Entries from July 2007 ↓

My “Confucius” back ground in which at a very early age I was lucky to have been raised place “learning” as the top of my life priority. Thanks to my grand father who used to say that after having satisfied your physical needs of survival, a human immediate need should be learning. Living for him means growing and going forward. Growth can only be achieved by learning. More so, in this fast changing world of today, it has become even more important and pressing to focus our effort to acquire new skills through learning.

Most people find it natural to learn when one is young and attending school. How many stop learning once they strike the working life? Is it because of the sloth of people or their unconscious mind, that the need to create the learning organisation came in the work place environment? I have not stop learning and will not ever to do.Learning is natural to me. I choose to think that Peter Senge and his team coined “the learning organisation” more so for the methodology of learning in a work environment rather than the necessity to motivate the human to keep on learning.

In the final years to my working career, I had the chance to reconvert myself into a coach and got very interested in learning about learning. Very much in the line of my dear friend Penny Vingoe an accomplished teacher who is now running the coaching organisation “learn to learn”.

I enjoyed the article of Vaughan Waller of the topic of learning which I would like to share with you. Much emphasis and effort is now placed in training programmes. I would rather come back to basics and place the focus on learning programmes. Mauritians enterprises are spending so much in training these days. HRDC or the competent authorities would be failing to their tasks if they are not ensuring the quality of the design of the training given by the numerous mushroom grown training institutes in Mauritius.

In the Shoes of the Learner

By Vaughan Waller

The available methodologies to deliver learning in the workplace are now more plentiful than ever and most organizations now realize, that not offering learning opportunities to their staff is potentially more costly than doing so. Enabling staff to develop their skills or acquire new ones is an important way of keeping companies fresh, adaptable to change and thereby remain competitive. So there appears to be very little argument against making learning an integral part of our daily working lives, in the same way that e-mail is currently, to most of us. But, as always, this is easier said than done. In my experience making the time for learning (since that is what managers invariably tell their team to do) only means that something else is not done or not done as well. Learning in the workplace, usually because of the small amount of available time, has to be delivered in a way that will enable learners to integrate it into their day – and this process is the responsibility of the learning designer.

Every learning programme designer wants the project to succeed in its objectives and to be used, enjoyed and talked about in a positive sense from then on. The factors that cause learning programmes to be unsuccessful are many and various : –

• Learning styles
• Personality preferences
• Peer pressure in a classroom environment
• Dislike of learning via a computer
• Learners’ minds on other things
• Using of the wrong training medium
• Poor course design
• Not enough time to do it properly
• Lack of motivation
• Level of computer literacy
• Ability of the learner to self study
• Etc etc.

Therefore, it is one thing to design a programme of instruction but also ensuring that it is succeeds for a variety of learner types is a critical part of the overall process. So how do you ensure that learners will learn what they need to learn?

Unfortunately, the answer to the latter question is often difficult to find. There is a plethora of educational psychological data on how humans learn. There is plenty on pedagogy and the processes whereby information in one person’s head is transferred into the head of the learner. But ask most people in what way they like to learn or in what circumstances they learn best and it is likely that they will call to mind either a good or a poor learning experience. Most people will remember a learning experience in which they were having fun. If someone has had a really successful golfing lesson which produces results, then that person will remember the lesson because they were enjoying themselves. Conversely, we can all remember a crushingly boring training course where the tutor did not connect with the learners, the course was badly designed and perhaps, as a consequence, very little was learnt. Delve further however and ask what is your learning style preference and what is their Myers Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment and you will be met by blank looks. The learners would have to go on a course just to answer these questions!

More to the point, if you did have the answers to these questions and they can be found using a variety of means, how do you design or adapt the learning programme to suit what will almost certainly be a mix of these preferences? It is near impossible to make a programme of instruction that will appeal equally to every learning style and all personality preferences. Furthermore, at the present time it is required that all learning programmes must also be accessible to everyone regardless of any learning or physical impairment too.

The popular answer that is always trotted out is “blended learning”, a combination of learning media, an “e-learning sandwich” or a “bit of this and a bit of that”. Blended learning is one of those terms that most people connected with training within an organization, will profess to know at least something about. Yet it is nothing new and is one of those things which have become caught up with e-learning and other learning activities which has made some think that it is a new 21st century buzzword.

But in my opinion this is no answer to the learning designer who wants easy and straightforward answers to the question “Which way, or mix of ways is best to deliver this learning effectively?”. The answers to the question become a lot easier if they are answered from the perspective of the learner. That may seem obvious but it has to be said that in reality few people in an organization’s learning or training department do or perhaps we should say can design learning from the learners’ perspective. In an organization there are time pressures, budgetary pressures, lack of resources or even perhaps in some cases knowledge. It is easy to write down here that you should do this or do that when in realty that is not always realistic. But in the analysis, design and development stages of the most well known instructional design model, it is possible to consider learners at every point of the way.

This may sound like difficult work but it should not be shirked. And in the way of things that are not particularly fun to do the timescale for all this should not be rushed either. It has been seen repeatedly, ever since computers were first used in learning that trying to rush the boring bits to get to the “nicer” parts of the process, normally spells disaster.

Sticking to an instructional design process will determine the best way to get the learning to the learners in a way that will overcome as many of the problems listed above as possible. Nothing should be ruled out within reason. If you do define e-learning as learning delivered digitally with additional support and services then this can cover a host of options. You could choose from dozens of possible methods many of which are as valid now as they have ever been including : –

• Web based learning content – to be accessed in whatever way is most effective for the learner
• Learning simulations – enabling learners to experience what they have to learn
• Virtual learning – virtual classrooms, conference telephone calls, video conferencing etc enabling learners to work as far as possible with others
• Easy access to reference material such as websites, intranet pages, books and videos
• Informal learning – access to “someone who knows what you need to know”
• Coaches, tutors and mentors – as part of the programme not just when the learner needs help
• Instructor-led “conventional” training – not just the ubiquitous “e-learning sandwich” but as part of the programme

Another possible way to make the choice easier is to use an adaptation of the four-stage process often used in marketing which is : –

• Where are we now?
• Where do we want to be?
• How will we get there?
• How can we ensure arrival?

This can be adapted for this purpose to : –

• What training need do we need to address?
• What will be the specific objectives we want to achieve?
• What delivery method will work best from the learners’ perspective?
• How can I measure its effectiveness simply?

The third question of course is the important one here but if you put yourself in the shoes of the learner consider these questions : –

• Would I enjoy doing it this way?
• What’s in it for me – what is the reward to me by doing it?
• Will it challenge me or bore me brainless?
• What will motivate me to do it?

After all if you consider e-learning, it is meant to be learner-centric – that is allowing learners to pull learning to them rather than having it pushed at them. Except in those organizations where everyone designs their own personal development plans learning is something that employees are asked to do or perhaps told to do and this makes all the difference. Those taking an Open University course do so because they are personally motivated to complete the course but in other situations the motivation has to come from elsewhere.

One of the big challenges of a using a variety of learning methods in one programme is to integrate the various platforms together in one seamless package. This is always tricky but consider as you go along the limitations of each delivery method. It should be remembered that learning on a computer is at its best when used to transfer facts and concepts. The real thinking and analysis type of learning has to be done away from the computer screen. That is why in most cases the computer part is used in a pretest or assessment role to ensure that when the students come to the next part they are all, more or less at the same level of knowledge on the subject.

In this article I have tried to avoid as much as possible the term blended learning since learning has been blended for many decades now. Learning doesn’t need to be “designed using a blended learning approach” since good instructional design would do this anyway. As long as the learning designer puts himself or herself “in the learners’ shoes” then most of the time the outcomes will be successful.

In its issue of June 28, CG Lynch commented in CIO — Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales discusses what it takes for effective groups to work, why speed is a big deal and more.He summed up: the 5 winning strategies of online collaboration.

1) You need mechanisms in place for effective collaboration. Certainly, people can post bad things onto a wiki, a message board, or a mailing list. The real question is, what systems are in place to deal with this? The mechanisms of a wiki have proven highly effective and have to do with the ability of the community to revise the content or revert to a prior state, and the ability to block communication by people who are causing trouble.

2) Online identity is important. But requiring people to use real names online seems to be a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. When people decide to interact anonymously with no stable identity, then bad behavior is the usual result. The safeguard mechanisms mentioned above can address such a situation. Meanwhile, contributors who use a steady pseudonym can and do gain reputation capital in a way that establishes credibility just as a real name would offline.

3) A successful collaboration requires a shared vision. A good example of this is a successful wiki called wowwiki.com , a wiki about the online computer game World of Warcraft. There, participants work together successfully because they have a shared vision of the kind of work they are trying to complete: a comprehensive guide to all things World of Warcraft. We see the same pattern over and over: A charitable goal like that of Wikipedia is not necessary. Neutrality is not necessary. But a shared vision is.

4) Organizations are becoming flatter. Flat hierarchies are incredibly powerful and, due to technologies like wikis that allow peer-to-peer communication without a lot of barriers, flat hierarchies are taking hold across the business world. Maybe some people are hesitant, but there is an overwhelming adoption of collaborative technologies going on right now. If old-fashioned CIOs are not seeing this, they should be replaced.

5) Speed is incredibly important. A fast and flexible system will always beat a paranoid system that wants to get everything right before publication.

Last week with great pomp Hong Kong celebrated the 10th year of the reunification of Hong Kong to mainland China. I eagerly watched the celebration ceremonies on both CCTV9 and the BBC during the past weekend. A few days ago, on the French radio, I heard an interview of the director of Alliance Francaise in Hong Kong giving his views on the one country 2 systems as lived in the (SAR) Special Administration Region.

On the one hand, I am still in admiration of Deng Xiao Ping’s idea of creating the one Country 2 systems in the SAR, on the other hand have to admit that it is not an ideal situation whilst democracy is flouted on and off by the central government. I do accept that it is a transitional period signed for 50 years with the SAR communities that has brought economic expansion to Hong Kong and the relative peace to all concerned.

Of course, the situation, as in most compromises, does not bring complete happiness to either side. Not quite a Win-Win situation which brings satisfaction albeit bliss on each side.

Political Democracy

The democratic party of Hong Kong, whose aim is to reach full democratic representation with an independent government, continues to press the central government to reduce the number of nominees in the SAR’s government. SAR’s residents enjoy freedoms which are far greater than their fellow citizens of the main land. Depending on one’s lieu of abode though being in the same country one would enjoy differentiated fundamental freedom rights and be subjected to another set of constitutional(basic) law.

Freedom of Speech

They have a freedom of expression and views, unacceptable on the main land, yet not as extensive as a full western democratic country would allow. China Government does not allow any opposing view to their policy and will suppress any attempt to any criticism.

Freedom of Religion

In opposition to the main land rule, SAR’s residents are free to adhere to any religious denominations. Hong Kong’s Catholic Cardinal Zen is allowed to voice out and comment on China’s action. He has been subjected to high pressure from the central government but still allowed to perform his duty. In China the Patriotic Catholic Church is under the government’s control and the Roman Catholic Church with allegiance to the Vatican is officially not recognised.

Cardinal Zen has long been known as the “new conscience of Hong Kong” for his unflinching defence of human rights, political freedom, and religious liberty in the face of criticism from China’s communist government. He has bluntly said that the Chinese crackdown on pro-democracy protestors in Tiananmen Square was “a big mistake,” and called on the government to “tell the truth” about those events. He was also a leading opponent of Hong Kong Basic Law Article 23, a since-shelved national security bill, which in 2003 prompted an anti-government protest by half a million people. Zen is a vocal proponent of a push for universal suffrage in Hong Kong, telling his flock in a 2005 homily that “a path will appear when enough people walk on it.” He has publicly called on officials in Hong Kong to support the aspirations of the people, rather than functioning as spokespersons for the central government in Beijing. At a personal level, he is described by John L. Allen Jr., a Vatican watcher, as “a gracious, humble man, a moderate on most issues. (Extracted from Wikipedia)

Freedom of Entreprise

It would appear that Hong Kong has made its mark as the premium location for Finance and services. Hong Kong financial services’ platform is reckoned to have channelled 60% of FDI of China. At some stage, Hong Kong feared that it would have been superseded by the power and large invested in Shanghai. By the way, let us not forget the ever existing rivalry that has always existed between the north and south population.

So far so good for SAR Hong Kong.

One French commenter said that “You would have thought that main land China with its will and power would have souped up tiny Hong Kong, on the contrary Hong Kong is influencing China to move to greater freedom. With its economic success coupled with the ingenuity, flexibility, efficiency and swiftness the people Hong Kong have become a model for the whole country.”

Who knows may be one day Hong Kong might lead the main land to a new form of Democracy? The Moon Festival,a Chinese traditional has not reentered the Chinese Culture in China from Hong Kong after having been banned by the communist China for decades.

My early work life in aviation has given me a continued interest in the world of aviation. I lived in the 60’s the transition from the propeller aircraft to the jets and the transition when air transport was of the domain of the select few ‘rich and mighty’ to the domain of almost all.

It is forecasted that China would require some 2900 wide bodied aircrafts by 2025 for its needs, based by the trend drawn from the curve of the last decade. No wonder the two world aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing are focusing on the China market. China itself with such a large market and having achieved a level of technology, it would be natural for China to eye entering the aircraft manufacturing market. From last week world news, it would appear that Boeing is ahead of the game as they have entered into an agreement with the Chinese authorities for exchange of know-how to allow China to enter the industry. Analysts at Airfinance Journal are now evaluating when China will be the number three world plane maker?

The Boeing Company recently held a conference in Beijing to discuss the design and construction of its new 7E7 jetliner. The 7E7 is to be a super-efficient, long-range aircraft pushing the edge in aviation technology. Boeing China president David Wang was quoted in China Daily as saying that Boeing wants more Chinese participation in the program because it sees Beijing as a strategically important part of its globalization strategy. “Boeing should become more Chinese in China,” said Wang, “Twenty years from now, China will view Boeing as a global China brand, not just a global brand….We must be more Chinese in our leadership, and in content… have more designs, capability coming from China in the long term.”

Extracted from China Brief of James town Foundation

At the 2007 Paris Air Show, where Airbus booked firm order of over 400 aircrafts, it was reported that Russian aircraft manufacturers seem to have made some progress in re-organising themselves. The Italians have signed in with the Russians for a fleet of medium size aircraft. Would there be a market large enough for this type of aircraft for China to get involved?

Je lis dans le texte de ce dimanche l’appel que nous fait le Seigneur. Même si nous voulons le suivre à l’image de cet homme qui dit qu’il le suivra partout ou Il ira, il nous faudra du courage car le Seigneur semble ne pas avoir de lieu où reposer sa tête. Lui-même, il lui a fallu du courage pour prendre la route de Jérusalem et d’assumer sa pénible mission.

Par trois fois, Le Seigneur nous démontre les difficultés que nous aurons à surmonter. Nos liens avec les choses humaines, comme enterrer son père et dire adieu aux gens de la maison ou regarder en arrière, sont des freins à suivre le Seigneur. La lettre aux galates, nous indique bien que suivre le Christ notre Seigneur c’est vivre sous la conduite de l’Esprit. Se défaire des tendances de la chair est le challenge. Fort heureusement, IL a parcouru le chemin avant nous et nous a promis son aide et assistance si nous nous laissons conduire par son Esprit.

. De vivre ma mission à la suite de Jesus est mon obseession.

Je vous le dis : vivez sous la conduite de l’Esprit de Dieu ; alors vous
n’obéirez pas aux tendances égoïstes de la chair.
Car les tendances de la chair s’opposent à l’esprit, et les tendances de
l’esprit s’opposent à la chair. En effet, il y a là un affrontement qui
vous empêche de faire ce que vous voudriez. Mais en vous laissant conduire par l’Esprit, vous n’êtes plus sujets de la Loi.

Last Friday, I attended the Port Louis Toastmasters annual dinner at the Caudan Water front Ocean restaurant. It is traditional at each business year end for the out going president to close his year with a sum up of the activities during his tenure and for the newly elected president to present his team and to share his or her focused objectives for the coming year.

We thus saw outgoing president Eddy Tong Sam remitting symbolical the gavel to the in coming president Wairimu Kanja-Ristic. Wai, as she is called by most of the members, has committed this year’s team to give non members of Toastmasters the taste of learning and growing through playfulness by organising public targeted events.

This being the direction taken by the Port Louis Toastmaster club, I thought that I had to comment on Toastmasters to my blog readers  and to raise your level of awareness in possibilities that are offered to each one of you , where ever you may be in Mauritius or else where in the world to join in a Toastmasters club.

Do find out: how Toastmasters can enhance your people skills: both communications and leadership skills? Discover: How fun it can be to be part of a world wide well structured self-development club? Enjoy the fellowship of friends, value the uniqueness of each person, and be cross pollinated by the difference in style, thinking, upbringing and cultures.

I for one have gained a lot from Toastmasters. My biggest wins were: 1. to become more structured in my thinking, 2.to become a better communicator by being a better listener, 3. and to deliver in a sequence that is optimum to my audience’s receptivity.