MeetVirtual

At times, it is good to step back and take a look at what we are doing. I believe, it is the very essence of what Stephen Covey referred to as “Sharpen the Saw: Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal”; the seventh habit in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People . I would say, caught in the rat race, this is one of the first good habit that is easily compromised

An interesting blog Knowledge vs. Information…Which is it? reminded me on this, to take a look at e-learning; or more precisely learning itself

Computer has evolved from being a device for data processing to a platform for knowledge sharing. However, does that make a platform for learning. No doubt, it assists but to be a platform for learning, I believe we have still a long way to go

What am I saying? Well, there is distinct difference in both the notion and dictionary meaning for terms i) data, ii) information, iii) knowledge, iv) expertise and v) wisdom

Why is this important to discuss? We live in a world where i) huge amount of data is being created and processed every minute, ii) amount of information we require to consume and process to make decision to stay effective and competitive, both in personal life and business is huge and is increasing, iii) great deal of effort goes into creation of data and processing of information rather than presenting for a purpose, iv) ability to assimilate information to make quick decisions could make huge differences in personal life, career and business.

Let me explain this in a context. My father has been going through a traumatic phase over last two years; short term memory loss and similar strange behavioral patterns. From the descriptions from his physician, I understand that this is due to a growth (hopefully benign) in the brain. What is the issue? What is the cause? What is the best possible treatments? What are side effects? What are do’s and don’ts?

Before web, information to me was limited to what our physicians in the friendly neighborhood could offer but now a whole world of information is available to me. Mark my words, it is information at best; not knowledge!

I do not expect my doctor to be God. I do not expect my doctor to be all powerful and all knowing. I do respect the profession and respect the person. But I would like to educate myself. I do not expect to educate myself to the level of my doctor. As a professional, I understand what it takes to be a professional. My intention behind educating myself is to make informed decisions; as best as I can

I do it but I think it could be better. I look forward to it being better. I look forward to making it better if I can. What does it take? That is where I believe we need to distinguish between i) data, ii) information, iii) knowledge, iv) expertise and v) wisdom.

What is the distinction?
I believe, they are:
Data, as we all know, is raw facts.
Information is relevant data available on time.
Knowledge is internalized information/awareness,
Expertise is ability to apply knowledge (what)/skill (how)
Wisdom is knowing when/where to apply

To me, learning is moving from having to work with a lot of data to wisdom where I can make informed decisions. As an old saying goes, first quarter of learning is from the master, second is from the learner himself/herself, third is from peers and forth from experience.

Web 2.0 has everything that it takes to make it happen. Well, someone needs to make it happen

Hard questions on eLearning. World is changing, demanding, competitive. Are we ready yet?

It is good to take pause a while, look back on what we are doing and take a look at where we are headed. It is good to take some hard questions! I glad to note a few good pointers in this line in a few lessons Learned About eLearning.

As a developer and user of e-Learning and as a trainer and mentor myself, I do not expect e-Learning to replace learning just as electronic or web publishing does not replacing conventional publishing but I would expect it to become a serious alternative. It is not yet and I believe it needs to go a long way before it can. Better and more standards is something that can surely expedite.

I believe e-Learning needs to bring together best of many worlds to be effective and successful. These include world of education, technology, subject matter (not every each subject can be taught the same way), cognitive science and many more. This needs to be aligned with market and business! e-Learning should be powered by technology, enabled by educators, driven by business and delivered to the learner!

Yes, e-Learning is an important application of technology and needs to take itself seriously. I would expect it to be increasingly guided by standards, driven by business, committed to deliver value to the learner. There are things that must, things that we can, things that we can not, and things that we must not.

Reflect back on your schooling? college days? How much of what you learned comes handy in your daily life? at office? at home?… well, I am not questioning the value of basic education.

Remember when you last attended a training to improve your skills? A training that was supposed to have improved your productivity at workplace? How much does it actually get translated into? If it does, how long does it take and what else it takes to make that happen?

Here is some statistics on knowledge retention:

Knowledge is best retained when it is applied immediately. As you keep applying, it get so much internalized and becomes your tacit knowledge. You forget that you know it, rather you just do it

Key is to learn when you need it. Your mind is most receptive. What is more, you have a context to apply. Can there be an environment supporting such a learning? learning just in time, learning on demand, … and more

Is it for real? It is…

We will see more on that in the days to come..