increase in preparation and participation by 8.6 percent” over a class that interacted with traditional learning medium (Hollandsworth, 2007).

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Here is a Project Plan for this upgrade: