From Gilligan to the Professor:From Gilligan to the Professor: Making the Transition Making the Transition

to eLearning to eLearning

Training Officer’s ConsortiumTraining Officer’s Consortium

April April 2, 20082, 2008

Dr. Greg WilliamsDr. Greg Williams

From Gilligan to the Professor:From Gilligan to the Professor: Making the Transition Making the Transition

to eLearning to eLearning

Dr. Greg WilliamsDr. Greg Williams

• Director & Clinical Assistant Professor

• UMBC, ISD Program• 410-455-6773• gregw@umbc.edu• www.umbc.edu/isd

Agenda & OverviewAgenda & Overview

Agenda & OverviewAgenda & Overview

• Assessment• Growth of eLearning• Career opportunities• KSAs for teaching online• My transition to eLearning• How you can make transition

Learner AssessmentLearner Assessment

• Who have taken eLearning course?• Who has taught eLearning course? (or manage those who do)• Who wants to try teaching online? • Challenges as learner?, as teacher?

Your ExpectationsYour Expectations

eLearning QuizeLearning Quiz

• What is eLearning?• Positives• Negatives

What Does What Does eLearning Look Like? eLearning Look Like?

What Does What Does eLearning Look Like? eLearning Look Like?

“I know it when I see it”I know it when I see it”

Potter Stewart, Former Supreme Court Justice, describing pornography

What is eLearning? What is eLearning?

• Not really understood • Instruction delivered electronically• In part, or totally • Has structure and purpose (objectives)• Variety of delivery methods• Learning tool (e.g. screwdriver)

eLearning History eLearning History

• eLearning is not new• Educational TV in 1960s• Introduction of PC early 1980s• Growth of Internet early 1990s• Impact of September 11th

eLearning’s Growth eLearning’s Growth

• Increased use of multi-media• Mobile learning, iPod, cell phone, PDAs, digital cameras, video• Growth of “personal broadcasting”• Social networking & learning

Learner Perceptions Learner Perceptions (Clarey, 2007)(Clarey, 2007)

Faculty Perceptions Faculty Perceptions (Clarey, 2007)(Clarey, 2007)

eLearning BenefitseLearning Benefits(employer view)(employer view)

• Increase access to learning • Reduce time in classroom• Reduce travel and hotel costs • Consistent delivery & content

Blended LearningBlended Learning

• Combines eLearning & in-person

• Digital generation • Younger trainers using eLearning more• Adds to growth of eLearning

eLearning’s Future eLearning’s Future

• “eLearning” to simply “Learning”• New competencies for trainers• Career opportunities

Quiz Quiz

Career challenges

eLearning presents?

Career opportunities eLearning presents?

Exercise - KSAs of Exercise - KSAs of Effective Instructor Effective Instructor

Exercise - KSAs for EffectiveExercise - KSAs for EffectiveeLearning Instructor eLearning Instructor

Career ImpactCareer Impact

• What does future trainer look like?• Impact for trainers?• Trainer’s portfolios• Problem or opportunity?

This Isn’t What I This Isn’t What I Signed up For?Signed up For?

• “Bait and switch” for a job• “I train in front of a classroom”• E.g. elementary teachers, little league coaches, • What profession are you in?• Means to an end

eLearning & Your Career eLearning & Your Career

• It’s not for everyone• It’s not going away• Opportunities are increasing • Career choices and options • Too old?, meet Jim Manion

My Transition Story My Transition Story (Gilligan to the Professor)(Gilligan to the Professor)

My Transition Story My Transition Story (Gilligan to the Professor)(Gilligan to the Professor)

Greg’s Plan Greg’s Plan to Teach Online to Teach Online

AA oror

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Greg’s StoryGreg’s Story

• Tom Jackson’s jobs of future• Personal experience w/ lay off• My motivation, my desired skills• Opportunity knocks (is mailed)

“Success is where preparation and opportunity

meet.”

Bobby Unser3-time Indy 500 winner

Greg’s Story & Adult LearningGreg’s Story & Adult Learning

• Life circumstances to motivate• Wanted to apply my experience• Self directed, specific goal

Greg’s Self AssessmentGreg’s Self Assessment

• Training and teaching experience• Access to tools & training• Access to experts• Opportunity to practice• Sound familiar?

Opportunity KnocksOpportunity Knocks

• Contacted by UMBC (networking)• Job required me to teach online• On the job training

ExerciseExercise

Action Plan to Teach Online

10 Steps to Teaching Online 10 Steps to Teaching Online

1. Assess motivation & interest2. Clarify your goals, set timeline3. Make a commitment4. Identify expert to interview5. Assess you abilities &

competencies

10 Steps to Teaching Online 10 Steps to Teaching Online

6. Explore what eLearning is7. Identify topics to teach8. Explore training

opportunities9. Practice & experiment10. Fly solo!

Action Plan Action Plan If You Teach NowIf You Teach Now

• Use “Blended” approach• Less “scary” for instructors & students • Experiment with different things, e.g. discussion board, short video• Use the strength for each delivery mode• Build on successes

If I Can Do It…If I Can Do It…

• Self Efficacy principle• Not as hard as you think• Technology gets easier (really)• Lots of opportunities

Closing Thoughts Closing Thoughts

• eLearning is not going away• Embrace it as an opportunity• It’s simpler than you think• Don’t let technology stop you• You can do it! (if you want to)

A Role for All

Questions & Discussion

Dr. Greg WilliamsDr. Greg Williams

• Director & Clinical Assistant Professor

• UMBC, ISD Program• 410-455-6773• gregw@umbc.edu• www.umbc.edu/isd