London (UK), June 2009 - (by Bob Little)In his blog, the internationally known instructional design 'guru' Neil Lasher, of the UK-based vendor-neutral eLearning specialist Trainer1, has commented recently: 'Despite much research on human learning, little is known about cultural conceptions of learning… Kolb highlighted conceptualisation in the learning cycle process, calling the stage Abstract Conceptualisation - the time where we make sense of what we have heard or read or done, prompting questions so that we can make even better sense of the material at hand.


It is this conceptualisation stage that is so important in learning. [If it's missing, learners fail to understand] how to use the information and they will discard it at the first opportunity. Many have tried to fix what they think is broken in eLearning… The truth is whatever technological gimmick you are offered will not fix the issue of the basics of conceptualisation.'

Unfortunately, right from the early days of 'computer based training', technology has made a habit of distracting learning practitioners. Periodically, speakers at conferences make passionate presentations about not letting the latest attractive delivery technology prevent the use of 'good instructional design'. They argue - persuasively - that creating effective learning is what counts and how it is delivered is of secondary importance.


Yet when learning technologists congregate, inevitably the talk turns to the latest developments in open source systems; mobile delivery technology, or the harmonising of real and virtual worlds learning - rather than, for example, conceptualisation and other topics within the realm of instructional design and learning theory.

Lasher's point is, of course, valid. But then, are learning technologists merely 'boys with toys'? Do they all 'protest (about the value of learning) too much'? When does the medium become the message? These would all be tricky questions for the eLearning world to answer honestly.!



For over 20 years, Bob Little has specialised in writing about, and commentating on, corporate learning - especially elearning - and technology-related subjects. His work has been published in the UK, Continental Europe, the USA and Australia.
You can contact Bob.