Realising the potential of digital learning Keith Quinn Learning and Development Manager (Digital Learning)

Challenges Workforce of around 200,000 (+/- 5k) Policy Context Majority of employers small – medium sized Qualifications based workforce registration Decreasing available financial resources Dwindling pool of “relief” staff Increasing difficulties in releasing staff for learning Engaging informal carers

Meeting the needs of the modern learner

Source: https://blog.elucidat.com/modern-learner-profile-infographic/ Meeting the needs of the modern learner But there are other ways in which how we learn is changing Part (a) - People are using 2 or more devices per day to access information or carry out tasks; they’re checking their smartphone continuously throughout the day; BUT - the key thing to note here is that, on average they give content just 7seconds to get their attention - so, if you can’t grab their attention in 7 seconds, you’ve lost them - they’re already moved on. Part (b) - Despite what people say, it turns out people will learn on mobile devices, and 70% are happy to learn using their own device rather than that provided by their employer Part (c) - what’s even more interesting is where and when people are learning. So, 52% of people are learning at the point to need - in other words when they need new information or knowledge to complete work-related tasks. 47% of staff are learning in the evenings and at weekends - this is consistent with the Open university’s findings that the most popular time for their student to access the OU materials is between Midnight and 1:30 am. And finally, it’s worth noting that 27% of the working population is learning on the journey’s to and from work. The Bottom Line is … (as per slide) The bottom line is - People want to learn in their own time, on the move, and on their own devices. Source: https://blog.elucidat.com/modern-learner-profile-infographic/

or adapt to the new reality Continue with business as usual … We have a choice to make

“[We’re still giving learners] information out of any context of demand - big blocks of information that students can’t tie to experience” (Foreman, “Game-Based Learning – How to Delight and Instruct in the 21st Century” 2004)

“adding technology without altering [how we teach] is not a solution.” Diana Oblinger & Brian Hawkins “The Myth about No Significant Difference” EDUCAUSE 2006

and when we do, this is what happens …

Three fundamentals for success #1 Digital capabilities Staff need the skills and confidence to live, work and learn online There are no ‘perfect’ definitions of digital skills Learning for digital skills must be non- linear, engaging and link to lived experience A sheep dip approach won’t work, need to build a community with incentives

Three fundamentals for success #2 Engaging, relevant learning experiences Learning needs to takes place in the same context as it will be applied Learning needs to be delivered via activities which reflect or simulate real work situations Learning should require learners to use the same knowledge, skills, and attitudes they apply in real-life practice situations There must be a focus on user experience as part of the design process

Three fundamentals for success #3 Incentivising and measuring learning SCORM for online learning and big certificated programmes no longer sustainable Open Badges are flexible and scalable (re level and volume) Awarded based on evidence of application of learning Accurately track progress and achievement Give recognition for informal as well as formal learning

Digitising learning isn’t enough … “When digital transformation is done right, it’s like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, but when done wrong, all you have is a really fast caterpillar.” George Westerman, Principal Research Scientist with the MIT Sloan Initiative on the Digital Economy

The Learning Zone: http://learn.sssc.uk.com Keith Quinn Learning and Development Manager (Digital Learning) The Learning Zone: http://learn.sssc.uk.com SSSC Open Badges: https://badges.sssc.uk.com Digital Capabilities: http://23digital.sssc.uk.com email: SSSClearningtech@sssc.uk.com @SSSCLearnTech