Week 5 Thoughts and Comments

This week has been a stressful one, but a good one nonetheless. I am more accomplished on the other side for having completed some assignments, and started on some others. With regard to my timeline, I have identified some areas of interest. I am thinking I will investigate the new changes and theories developing in the 1940s. I have always been fascinated with this time frame, given the major changes happening in the world at the time.

This week I have been considering the options and opportunities that would be possible if I upped my membership for groups like the e-Learning Guild and the American Society for Training and Development. I think there is some definite benefit here, as I am in the beginnings of my career and the networking might be helpful. The publications, web seminars and conferences could be helpful. but when putting in the money, I want to make sure I really make use of the tools. During my tenure as a special education teacher, I was a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, but really didn't make much use of the journals. I believe I still have them around somewhere, but have not looked at them in about 5-6 years. So I understand the value, but question the cost. It can really pile up!

Other than that, I look forward to beginning my readings. The Learner-Centered framework does appear to be an interesting article. Learner centered instruction is a concept I am seeking to expand upon in my current position. The courses we are making look to instruct our learners about federal regulations and safety principles for the most part. While the corporate sector is resistant to expanding into social learning, I think the potential is there. It will continue to be a push to keep up on the learning curve with new concepts, all while respecting the scope of our audience and the fact that our learners have to complete the courses on their own time outside of working hours.

So we will continue and see where it goes!