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The Online Learner

14 Posts tagged with the learning tag Info and advice on building your skills

Many people find themselves thrust into a project management role with no formal training or experience. When this occurs, it is important to be prepared to deal with the significant changes in your role. Your responsibilities broaden from managing yourself to managing others, from short-term to long-term goals, and from tangible to intangible issues. Time and experience will develop and refine your project management skills, but additional training will prime you for the process of transitioning into a project management role. In the online course Transitioning into a Project Management Role, you will find an overview of the changes a new project manager may face, including the development of a successful project team.


This course is targeted toward a diverse range of managers and staff members who wish to acquire the necessary skills to successfully manage small to medium sized projects.


There are no prerequisites for this online course, however students should have a good understanding of the experience gained from working in an organization.

Below is an example SkillBrief* from Transitioning into a Project Management Role.

The Transition to Project Management

One of the most difficult aspects of becoming a project manager is changing the essence of how you work. As you move into a leadership role, it is important to let go of old ways of relating to your work and to your colleagues.

As a new project manager, you must transform the way you perceive your responsibilities, your focus, and your ability to work with and influence others.

  • "attention to things" transforms to "attention to people"
  • "concern for yourself" transforms to "concern for others"
  • "short-term focus" transforms to "long-term focus"
  • "solving problems" transforms to "managing problems"

Attention to people

A new project manager has to transition from hands-on work to delegating work to team members. A good project manager knows when to let go of duties and acknowledge that it is not the technique, but the results that matter.

Concern for others

As a project manager, you must learn to put what is best for the team ahead of what is best for yourself. A team flourishes in an environment where each member's contribution is recognized and valued.

Long-term focus

In project management, time is a valuable asset that must be planned and spent just as carefully as a budget. Good project managers plan priorities and deadlines, so they are always aware of which areas need the most immediate attention. With good time management practices, you will become more conscious of the choices you make and more aware of habits that interfere with efficiency.

Managing problems

A project manager is in the position of managing complex and interwoven problems, rather than solving them. Project managers guide their teams to identify the problems, while the team members identify and implement the actual solutions.

Management style

In project management, it is important to consider how you will manage your project – your personal management approach. The ability to get a job done is based on personality, experience, and attitude. Your application of those traits in the workplace is known as your management style.

There are three basic styles of management:

reactive – A project manager with a reactive leadership style accommodates the immediate needs of the team without adapting to current changes and trends.

inactive – A project manager with an inactive leadership style uses short-term planning and copes with problems only as they arise.

proactive – A project manager with a proactive leadership style initiates action and is flexible with control over the project. Team members are encouraged to take ownership in the project.

The only effective approach to project management is proactive. Teams that are proactively organized and led show greater cohesion, productivity, innovation, and performance. Reactive managers are always playing "catch-up" with their plans. Inactive managers just let their projects stagnate.

 

Basic principles

Projects differ in scope and complexity, but there are basic principles to which every project manager should adhere.

Continuous improvement

  • meet project requirements – The most basic responsibility of a project manager is to deliver the project on time, on budget, and within scope.
  • make timely decisions –Team members depend on the decisions of the project manager to complete their own work.
  • set goals and make a plan – A plan is a measurement tool that allows you to assess how successfully you are achieving your goals.

Creativity

  • propose change – A proactive manager is not afraid of changing and adapting to new influences and situations.
  • encourage high standards – Set the example for your team.
  • foster innovation – A facilitative and enabling approach creates a balance between innovation and expectation.

Discipline and detail orientation

  • taking calculated risks – A good project manager is aware of risk but is not inhibited by the fear of failure.
  • creating dissonance – Encouraging your team to express divergent opinions and ideas can lead to expansion and innovation.
  • developing mental discipline – A proactive manager focuses attention on the needs of the team and the objectives of the project.

Remember that without a good project manager, even a well-conceived project can devolve into chaos. All it takes is the right preparation and mind-set, and the willingness to transform.

Course: Transitioning into a Project Management Role
Topic: Transitioning to Project Manager

Would you like to learn more ways to improve your Project Management skills? Check out the online course Transitioning into a Project Management Role found in the MyPath Knowledge CenterMyPath Knowledge Centerlibrary. This library of self-paced, online courses is available to all MyPath members for 30 days- with no additional commitment.

 

Are you ready find more time in your day? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Centerand start your free trial today!


* SkillBriefs are single-page, condensed summaries of the instructional content of a course topic. Use SkillBriefs as an instant reference after you have completed a course

0 Comments Permalink Tags: learning, performance, skills, project_, management, work, online_learning, online

Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. Many people say they learn more online, and their retention is better too.

Consider that good students in the traditional setting may fair poorly in an online environment, while struggling students may excel with online courses. This can be explained in part due to differences in learning styles. Visual, self-directed learners do well at online learning, but others succeed because online instructional design is often sophisticated and planned to reach a wide variety of learners.

Lifestyles play a big role in the success of online learners too. These are the traits that successful online students possess, to varying degrees:

  • Self-Directed
  • Motivated
  • Comfortable with computers
  • Able to use email, internet browser, word processor
  • Like to read and write
  • Inquisitive
  • Disciplined
  • Independent
  • Able to stay on task

These questions may help you decide if online learning is for you:

Are you self-directed and motivated?
Most of online learning happens on your schedule. You'll need to be self-directed and motivated to complete activities on schedule and initiate the communication required to be successful. You'll be responsible for creating the structure to finish each course.

Are your technical skills adequate?
Along with having access to a computer and not being overwhelmed by typing, online learners should be comfortable with internet browsing and searching, email, sending and reading attachments, word processing, and sometimes downloading and installing software plug-ins (a normally simple but sometimes intimidating task).

Do you have strong reading skills?
Reading can play a large part in any class, and especially online. The ability to read and comprehend subject matter without it being a chore is critical to your success.

Does written communication come easily for you?
In most cases writing is the primary method of communication in online classes, so you should be at ease with writing to express your thoughts, share ideas, and ask questions.

Will you ask questions when you need to?
If you typically don't hesitate to seek help when you need it you'll do fine. Since you'll be in an online environment it's important to let your instructor and classmates know when you need help. Remember that they won't be able to see your looks of doubt, confusion, or other body language to tell when things aren't going well.

Will you miss the social interaction?
Interaction with instructors and classmates in online learning is often an integral part of the learning experience. Absent is the in-person contact - being able to see facial expressions, hear reactions, and speak. Campus life may be different or non-existent too.

Do you have the discipline to study regularly?
Like a traditional school you'll need to set aside adequate time for study. You may discover that you need to be online frequently to complete assignments or communicate with classmates and instructors. You can plan to spend at least as much time working assignments and studying as you would with a traditional course, and you'll be setting your own pace in many instances.

If you're satisfied with your answers to these questions, you're likely to do well in an online learning course. A no-cost / no-risk way of trying online learning is by accessing the MyPath Knowledge Center. There are 10 eLearning courses available in project management, personal development and more. In addition, more that 200 fully digitized online books are available in IT, business topics, finance, engineering and more. Try it today!

0 Comments Permalink Tags: learning, books, work, project, courses, skills, online_learning

Are you thinking about making a move from your traditional field? Branding yourself as a subject-matter expert can give you an edge.

If you’re competing with candidates who have experience within the industry or function, you’re going to need a way to distinguish yourself.

It’s simple: If you can apply your current skills effectively to compete against industry insiders, hiring managers will be more likely to take a chance on you. In addition, demonstrating an investment of time and resources shows that you’re focused on the new path and that you are not just an industry hopper.

Thanks to online tools, it’s easier than ever before to study up on a subject and demonstrate your mastery to prospective employers. In many fields, today’s career changer has options that take fewer resources and time than formal university reeducation.

Here are four steps to gain visibility in a new industry or function:

Create your subject-matter expertise.

1. Determine your subject-matter expertise.

Identify your unique ability to solve a specific business problem. Note the words “unique” and “specific;” both qualities are essential if you want to differentiate yourself. By focusing on problems you are uniquely qualified to solve, you reduce reliance on industry or functional experience.

2. Focus on skills over industry and function.

Even more important than transferrable skills, what makes you unique? What value have you provided to employers – and which ones apply to your new career?

Distribute your subject-matter expertise.

1. Manage your online reputation.

Do a Google search on yourself – what does it say? Shaping and creating your online reputation is just as important as keeping negative information off the Internet- especially to a career changer. You can build your reputation for subject-matter expertise by creating content under your name or citing the content of others on a blog or another online venue.

2. Establish an online portfolio.

Hiring managers know that resumes only offer a limited view of a candidate’s performance on the job. Online portfolios include work examples, reports, spreadsheets, presentations, design, and projects that an employee has managed or developed, demonstrates transferrable skills.

If you’re a candidate trying to compete in a new field, you’ve never had a better chance to build a new brand as a subject-matter expert. It takes some work to rebrand yourself, but even in today’s competitive job market you can compete against industry vets. There’s no pill you can take to reinvent yourself — these methods take work, time, and resources. However, in many careers it now takes significantly less work, time, and resources than going back to school for a formal degree.

How will you build your subject-matter expert brand? Share your thoughts here on MyPath.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: learning, training, development, change, developmnet, subject_matter_expert, skills

Training for a New Career

Posted by Lisa Ford Nov 20, 2009

Recently, we have received some questions from MyPath members asking for tips on how to manage the costs for training for a new career.

Here are some general guidelines:

Consider the typical salary for your new career interest and ask yourself how much debt you are willing to take on to earn that particular salary.

After an exhaustive career exploration that involves researching jobs and conducting informational interviews with people in target career fields, many job seekers determine they need additional training to develop skills for a new career. However, it is important to research the possible training providers as intensely as you have researched your career interests.

Whether you are interested in a community college, a four-year institution, a short-term training program, a professional certification program or a private training provider, here are some questions you should ask.

How much is this going to cost?

School can be pricey. While it may give you new skills for a completely different career or add to the skill set you already have to make you a more marketable job candidate, it does not guarantee employment. Consider the typical salary for your new career interest and ask yourself how much debt you are willing to take on to earn that particular salary. Using these figures, calculate approximately how long it will take you to pay back the debt and consider the sacrifices — such as holding off on buying a new house or car — that you may have to make as a result.

Also, be sure to take advantage of resources available to help you with financing your education or training. One way to secure financial assistance is through the Workforce Investment Act. This federal program was designed to assist qualified unemployed, underemployed or dislocated workers by providing job-training scholarships.

Another means of support can be found through the Department of Education, which provides federal student aid for eligible individuals. Federal student aid is accepted at all community colleges and most public and private universities. Typically, most for-profit schools as well as non-degree-bearing programs such as continuing education or certification classes do not accept federal student aid, but you should check with the financial aid office at your school or training provider of choice to be sure.

Information about and a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) are available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

How many students who complete this training program end up working in a related career?

If you are going to make the commitment to train for a new career, you want to ensure the training and skills you receive will actually allow you to find work in that field. Credible training programs and schools should have this information and be willing to share it with you. Moreover, they should be able to direct you to graduates of the program who are successfully working in that field. You can set up a time to speak with them about any specific obstacles they faced in making the transition from school to work and ask them if they would do anything differently if they had the chance.

Does this program prepare me to obtain certification in my chosen field?

Many occupations have professional certifications that are recognized as industry standards. Find out what the standard certification is for your career of interest and ask the training provider whether you will be able to successfully obtain that certification after passing through its program. Also ask the training provider for data on its graduates’ certification exam pass rates. That information will give you an idea of how well the program does in preparing students to attain necessary professional certification in their career field.

What tutoring and additional help are available outside of class?

Many of you may be going to school for the first time or returning to school after a long hiatus, so you may be a little rusty. Ensure that there are sufficient resources available for any additional support you may need. Ask about tutoring programs, mentors and instructors’ office-hour schedules.

Does the program provide internships?

Internships offer you an opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into practice in a real-world work setting. Experienced professionals in your field will groom you as you learn the ins and outs of the industry and discover which areas you need to improve upon. Internships also provide an excellent opportunity to network with individuals and organizations in your new career of interest.

Are there other ideas and suggestions?  What are some creative ways you have managed the costs of changing careers?

0 Comments Permalink Tags: work, career, job, changing, learning

PMP Certification from PMI

Posted by Lisa Ford Oct 20, 2009

PMI’s PMP credential is designed to demonstrate a strong level of project management leadership skills. In order to be eligible for a PMP credential from PMI, you must meet certain guidelines. These guidelines are designed to measure experience, education and professional knowledge. There is also a four hour exam that you must pass, which is designed to assess project management skills and knowledge.

In order to be eligible for a PMP certification, you must meet the following guidelines as laid out by the Project Management Institute:

  • You must have 35 hours of specific project management education.

  • If you have a Bachelor’s Degree (or the global equivalent), you must also have a minimum three years’ professional project management experience, during which 4,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application.

  • If you do not have a Bachelor’s Degree (or the global equivalent), you must have a minimum five years’ professional project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application.

Learn more about the Project Management Institute and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification by visiting their website.

Participants in the MyPath Knowledge Center have access to two study guides offering concise yet comprehensive coverage of each topic included in the PMP and CAPM exams. These books include hundreds of questions and detailed answers modeled after the actual exam and contain a complete practice exam with fully explained answers. You also have access to 250 completely digitized books in IT, Finance, Engineering and Business.

4 Comments Permalink Tags: project_management, career, books, learning, online

You are not the boss. You've been called "peer," "esteemed colleague," "invaluable staff member," and "friend," but no one's even come close to calling you "boss." When you stop to think about it, you realize you have no real authority whatsoever. In fact, you have much more power than you think, even if you are on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder. As Jack London said, "Life is not always a matter of being dealt a winning hand, but sometimes, of playing a poor hand well." In the corporate world, when it comes to getting results when you have no authority, it is imperative that you play your best hand.

Are you looking to get results through others, even when you lack direct authority?

Through our partnership with SkillSoft, we are currently offering 10 self-paced, online courses to MyPath Community Memebers.

In the course Getting Results by Building Relationships you can learn to…

- recognize the importance of laying the groundwork for getting results.

- identify ways to make a good first impression.

- identify ways to demonstrate interest in co-workers.

- identify ways to build rapport with co-workers.

- recognize the importance of building credibility for the purpose of getting results.

- identify ways to win the confidence of co-workers.

- identify ways to demonstrate integrity to co-workers.

- apply the steps for dealing with conflict in a general business scenario.

Are you ready to learn more? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Centerand start your free trial today!

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: learning, online_learning, development

There are many time stealers. Demands and interruptions from bosses, peers, or customers can prevent you from achieving your goals, and these must be dealt with appropriately. Not all time thieves are external. Most of us are prone to some degree of seemingly harmless procrastination, but this can be the most insidious and dangerous time waster of all.

"Procrastination is the thief of time," goes the old saying. It's true. And just remember, when you delay actions or a decision that you should be taking, it's your time that's being stolen.

The philosopher, William James, observed, "Nothing is as fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of the uncompleted task." But it is not only fatiguing, it is literally a waste of time.

An effective use of time also involves managing your environment, managing your use of technology, and managing the time-wasting activities of people around you.


Today we are often overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork that crosses our desks or the number of e-mails that appear on our screens. There is a real danger that we end up being reactive rather than creative, and spend all our time responding to what we have been sent, rather than initiating new ideas. To avoid this, you need to develop techniques for handling paperwork, telephone calls, and e-mails to maximize their value, and minimize their disruptive potential.


Technology makes it possible for us to be more efficient--get more done--in many different ways. But you need to make sure that you are really controlling the technology so that it also helps you to be more effective--getting the right things done, rather than allowing it to control you.


Would you like to learn more ways to improve your time management habits? Check out the online course Developing Excellent Time Management Habits found in the MyPath Knowledge Center library. This library of self-paced, online courses is available to all MyPath members for 30 days- with no additional commitment.

 

Are you ready find more time in your day? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Center and start your free trial today!

1 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: learning, online_learning, time_management, strengths

The MyPath community is committed to your continuing development. We have recently partnered with SkillSoft to bring our members a 30-day, free membership to a library of 10 online courses.

e-Learning is a developmental tool that you can utilize in your own time and at your own pace. Our goal is to support your development through innovative online learning that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With our new online learning trial, you can look forward to accessing a diverse library of content. These courses cover a wide variety of subject matter in order to meet your various training needs.  The courses, and associated components, can also be used as reference tools to help answer your day-to-day on the job questions or as part of your personal development.

We hope that you will take full advantage of this opportunity!

  • Performance-oriented instruction based on assessment results

  • Available 24x7 to meet professional and personal development

  • Control of the content – can be taken in a non-linear fashion to provide answers

  • Search-AND-learn allows learner to search for content that meets development or reference needs

  • Self-paced; content can be revisited again and again

  • Achievements recorded in ‘My Report’; including assessment results and time

  • Use ‘My Plan’ to plan and prioritize development; creates a shortcut to required course and creates scheduled email reminders

Ready to learn? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Centerand start your free trial today!

2 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: career, online, program, project, management, learning, development, it

MyPath has partnered with SkillSoft and Books24x7 to bring our members a 30-day, free membership to a library of online courses and industry-leading business books.

What materials are offered in the Knowledge Center Library?

SkillSoft e-Learning Courses

Whether you’re looking to refresh an old skill or learn a new one, you’re sure to find a course that fits your needs. We’re currently offering 10 self-paced, online courses:

· Project Management Fundamentals

· Transitioning into a Project Management Role

· Managing a Project

· The Principles of Financial Management

· Taking on a Management Role

· Tomorrow's Managers' Competencies

· Getting Results by Building Relationships

· Developing Excellent Time Management Habits

· Working for Your Inner Boss: Personal Accountability

· Programming Techniques and Strategies

 

250 fully digitatized online books through Books24x7

 

Our Books24x7 portal offers you instant access to the complete text of best-in-class books, book summaries, research reports and best practices from the following collections:

·   EngineeringPro

A multi-disciplinary reference for science and engineering professionals

·    FinancePro

A trusted resource for financial professionals in a changing economy

·    ITPro

Best-in-class content covering hundreds of technology topics

 

Ready to learn? Visit the MyPath Knowledge Center and start your free trial today!

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: career, development, training, courses, work, skills, learning

Let’s say you need to add some pop to your resume and you need it as quickly as possible.  You don’t have time to earn that degree just yet, the job market is tight and you’re looking for an edge and/or you just want to update and sharpen your skills.  Here are five fairly quick things you can do to add some pop to your resume.

 

Certify


If there is an industry standard that leads to a form of certification such as what you often find in IT, such as a CPA, PMP, etc. that you are qualified for in your career field of choice, go ahead and certify.  It may be time consuming and somewhat expensive in the short run, but not compared to a second degree.  You can also start looking at diversifying your skill set.  For example if you are a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) you can perhaps supplement this with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as well.

 

Earn a Certificate of Completion


Earning a certificate of completion is different than certifying. A certificate of completion is often either academic or professional training in a wide variety of fields. Everything from liberal arts to military intelligence to hotel management can be found in this category.  The price can range everywhere from around a hundred bucks to many thousands of dollars depending upon where you go, how the course is delivered and the purpose of the certificate.

 

Take focused courses


Taking focused courses where you can raise your knowledge and even print a transcript is a great way to expand your skill set and can be done relatively inexpensively and fast.  In some cases you can even take the courses for free.  The trick here is to build a portfolio of work where an interested employer may be able to see you’ve done and what you’re capable of.  Perhaps you can add a “skills” section on your resume and place them there.  If you get asked how you learned these skills you have a lead into an interesting conversation.

 

Volunteer


Volunteering is a great way to build experience when you have relatively little to none.  Maybe you haven’t gained that management position because you’ve never managed anything.  Volunteer organizations may welcome the skills that you do have and appreciate your eagerness to learn more.

 

Become a part of a project


Lastly, if you have a job already start looking for projects that will push your skill set further and force you to grow.  Often there are many project teams that need more people to help out, especially in unfunded projects.  Not only can you list these on your resume but it is a great way to network and build experience.

I hope these tips help. Do you have others you would like to add? Please share some creative ways you have enhanced your resume.

 

The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.

            Herbert Spencer (1820- 1903)

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: learning, work, volunteer, jobs, resume

Online learning casn be an effective to jumpstart your own development. An online learning environment allows you to “attend class” at times and in locations that are most convenient to you. The key to maximizing your learning success is proper preparation and setting expectations.

 

9 Success Factors for e-Learning

 

1.    Make time for e-Learning.

     Set aside specific times to work on your courses and stick to your schedule. Internet based courses do not have the regular meeting times and terms that instructor-led courses have, so you can set your own time schedule.

 

  1. Pace yourself.

Deciding your own hours is great, but make sure you do not fall behind in your schedule. Catching up is difficult. Create milestones or check points to help you stay on track.

 

  1. Prepare for the course by reviewing its organization, navigation, tools and resources.

Read the introductory materials in the course before getting started. Exploring the materials will clarify the course structure and help you work efficiently once you begin.

 

  1. Be a strategic learner.

Look at the learning outcomes and scan the assignments prior to starting the course. Keep the outcomes and tasks in mind as you work through sections of the course.

 

  1. Don’t feel that you need to read everything.

Students have different learning styles and some don’t need to read everything to succeed.

  1. Maintain a positive attitude.

Don’t become discouraged if you run into difficulties. Developing new skills and knowledge is sometimes difficult, but the gain is worth the pain. Moreover, it may take some adjustment to get comfortable working remotely.

  1. Take the initiative.

Learning is a process and there is not necessarily one right answer to most questions. Online learning allows you to balance independent learning with mentoring.

 

  1. Collaborate.

Helping others and sharing your view will enhance your learning and make it more fun.

  1. Share your experiences.

Ask yourself whether the material in the course is consistent with your experience, and analyze why or why not. Share these ideas with others to challenge your own thinking and learn from the ideas of your colleagues.

 

What would you add to this list of tips?  Have you found online learning to be easier or more challenging than expected?  We would love to hear your experience.

 

 

 

If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal.

            Norman Vincent Peale (1898- 1993)

 

 

 

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: program, work, courses, learning

Making time for Training

Posted by Lisa Ford May 6, 2009

Do you feel like there is no time for learning and development?  Below are some tips for you to make time to learn.

 

 

One huge benefit of online learning is that it is available anytime and anywhere. That same accessibility can also pose a problem. Anytime, anywhere can easily turn into “later” or “another time”. Making time for training can often be one of the biggest challenges in transitioning from learning via the traditional classroom setting to learning via online courses.

The following tips should help you make the time to develop your most important asset – you!

1. Learning Path

 

Prepare a learning path that has clear training goals and targeted completion dates. Once this learning path is developed, you need to make a personal commitment to achieve the defined goals. Working with your manager to add your training goals to your performance plan is helpful for increasing training opportunities in your workday. However, remember that ultimately you, and only you, own your Professional Development. It should be a priority every day. Remember, training increments are set by you, so get started today and make the time for training.

2. Schedule

 

Schedule time for online learning on your calendar just as you would any instructor-led training course. Make sure you don’t mistake the “available time” benefit of online learning for “when I have time”. To get the full benefit of your online learning experience, you need to make the time. The benefit of online learning is that you get to work through the training course at your own pace, not at the pace of an instructor. The time required to complete online courses varies, but you could schedule your training time down to the topic level, which could amount to as short as a ten minute training session.

3. Distractions

 

The workplace is always busy and full of distractions – telephones, visitors, and the ever-present in-basket can make it difficult to focus on learning. The home environment can be even more distracting – the internet, television, piles of laundry and to-do lists.

Some suggestions to help curb unplanned interruptions:

  • If possible, forward your phone to voicemail and record your voicemail greeting to reflect that you will be in training for a specific period of time and that you will return the call as soon as you are finished.
  • Place a message at the entrance of your office or on your desk indicating that you are in training, visitors can check back with you when you are finished with your training time.
  • In the event that you are unable to spend the entire amount of time you had allotted for training, remember to bookmark your place in the course so you can jump right back to where you exited the course!

What has been your experience with online training? What tips do you have to share for organizing your learning and development outside of the traditional classroom? Let us know!

 

Training is everything.  The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.

            Mark Twain

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: training, time_management, career, development, learning

The Right Mix

Posted by Lisa Ford Apr 29, 2009

Last week I introduced the concepts of formal and informal learning. This week’s post will describe the fundamental differences between the two and how to get the most out of each.

 

Formal Learning

 

Formal Learning is planned learning that derives from activities within a structured learning setting.  Formal leaning is done “to” you.  There is a specified beginning and the ending is marked by a grade, certificate, diploma or other credential.

 

Formal learning is enrolling in a program of study, attending lectures, preparing coursework and/or engaging in seminar/tutorial discussions.

 

Informal Learning

 

Informal Learning is going on all of the time; it’s never over. Typically, you control the learning process.  In our day-to-day lives, this is how we learn languages, social skills or a new sport.

 

In a business or work environment, informal learning happens when knowledge has not been externalized or captured and exists only inside someone’s head. To tap into the knowledge, you must find a person who has the information/skills that you are looking to learn. Examples of such informal knowledge transfer include an IM to that person, a phone call, a chat-room in real time, a chance meeting in the break room, a tech walking you through a repair process, observing the person or a meeting with your assigned mentor or manager.

 

Did you know that multiple studies have shown that between 75% and 80% of learning your job is done informally?

 

Jay Cross, author of Informal Learning gives a great overview of formal and informal learning.

 

So what do we do?  Is all formal learning out the window?  Not exactly.

 

How comfortable would you be boarding your next commercial flight knowing the pilot had picked up his or her skills in a chat room and had no formal training or certification program?

 

So where do we go at this crossroad?

 

What effective organizations are finding is that a blend of formal and informal, intentional and unexpected learning is the most effective mix

 

Here is an example of a company who is combining the intentional, unexpected, formal and informal learning and using it to enhance both the employee and customer experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_jhLGxH-m4


Is there topic you would like to learn more about?  Do you have your own examples of informal vs. formal learning to share? Let us know.

 

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
    MARK TWAIN

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: development, project, career, training, learning

Slow Down and Learn

Posted by Lisa Ford Apr 23, 2009

I know what you’re thinking; you don’t have time to slow down, right?  The world is a hectic
place these days and slowing down is not an option.


You do have a choice.  Your first choice is to tie on your sneakers and run as fast as you can to
keep up.  Your second choice is to slow down just a bit and accept that you cannot control the
speed with which things happen, and embrace the chaos that change brings.

 

Learning is how we adapt to changing conditions, and things are changing faster than ever
before.  So what are you waiting for?  Slow down and learn!

 

In Jay Cross’s book, Informal Learning (2007), he describes informal learning as riding a bike: the
rider chooses the destination, the speed and the route.  The rider can also take a detour at a
moments notice to admire the scenery!  He describes formal learning as like riding a bus: the
driver decides the destination; the passengers are along for the ride.

 

Each week, I’ll share information, tips, and advice related to learning and development.  Topics
will include the best ways to benefit from online learning, tips/advice for improving your soft
skills and key lessons from books/online courses for professional development.

 

Next week’s post will describe the differences between formal and informal learning and how
to get the most out of each.

 

Is there career development topic you would like to learn more about?  Let us know, and we’ll
do our best to incorporate it into a future post. 


There is more to life than increasing its speed.
    GANDHI

1 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: informal_learning, changing, learning

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