The news is not that we are continually shifting most of our working time into the online knowledge economy, but rather that we are learning more over time about what works and what doesn’t when we do it. Take the Training and Development (T&D) field. Here is an industry that experienced an advantage long before Covid by providing digital and distance learning opportunities. By designing and preparing virtual and hybrid training programs over a relatively long period, it is reasonable to hope that this industry can learn lessons that inform other business sectors on how to disseminate intelligence in an online environment.
Another area that shares distance learning, admittedly more than they currently want, is the realm of education, both K-12 and higher education. Like T&D, their shared mission is to harness the power and ubiquity of computers and similar devices, along with the public’s basic technology literacy skills, to provide teaching and learning possibilities when it is impractical to house students in classrooms. traditional. Here too, best practices are being identified as teachers, schools and communities face the challenge of delivering quality online education.
Together, T&D and education reveal methods and conditions to consider when the online workplace involves information sharing, change management, customer engagement, and staff development. An analysis of the peer-reviewed literature, the T&D/education market, and anecdotal reports from distance learning professionals suggest key practices when formulating and implementing remote instruction courses and programs. However, it is revealing to realize that the best of these procedures are not simply disconnected techniques produced through trial and error, but rest on a philosophical basis.
Lev Vygotsky was a Soviet-era psychologist recognized worldwide to this day for his scholarship on how humans create meaning, in other words, cognitive development. In short, his theory is that people acquire cultural values, beliefs, problem-solving strategies, and practical knowledge through collaboration with others, particularly more informed people. Understanding and meaning, according to Vygotsky, derive from a social context, making community the fertile ground from which people learn. Today, Vygotsky’s theory compels developers of educational curricula and online training to migrate features from the face-to-face community to the digital environment. By doing so, instructors and trainers can better facilitate the acquisition of concepts and knowledge among their students and trainees.
We need, therefore, to trust in the interconnectivity and the game possible through virtual contact. Although still a novel concept for older generations, society is clearly moving towards a norm characterized by remote connections with others, whether through our use of social media, FaceTime, or short-term accreditation courses online. Three ideal practices that leverage social cohesion include:
Be present – This can range from presenting direct instruction synchronously or in real time to being available for individual student/employee questions or tutoring. There will be times when asynchronous (non-real-time) communication such as message boards, forums, and course policies need to be visible to all participants, but generally be available directly or on call during business hours. established ones makes the participants feel less abandoned. and insecure
interactions – Encouraging participant interaction promotes information sharing and social learning, which leads to literacy. Three key dialogues for learning involve teacher with student, student with student, and student with content. The promotion of such exchanges generates effective growth-oriented connections between teachers and students, purposeful explorations conducted within a student-to-student context, and investigations between a student and the facts and concepts of subject areas.
Discussion – Promoting opportunities for students to engage in synchronous and asynchronous discussions creates substantial educational value. Encounters that involve questions, reflections, answers, and decisions support the growth of the participants. Thanks to digitization, including well-structured discussions and deliberations can strengthen any course.
When tasked with planning remote training and teaching opportunities, keep in mind the importance of building social coherence. You may find that you’ve missed out on less by going virtual than you initially feared.
