Technology-enabled Learning (VR)
In my post on 4 Sep 2016 "Using Technology-enabled Learning to Enhance the Acquisition of Skills and Knowledge", I discussed Knud Illeris's three dimensions of adult learning namely Cognitive, Emotional, and Social dimension. I then went on to try out how to exploit currently available technology to better engage the emotional and social dimensions of adult learners.
In the Adult Learning Symposium organised by Singapore Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) on 4 Nov 2106, I presented a paper entitled "Using Tech-Enabled Learning to Enhance Work at Height Training" in which two tech-enabled learning approaches were shared.
The video below shows a demonstration when Jonathan Wan, my partner and also the MD of a work at height training center Asretec, immersed himself in a virtual workplace trying to spot safe and unsafe work methods simultaneously.
While this is our early attempt to exploit technology to enhance adult learning, it is almost immediate that we can see the linkages to the other two dimensions of Illeris three dimensions of learning. First, the emotional aspect of the learner is vastly different from if the same learning objective is to be achieved through a traditional classroom training session. Next, once the lesson is uploaded in social media, trainees with similar learning objective will start their interactions and discussions on the topic themselves via social media, and when such interactions are supplemented with proper guidance and other learning tools, such as micro learning through mobile platform (which is another demonstration in the same presentation), we manage to encourage external learning among learners, even after the training is over. Thirdly, another advantage of the VR session is the cost effectiveness of achieving similar impact as many learners can be trained at different time and at different locations. Last but not least, the demonstrator who risk his life to perform the unsafe act in the video will only need to do so once. Imaging if we have to have him re-enact this unsafe act over and over again each time a training session is on.
The journey to exploit technology for adult learning in the area of VR has just began. It is believed that such approaches will add breath and depth to blended learning. However a word of caution that we should always keep in mined that we should let work drive the pedagogy, and let the pedagogy drive the technology.
