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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Informal Learning and Learning Management Systems

Saw an interesting post by Dennis Coxe - Sailing by the Sound: What Informal Learning Means To Me where he points out the conflict today between learning management systems and content access / informal learning:

But what really struck me is that from what I have read is that the real rebellion against formal training versus what is called "informal training" is
the slavish devotion to learning management systems. A learning management system is probably the apex of top-down training. It places toll booths inbetween the learner and the knowledge he or she needs to perform their duties. Informal learning proponents are saying "Tear down that wall." Make learning accessible.

While I don't necessarily agree with Dennis on "guilds" as the model and the profit center aspect, I completely agree that the LMS is a "toll" the learner must pay right now to get at the content. As I've saidm when you look at Do You WANT an LMS? Does a Learner WANT an LMS? the clear answer is that the LMS is a barrier to learning that provides management and reporting that corporate training functions want. That's not what they have to be - but it's what they are right now. As we continue to explore new paths in eLearning - we will continue to see LMS Dissatisfaction on the Rise and I wonder if we'll find that LMS Products are Two Generations Behind.

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