LEARNING IS OUR ‘END GAME’

October 8, 2014

The adoption of technology-learning innovations in education always trails the adoption of technology-learning innovations in corporate training by ten years or more.

Educators (and the parents of school-aged children) can become so set in their ways that they too often believe that, “What was good enough for us is good enough today.” Consequently, they expect the children to adapt to “their way” instead of adapting to the changes in the learning culture that have surrounded their young people’s daily lives.

Corporate Training, on the other hand, has more quickly moved to address the learning challenges it faces. After all, it is dealing with the bottom line issue of profitability. It has to pay attention to learning culture changes or many employees will not learn enough to significantly improve on-the-job performance and operational efficiency.

Today we live primarily in a “video-based learning culture.” People get much more of their information —- and form many more of their opinions —- from what they see on their smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions —- rather than through the historical practice of reading newspapers and magazines.

In terms of skills acquisition, most people are visual learners. Seeing, Hearing, and Doing — in combination — is still the best way. And, that is why at least half of our population will be better served with multi-sensory learning (nearly 40% of our citizens do not comprehend anything written beyond a 4th Grade reading level).

Learning has changed in a revolutionary way. Our traditional education and corporate training leaders must, first, recognize and, then, adopt the newer, more effective ways. (Even traditional subjects like Reading, Writing and Math can be taught effectively with knowledgeably designed full-media instruction.)

Moreover, traditional reading and writing skills need not be de-emphasized in the classroom or in corporate training. However, both venues need to get much more comprehensive and adaptable in their approach to learning.

Multi-sensory media deserves an equal place for the many whose learning culture requires it. Learning should be our end game and the means much more inclusive.

After all is said and done, aren’t the learning outcomes our ultimate goal? Those outcomes will trump the chosen method of instruction every time!