Technology-Based Learning Strategies Report - APEC HRDWG Wiki

B. OverviewAnother key feature of TBL is that it emphasizes ‘learning solutions’ and ‘learning results,’ andis contextual and can be personalized. As such it allows for a new way to integrate learning withwork. Rather than training workers on every possible procedure that they may need throughouttheir working lives, in an e-learning or TBL model, workers have access to the training modulefor a given process only if and when they need it, perhaps delivered via a handheld computer. Inaddition, technology is already in place that allows TBL delivery systems to anticipate futureinformation and learning needs by recognizing patterns in learning styles and delivering trainingin chunks as needed by the learner.Since much of TBL technology is so new, no leading paradigm has been established regardingthe most effective delivery of content for the various modes that are available. In fact, a numberof technologies ended up on the trash heap in just the past few years, after appearing to betremendous breakthroughs when first introduced. To avoid this potential pitfall, the followingsections will describe different TBL methodologies and their applications without trying to rankthem or rate their efficacy.Benefits and ChallengesTBL comes with substantial benefits. Most of all, it offers geographic reach and a scalability oftraining and educational efforts that face-to-face interaction cannot achieve. It also offers a widerange of learning modes and an opportunity to track progress and measure outcomes as aseamless part of learning. However, as with all technology applications, the use of technology initself poses some new challenges. In TBL, the most significant problem is the digital divide,which still splits the country into digital haves and digital have-nots. In addition, transferringlearning into a TBL environment creates additional challenges for educators and trainingdesigners.BenefitsThere are numerous advantages to TBL in comparison to face-to-face learning. Five of theprimary benefits are the following:Accessibility, offering anytime and anywhere deliveryTraining that is self-paced and matched to the learners’ needsFull scalabilityTimely dissemination of up-to-date informationStreamlined and effective learning delivery6