All learning is good, right? Not always. In this blended learning post, find out how to prevent bad techniques and wrong information from being shared across your organization.
Assumptions can be dangerous.
It’s easy to assume that all learning is positive, but that’s not always the case. Spreading incorrect information or processes can result in lost time and resources, or even serious consequences, such as illness or injury. Consider the following examples:
- A factory worker who learns that safety gear is not only uncomfortable, but also unnecessary after a period of time without incurring an accident
- A doctor who learns a particular drug is the most effective treatment for a disease and, years later, continues to teach this to junior doctors even after new and better treatments are available
- A salesperson who gives incorrect product information to customers after reading a outdated intranet page
Learning data is your friend.
Tracking data from blended learning activities can help capture instances of negative learning like the ones described in the previous section.
For example, we might observe the majority of workers who aren’t wearing appropriate safety gear also have only worked in a factory for less than two years, during which time the factory hasn’t reported accidents. We could then create learning interventions to target that particular at-risk group.
In the case of the doctor, we could ask junior doctors to record their informal learning along with respective sources in journals. By looking at data from the journals of doctors who performed poorly in an assessment relating to that particular disease, we could identify the source of the misinformation and, again, intervene.
The salesperson’s misinformation might be picked up by data from customer complaints. Or, if a large number of salespeople are giving wrong information, data about which intranet pages the salespeople are using could pinpoint the misinformation source(s).
Remember, the faster you can identify negative learning within your organization, the faster you can remedy the situation.
Recommended Reading
Up Next: Blended Learning in a Nutshell
We’re just one post away from completing our Blended Learning series. Be sure to check in next week, as we summarize everything you need to know about learning everywhere.
About the author
As a co-author of xAPI, Andrew has been instrumental in revolutionizing the way we approach data-driven learning design. With his extensive background in instructional design and development, he’s an expert in crafting engaging learning experiences and a master at building robust learning platforms in both corporate and academic environments. Andrew’s journey began with a simple belief: learning should be meaningful, measurable, and, most importantly, enjoyable. This belief has led him to work with some of the industry’s most innovative organizations and thought leaders, helping them unlock the true potential of their learning strategies. Andrew has also shared his insights at conferences and workshops across the globe, empowering others to harness the power of data in their own learning initiatives.
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