The changing world of learning

The world has changed; indeed, things have dramatically changed. A world of chalks and blackboards, now “zooming” and “blooming”. Inventions and innovations have taken been over by “instructions” and only time will tell whether economists choose to name oil as a giffen good or not.

Nobody expected this and the world has been taken by surprise. The worst hit has been the training, learning side of things. The so called important/ integral part of any growing organization has now taken a “back seat”. Now training or learning as some say has become a non-essential item for any organization. To sustain their business many organizations/ companies are taking tough measures which includes slashing the training budgets and consolidating manpower for multiple functions.

Once upon a time, school days were fun, teachers were our encyclopedias and google. Library was fantastic and life simple and easy going. Welcome to the “wired” world and life is tossed. We have moved into a world of virtual trainings, an alternative mode of imparting knowledge, but one questions a thought, will there be a “feel good factor”. Students who are taking the virtual session are doing so to fulfill academic requirements, a few minutes into the session and it all goes into the “auto mode of learning”. The students return towards the end say bye and leave the room. This technology is good for people who are serious with learning and want to upskill/ reskill themselves. What we need to understand is that for students we must infuse curiosity and inquisitiveness. The why, what, when, where and how should be answered before the virtual mode creeps in. Virtual/ online mode is effective when the base is strong and understanding of any subject deep.

Training in any form is required to support the growth of any individual and reskilling/upskilling a must at all levels of professional and academic life. It would be great that an integration of both classroom and online mode is encouraged. A symbiosis of these techniques will help the learning community to grow and be more confident while facing challenges.

One thing to understand is that we should not underestimate the relevance of a teacher, trainer, or facilitator. We may move to other sources to impart knowledge but let us not forget the roots-Gurukul.

Once this period is over and normalcy returns, organizations will investigate trainings required and the methods to impart them. I am sure cost-effective methods would be given priority (looking at the market conditions). The idea should be to give the best training to the employees (even if it is for a limited number).

Let us make learning a habit and not reduce it to “a bit”.