Learning Tech Labs: How Technology Overcomes the Challenges of Traditional Learning Methods

Learning Tech Labs, you ask? 

Well, first and foremost, we are a community. Our goal is to connect developers, educators and entrepreneurs, spark discussions and enhance the learning within learning technologies.

Follow the link below for a full explanation of LTL and a brief synopsis of the inaugural event at Learnovate on the Trinity Technology & Enterprise Campus. 

Our second event was held in the Science Gallery Dublin on January 13th. The theme for the evening focused on how learning technologies overcome the challenges posed by traditional learning methods. 

Although we founded LTL with lofty ambitions, we never expected that the community would receive as much incredible support at these early stages in our development. The link below provides the proof. We weren't bluffing, promise! This community is making waves!

We were fortunate to have the participation of four outstanding professionals from different backgrounds. Jonny Parkes of Versari, Peter Carlin of Logicearth, Elizabeth Waters of An Cosán Virtual Community College and Brendan Flanagan, an expert in blended learning in both educational and corporate environments. 

Jonny expertly moderated the event, keeping those in attendance engaged and provided thought-provoking insights throughout.  Jonny also allowed the Q & A sessions to flow seamlessly after each speaker and at the coat-tails of the event. 

The company Jonny represents, Versari Partners, are a scaling solution for early stage technology businesses and understand that one of the biggest challenges facing these companies is how to bridge the gap between the initial start-up phase, with all of its buzz and creativity to the discipline and focus of a truly growing business. 

Peter highlighted the belief that if a person does not put their learning into practice, they will lose 75% of it. He emphasised the need for 'sticky learning' as a goal of learning technologies. Peter gave a humorous tip on public speaking as an example, describing the VR system he used the night before the event to prepare for his talk. 

Logicearth Learning Services are leaders in the design and development of modern online learning programmes. Logicearth specialises in providing enterprise learning content development, SMART eLearning library management, and the latest learning technologies. They are early adopters of modern practical learning solutions and innovations.

Liz shared her passion for An Cosán and the community work that is being done in this country to help people receive an education. She informed us that each year, almost 5,000 youngsters drop out of education. Over a 10-year period, this works out as around 45,000 adults. The challenge to overcome this is one that Liz and others have accepted and it is impressive to see the desire there is to help others. Asked about the fear factor by a member of the audience, Liz admitted this is a common fear, but we must recognise it and say, "If I can do it, you can do it!"

An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC) empowers people to reach their potential by providing community education delivered through virtual and online technologies. Adults of all ages who would like to give education another chance will find a supportive and engaging alternative to ease them back to education. Blended, distance learning utilising modern technologies provides the pathway to ensure this goal is achieved.

Brendan recently completed an MA in Learning and Teaching and is currently working with Centre for Research and Innovation in Learning and Teaching at the National College of Ireland. His research studies focused on the transition from traditional face-to-face to blended online teaching. These were based on a pheno- ... phenom- ... phemononol- ... lived experience approach! 

Watch the video for Brendan's impressive tongue twister! 

Credit: Tamara Stone (@TamaraMarieDSGN) for video and photographs.