Context in Learning Design using Just-in-Time Learning Tools

Cynthia “Cyndy” Guillen, MBA, PMP

August 5, 2021

Two concepts in instructional design that interest me and I trust will become a significant factor in the way learning is designed for employees are learning in-the-flow of work and Just-in-Time learning tools. Learning in the flow of work are tools, materials, and learning objects that workers can access while doing their job without having to devote time to interacting with an eLearning course or instructor-led training. On the job support tools include real-time employee boards, instant messaging, on screen tip guides, media and content libraries powered by machine learning to give them the tools they need without having to take time away from work to learn a new skill.

When an ID works with a client to find the right learning solution they must consider the context of learning. C. Malamed explores the topic of the context of learning in, The Importance Of Context In Learning Design (n.d.). Malamed recommends that ID’s consider environment, mental-emotional, culture, social, and technology as context factors when designing instruction for clients. Providing access to learning in the flow of work and tools for support on demand must be promoted and implemented to align with the organization’s employees, environment, culture, and technology to be successful.

Below are several just-in-time learning tools and how different organization factors can help ID’s identify their learning value.

Tools	Factors to consider for implementation
Live chat and online guides “Live chat in which employees can ask a co-worker or subject matter expert a question provides immediate access to information in an informal way”.	Physical environment Culture Social Relationships Technology Employees’ mental-emotional state
Crowdsourcing for answers “Crowd-sourcing is an interesting concept in terms of learning because it provides the ability to tap into the collective knowledge and experience of an organization”.	Technology Culture Social relationships
Internal Wikis and Blog Portals “Internal wikis and blogs can be effective just-in-time (JIT) resources, provided the information is presented in synthesized, at-a-glance formats, such as short video presentations”.	Culture Technology
Custom Paths (machine learning) “JIT technology solutions can come with virtual hosts that lead users through the material to help them find what they’re looking for”.	Culture Technology Employees’ mental-emotional state
Mobile (smart devices) Learners rely on mobile devices, so JIT resources should be accessible on smartphones and tablets and not just on employees’ office desktop computers.	Physical environment Culture Technology
Instant performance metrics “JIT technology can give employees information about their own performance whenever they need it, so, for example, salespeople know before it’s too late whether they’re meeting their sales quota”.	Culture Technology Employees’ mental-emotional state

Adapted from M. Weinstein’s (N.D.) Just-in-Time Technology Solutions (click here)

Innovation, Inspired reflections, Just-in-time learning, Learning in the flow of work, LX Professionals

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Cynthia “Cyndy” Guillen, MBA, PMP

Cyndy’s passions are access to knowledge and equitable learning opportunities leveraging innovative technology. As a learning experience expert and certified project manager, she currently manages a team of learning experience designers, learning specialists, and communication strategist focusing on providing learning products and sessions for a leading federal agency. Cyndy earned her M.B.A. from Saint Leo University and is currently working toward her MSID. Since 2007, she has worked with digital marketing, higher education, and finance organizations managing projects, day-to-day operations, and people. Originally from Tampa, Fla., Cyndy is an adventurous foodie who enjoys sourcing sustainable beauty and health products for people of color. She also volunteers with fundraising for organizations that provide education services to needy families. Cyndy is a fan of hip-hop and R&B music and is particularly good at event planning. Her most unforgettable experience was diving off a boat into the pristine reefs and waters of Turks and Caicos.

One response to “Context in Learning Design using Just-in-Time Learning Tools”

keyamukherjee

February 26, 2020 at 5:00 pm

Good discussion of the human dimensions in the learning and performance context. While there are differences that need to be addressed in the various microcontexts of learning, it is important to reminded that the learner is human and that he or she is shaped by the context in which they are learning. The larger concepts of learning as learned from different learning theories are applicable to all contexts.

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THE Inspired | Cynthia “Cyndy” Guillen, MBA, PMP, CSM