In reference to Module's 7 list of readings, this one was filled with some interesting information.
When it comes to Learning Methods, I'm not surprised to read that a majority of employees turn to self paced e-learning for their job. If their job already requires a significant amount of their day, one would benefit greatly from working on their own time. I am not surprised by the results stating that only 6% use portable devices to watch videos related to their e-learning. I view my iPod as something to enjoy when I'm not at work, something to use when I'm running or just listening to music. I don't want work related material on it.
Once again, no surprise that people are satisfied with the ability to use technology to educate themselves, but people find that there is a lack of time available to actually learn. If a company wants to get the most from an employee, then maybe a slight deduction in their hours worked should be done, as to allow them ample time to study. Granted some may be milking the time a bit, but if people are interested in bettering themselves (and the company) why can't the company offer some perks? Maybe establish some kind of contract? One could also consider placing some consequences if the time is not being taken advantage of by the employee?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
U-Blog 4
You might have seen this website mentioned on our Blackboard page: GCFLearnFree.org First a little background information.
If you have read some of my other posts, you have probably read I work for a nonprofit here in Columbia, Fast Forward. One of our services we used to offer was free, or low cost computer training classes for a variety of computer related topics. Sadly, the last year has been detrimental to nonprofits. Grants are less numerous; donations and partnerships are down. All of these provided the funding to operate the nonprofit. To keep our place open, along with a few other programs, we had to cancel all future classes, as it was one of the costlier items to run.
Luckily, we had been instructing users to give GCFLearnFree a look when the class was over for extra practice. This software was developed by Goodwill Industries, and they have really done a fantastic job expanding upon their original idea for the website. Self paced tutorials and courses with continuing educational credits are available.
Multiple versions of Microsoft Office are available, whereas only Windows 98 and XP are the only available operating systems. Windows Vista's course is still under development. These courses are certainly not anything in high level detail. They do a fantastic job at making someone competent enough to understand the basic functionality of the program. It also reveals tips/tricks along the way. It's quite easy to follow along, especially if you open the program on your local computer.
Computer related offerings are not the only available courses. Life skills topics, mathematics, tax assistance, etc. It is all available on this website. Completion of these tutorials and courses make you eligible to receive certificates for your work.
This probably sounded more like a GCFLearnFree informerical, but I really cannot say enough good things about this website. While some may prefer the classroom setting to the virtual world, those that are receptive to learning new concepts and ideas will hopefully be happy to try out online education. It is certainly worth making the effort.
If you have read some of my other posts, you have probably read I work for a nonprofit here in Columbia, Fast Forward. One of our services we used to offer was free, or low cost computer training classes for a variety of computer related topics. Sadly, the last year has been detrimental to nonprofits. Grants are less numerous; donations and partnerships are down. All of these provided the funding to operate the nonprofit. To keep our place open, along with a few other programs, we had to cancel all future classes, as it was one of the costlier items to run.
Luckily, we had been instructing users to give GCFLearnFree a look when the class was over for extra practice. This software was developed by Goodwill Industries, and they have really done a fantastic job expanding upon their original idea for the website. Self paced tutorials and courses with continuing educational credits are available.
Multiple versions of Microsoft Office are available, whereas only Windows 98 and XP are the only available operating systems. Windows Vista's course is still under development. These courses are certainly not anything in high level detail. They do a fantastic job at making someone competent enough to understand the basic functionality of the program. It also reveals tips/tricks along the way. It's quite easy to follow along, especially if you open the program on your local computer.
Computer related offerings are not the only available courses. Life skills topics, mathematics, tax assistance, etc. It is all available on this website. Completion of these tutorials and courses make you eligible to receive certificates for your work.
This probably sounded more like a GCFLearnFree informerical, but I really cannot say enough good things about this website. While some may prefer the classroom setting to the virtual world, those that are receptive to learning new concepts and ideas will hopefully be happy to try out online education. It is certainly worth making the effort.
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