Eddie\’s Bloggage –>

I just have recently finished completing a questionaire in regards to learning preferences called VARK. VARK stands for Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinaesthetic. The results revealed that I have a mild Visual/Write preference. This is not surprising for me and this can be reflected on when I am studying, I tend to see what I need to do and write a lot of notes. Sometimes I write too much, my eyes get sore.

I think in respects to my style and its relation to the layout of my blog, it can been seen that I write a lot at times. Therefore, making my eyes sore. But I do this because I like to analyse even the smallest of things. But I don’t want to write everything because then it will turn out to be an essay. I try to maintain a logical structure when I write so if I want to go back to something I wrote, it will be easier.

My learning preference will influence my learning in E-learning experiences through a variety of ways. Firstly, I am a visual person and this can be seen by me analysing every small detail in regards to anything I see. Sometimes, I pick up on the smallest things that others don’t pick up on. I think this gives me an advanatage as it allows me to minimise the amount of small mistakes I might do.

From a Write perspective, I write a lot. I already have gone through this in regards to my in relation to studying. However, from a technological perspective, I think I tend to write a lot. I don’t seem to think what I write. I just what comes into my head and I think thats how things I guess lead to essays.

I think it will be good to see my learning style i.e mild Visual/Write will affect the way I do my course. Will I learn faster? I am not sure but I will see in the next coming weeks how I go then I shall be able to assess everything.

In this post, I will be discussing what a guest teacher was lecturing us about last week and the impact it has on people from a technological perspective. During class, the guest speaker was talking about virtual worlds, but more specfically, he was talking about ‘Second Life.’  More infomation can be seen at www.secondlife.com.

After this lecture, it has definitely opened my eyes into this concept of using this tool as a mechanism of developing a greater interction between people. Such examples like seminars, job interviews and training inductions were discussed as being useful tools in a Second Life environment. Personally, I think this is a very useful tool as it allows people to save time and money. However, with every advantage there will always be a disadvantage. One major disadvantage I can think of is that minimises the use of face to face interaction which can be invaluable for a corporate organisation. Especially if I was to choose a career in Human Resources in the future, I will be using human interaction most of the time.

Therefore, I think that face to face is better as it allows the best form of interaction and sense of community. However, such programs like Second Life is a very effective tool due to the increasing popularity of technology and the fact that we as people can never have enough time for everything.

I believe that there should be a balance in using these tools (Second Life) with actual face to face interaction. The benefits is two fold and I think that organisation will grow and succeed if they are able to implement not just only on one side, but with both virtual and the real world.

^^ Victoria **

This blog today will answer your question in regards to considering the critical elements in an elearning strategy. Firstly, I just want to say that according to Donna Abernathy who is an editor for Training and Development Magazine has once quoted as saying that “online learning is not the next big thing but is now the big thing.” (Hanson, Miller & Splawski, 2007).

As can be seen from the quote, technology has played a major role in society that it lays a foundation for the short and long term success in changing the learning culture of an organisation. Without it, organisations would find it difficult to cultivate the learning. We live in the information age and online learning has become a very useful and effective tool in allowing many people to learn at their own pace and in high numbers.

There are several elements of an elearning strategy. They are technology, content, support and communication. Online learning relates to the technology so without it, it cannot be online. Content is important as it relates what you will learn and how you will learn it. Support is linked to this because content cannot act alone. Support is needed when student/learners find things that may be difficult and hindering their learning ability. Support such as help tech and experts allow the learning to happen. Finally, in regards to communication, this is the central key element in a blog. In this case, communication is done via online. However, through the help of experts etc, this will be done verbally, over the phone.

In conclusion, it can be seen that elearning has emerged as a driving force in learning and development. Therefore, a comprehensive learning strategy is essential in HR’s strategy, thus improving on performance, retention and organisational competitiveness.

References:

Hanson, J., Miller, L. & Splawski, R., 2007, Blogging Done Right: Sun Microsystems, Room 522: Corporate Blogs, accessed 16 September 2007, http://bcom522.blogspot.com/2007/03/sun-microsystems-corporate-blogs-case.html

Hello everybody and welcome to my web blog. My name is Edward and I am currently studying at UTS doing BAOL major in HR.

E-learning experiences is the current subject that will teach and guide me with the use of this edublog. In the next coming months (years?), I will be using this tool to share my my thoughts and feeling on some concepts and aspects that I have learnt through class and through my spare time in relation to e learning. I will also provide ongoing reflection during this process to see how my learning is progressing and to also to maximise and retain the knowledge.

I hope that whilst you read my blog that you too will learn and capture the knowledge as I do. Because if you do, it will show how web blogs can be used as a powerful tool as a networking device for learning no matter where you are in the virtual world.

Come back and enjoy your stay!