Theory of Critical Thinking- Constance Bass

As I began reading these articles, I began to reflect on my experiences my previous role in Human Resources.   Specifically, how the integration of technology changed the way we taught the material as well as how we actually used these online training courses. Once the transition to online-training was complete, we quickly learned that integration to technology helps no one if the users are not able to successfully use it. “ Simply purchasing the latest digital technologies do not necessarily lead to the acquisition of digital media technology.” (Hobbs, 2011.)  It was impossible for our associates to effectively complement their training if they are not able to effectively navigate through the technology. 

It takes time as well as resources to help learners become integrated with the new technology. The navigation of technology is only the first step. The instructor and the student must develop a relationship that will allow true learning to take place. “Unfortunately, many school leaders mistakenly believe that simply providing children and young people with access to digital learning  will automatically enhance learning.” (Hobbs, 2011)  In our organization, the leaders felt that as long as the same material was given in the online format that they employee would learn the same and/or even better. It was their belief that employee would be able to have a better grasp on  the concepts because they would be able to do it on their own time and learn and at there on pace. It was really clear, the leadership had not even began to understand the nuts and bolts of online learning. Yes, all the items that they mentioned in our staff meetings where the  benefits but they did not simultaneously result in the success of these online-training's. The content had to change to challenge the learners to use critical thinking and apply their real world training to enhance their currently knowledge on the subject matter. Fullan and Langworthy (2014) stated it best, “ Teaching shifts from focusing on covering all required content to focusing on the learning process.” (pg. 7) 

It is not only crucial that we ensure that the targeted audience understand how to navigate through the technology but also the level of instruction to able accommodate a variety of learning styles. As the person who was not only creating some on the training content but also assisting ensuring that the audience would be able to apply their real world skills to training.  “ Technology has unleashed learning, and the potential for students to apply knowledge in the world outside of school; new pedagogies leverage all of this in the formal learning process.” (Fullan & Langworthy,2014)  In education, online- learning had become apart of the new norm for students but in business sector online learning and training was know becoming a new trend for companies. At this point in time, we where simply inventing a lane for the organization that had not been fully researched but would essentially changed the way we trained and many way interacted with our employees.  This advancement in technology completely changed the dynamics of out workforce. 

Fullan, M & Langworthy, M. (2014). A rich seam: How new pedagogies find deep learning. London: Pearson. Retrieved from https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/one-dot-com/one-dot-com/global/Files/about-pearson/innovation/open-ideas/ARichSeamEnglish.pdf 

Hobbs, R. (2011). Empowering learners with digital and media literacy. Knowledge Quest, 39 (5), 12-17 Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.