Chapter 1, Chapter 2 & Chapter 3 Analysis
EDU 656
Dr. Bruce Johnson
June 3, 2014
Laura Moll
1.The textbook discusses e-learning, while the article addresses the importance of training and learning with a JIT approach. What is the value of e-learning in JIT training/learning? What is the value of the JIT approach when it comes to training/learning, in general?
E-learning has a vital part of JIT training and development in the workplace and in other areas. Research has proven that more than eighty percent of employees function at work based on situation based learning and operate very seldomly based on information that they obtained during formal learning
(Weintraub, 2002). This learning is very valuable for several different reasons. Not only does e-learning provide an opportunity to view, change and search for information that is needed, specifically relevant to a topic being discussed, but Web 2.0 and e-learning features enhance the quality of JIT training ( Clark, 2011). Online learning is rising in popularity and portability. It offers many conveniences including customized learning practices, personal engagement, several multimedia options and the ability to accelerate learning to accommodate the learners needs ( Clark, 2011
). The importance of the flexibility and rising popularity of e-learning directly relates to the way that people work and the rising need for JIT training techniques to accommodate the twenty first century workforce.
). The importance of the flexibility and rising popularity of e-learning directly relates to the way that people work and the rising need for JIT training techniques to accommodate the twenty first century workforce.
2. What does the textbook say about the Pitfalls of E-Learning? How do these compare with the “issues to be resolved” in JIT learning that are identified in the article?
The textbook defines several pitfalls, or issues aligned with e-learning. Some pitfalls include the concept that research has proven that e-learning provides too much stimulation, fails to promote learning best practices, often makes learners forget about long term goals and there is a mass of information that often leads to sensory overload in users (Clark, 2011). The authors of the “Just-in-Time Imperative” state some correlating pitfalls associated with e-learning and JIT training techniques. They state that the need for accessibility and speed often compromise quality by often omitting universal standards, measurement tools or opportunity for reflection. Also, the constructive feedback element of instruction needs some improvement as to create an atmosphere where students are challenged and supported. In addition to the change in the way instruction is given, the role of the facilitators and learners have changed and acclimation will take time and effort, often at the expense of the learning opportunity (Clark, 2011).
3.According to the textbook, what are five questions that must be considered when reading research studies on learning? Explain why it is important to base decisions on good research when it comes to designing learning.
E-learning is a relatively new concept and researchers are writing and reading about this concept eagerly. With that research, there is a vast array of literature available online and in libraries and students reading research studies must carefully evaluate each study with a series of questions. Evidence based research will provide answers to all of the following questions ensuring that the literature and information is based on sound, scientific research. There are five questions that must be considered when reading research studies on learning. Those questions include asking how similar the learners are in the study, whether the conclusions were based on research, if the results are able to be replicated and if learning is measured by tests that can be applied and is the research significant? All of those questions reflect analytical questions that help researchers analyze the validity of a given research article ( Weintraub, 2002).
References
Clark, R. C. & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-Learning and the science of instruction (3rd
ed). San Francisco. Pfeiffer
Weintraub, R. S. & Martineau, J. W. (2002). The Just-in-Time imperative. T+D
56(6), 50-58
