how to use analogies in elearning

Wow…a

Light Bulb Went On!

How to Use Analogies in eLearning

What is learning?

“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.”

David Kolb (1984)

Huh?

Okay. Let’s use an analogy to explain this.

Learning is like making this…

…into this.

Did you just feel a small “Aha!” moment?

(Nice analogy, huh?) That means a light bulb went on!

Knowledge is created...

Pretend these leaves are knowledge.

…through the transformation of experience.

These experiences helped create the knowledge (you know, the leaves).

Collecting sun rays Absorbing water Absorbing nutrients

Just feel another “Aha!” moment?

(sorry for the pun) Great! You must be getting brighter!

Learning is a process…

…and part of this process includes analogies.

(technically, it’s analogical reasoning)

“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.”

David Kolb (1984)

Does this make better sense now?

Yes, thanks! So analogies really help me learn?

Yup.

More analogies = More learning

More light bulbs go on!

Analogies link new information to your current knowledge.

(created from past experiences)

Now help your learners’ light bulbs go on by…

…using analogies!

So let’s put the ‘learning’ into eLearning!

When you design an eLearning course, it’s easy to assume each learner has a…

blank mind

THAT’S

FALSE. (Of course, you knew that.)

Which means YOU have the opportunity to use analogies because…

in eLearning

… your learners are LOADED with knowledge!

(Why not link new information to this???)

Got it! So, can I see some examples of

analogies?

Sure!

“This team consolidates

and allocates resources

to ensure the highest

value resources are

designated for the

highest value work.”

Say what?

“This team consolidates

and allocates resources

to ensure the highest

value resources are

designated for the

highest value work.”

“The Supplier Team

assigns you to tasks with

the highest value.”

First rewrite this to something simpler.

Then find an analogy. Hmm…mountains?

Your learners have some type of experience with mountains, right?

The Supplier Team assigns you to tasks with the highest value.

We bring you from this task…

…to this task.

Combine image with text to describe analogy.

Thanks…a light bulb went on!

Cool. Got another example?

Of course!

“The diversity in our

company must include

thought and experience,

within an environment where

diverse views are welcomed

and where there is a

commonality from working

together to create change.”

What?!?

“The diversity in our

company must include

thought and experience,

within an environment where

diverse views are welcomed

and where there is a

commonality from working

together to create change.”

“We welcome ALL

people in our company;

together we make

positive change.”

First, get to the point. Let’s rewrite to make it easier to read.

Then find an analogy. What about buttons?

Your learners have some type of experience with buttons, right?

Combine buttons with text to describe analogy.

We welcome ALL people in our company; together we make positive change.

Our people with diverse backgrounds...

…work together to make this.

That’s great…thanks! A light bulb went on!

Awesome. Can I see another

example?

If you insist! How about one

more?

“The 3P (Production

Preparation Process) is part of

a Lean manufacturing design

approach that includes QFD,

design reviews, and post-start

up monitoring by a cross-

functional team to Kaizen any

bugs in the new system.”

Zzzzzzzz…

“The 3P (Production

Preparation Process) is part of

a Lean manufacturing design

approach that includes QFD,

design reviews, and post-start

up monitoring by a cross-

functional team to Kaizen any

bugs in the new system.”

“The 3P (Production

Preparation Process) is a

mock up design method.”

Rewrite after you learn what 3P “really” is. Just keep it simple.

Then find an analogy. How about a house?

Your learners have some type of experience being in a house, right?

Put kitchen closest to where groceries come in.

Combine image with text to describe analogy.

Oops! This closet will get in the way of your van!

The 3P (Production Preparation Process) is a mock up design method.

Your truck with groceries.

With 3P, you see what you are going to build and how you’re going to use it!

That’s cool! A light bulb went on!

Hmm… you got me thinking more about analogies.

Thank you!

You’re welcome. Make sure you use

effective ones.

Analogies are just part of the learning process. Pick them wisely to tap into learners’ experiences.

Analogies prepare learners to solve problems. Problem solving cannot occur without analogical reasoning… because experience always intervenes.

Oh, and I have one thing to ask…

Thank you!

Coming soon….

Follow me in Slideshare.net to view

upcoming presentations on analogies and how they can be used in eLearning.

Great! Click on my email

Parker.Grant@LearningConnects.com

and write to me with your

analogy ideas!

Aww…hope you contact me

next time!

By the way, isn’t a decision like what happens after you see a highway sign??

Will you contact me?

This slideshow:

By: Parker Grant, Learning Designer