I was reading some really interesting posts on Kern Learning Solutions Blog (authored by Vaishnavi). Vaishnavi's main interest is web 2.0. I am sure several people know what it is, yet there are others who think they know what it is, and further there are few who think it is just a fancy term. Anyway, if you wish to know more about it, read the KLS blog.
The posts on KLS blog had me thinking about how the role of an ID is constantly changing. Web 2.0 encourages learners to seek information for themselves. The learning is self-motivated. Does this mean that there will soon be no role for an ID? Who is an ID? An ID is a facilitator of learning. What we do is ensure that we understand our learner's needs and design instruction. So, if we are not designing elearning or ILT, what should we be doing?
I do not think ID is going to be out of the picture anytime soon. An ID should however be aware of what is happening around him/her and adapt to the changes. For example, if the learner's needs reflect a need to use a virtual world such as second life. The ID still needs to identify how information can be presented in the most learnable fashion in this medium. The ID needs to ensure that they understand what information the learner may need and make this available to the learner. Also, ID must keep in mind that the information should not be linear as they path the learner takes can not be predicted.
I think facilitating learning using Web 2.0 is going to be an extremely challenging task for an ID. I am waiting to increase my skill set by working on a web 2.0 project. Keeping my fingers crossed!
2 comments:
Hi Archana,
An interesting thought that may have occurred to many IDs who are following on the elearning 2.0 discussions.
To answer your questions, we are fortunate to be IDs as the profession is a very dynamic one that IDs should realize. IDs are essentially creative people, who have the ability to make courses to training people on subjects they are not masters of. Being an ID calls for innovation and research. You have to be in tune with changing learner needs, technologies at all times as thats the way things will always be. What you will do as a result is to slowly manipulate your solutions to suit the changing needs of the learners. I have a post on skill sets needed to be an ID. Please feel free to add anything you find should go into the list.
Hi Sreya. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You may also find this blog post interesting. http://kernlearningsolutions.wordpress.com/2009/01/28/id-20/
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