Summary: Learning Technology: A Complete Guide for Learning Professionals by Donald Clark

Explore the expansive landscape of learning technologies through Clark’s comprehensive guide, unveiling insights and strategies crucial for learning professionals. Dive deeper into the realms of learning technologies, unlocking innovative strategies to enhance learning experiences and professional development.

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People typically study technology from a scientific lens. Now it’s time to broaden the scope of technology studies, says Donald Clark, treating it as a discipline, like psychology or sociology. Clark traces how technological innovation has dramatically shaped and influenced the trajectory of human evolution. He takes readers on a journey spanning millennia, beginning with prehistoric cave paintings and ending with metaverse possibilities. Discover how human curiosity fuels learning technologies, disrupting learning institutions, classrooms and everyday life.

Take-Aways

• It’s time to rethink the study of technology, exploring its impact on human history and culture.
• Technological innovation shapes human evolution and learning pathways.
• Screens create dynamic possibilities for readers that the printed page lacks.
• Educational institutions have long been slow to adopt learning technology.
• Platforms enable organizations to personalize learning via AI and data.
• Content creation is in flux as it undergoes a technology-driven transformation.
• AI is fueled by human curiosity and has the potential to radically change learning.
• The metaverse could create a new, immersive world of learning.

Summary

It’s time to rethink the study of technology, exploring its impact on human history and culture.

In the broadest sense, technology refers to something “found or made,” separate from the human body, used with cognitive goals in mind and capable of changing the state of objects, organisms or even ourselves. The study of technology is important, as it’s the embodiment of humanity’s cultural achievements and can potentially enhance human capabilities on a psychological and physical level. Scholars of technology should aspire to identify “laws” of technology rooted in the patterns that emerge in the way humanity uses, innovates, develops and perceives technology.

“Far from being a ‘black box’, something separate from us, learning technology has profoundly shaped our evolution, progress and culture – it will shape our future even more, as we increasingly depend on being smarter to survive.”

Particular attention should be paid to the technology used to learn and teach. Humanity has used learning technologies since prehistory – the development of writing in Mesopotamia and Egypt was an early technological milestone, enabling human learning. Learning technology shares these 10 characteristics:

1. It has cultural significance.
2. It triggers exponential growth.
3. It’s scalable.
4. It results from combining multiple technologies (for example, the printing press was the combined result of metallic letters, binding, ink, paper and presses).
5. It moves toward its obsolescence as new technologies emerge.
6. It has verisimilitude (for example, people confuse it with real life).
7. It extends cognition.
8. It shapes the way people view the world.
9. It moves society toward asynchronous, technology-based learning.
10. It can positively and negatively impact humanity (for example, printing books requires felling trees).

Technological innovation shapes human evolution and learning pathways.

In France’s Chauvet Cave, you’ll find dangerous predators depicted on the walls, such as panthers and hyenas, which adults used to teach children about hunting. The cave art demonstrates simulated reality’s role in humanity’s learning journey. Children needed a certain degree of graphic realism to process learning experiences as real, which makes these caves examples of prehistoric “learning technology simulators.” Today, the smartphone shares something in common with prehistoric cave art – both serve as artifacts of the history of the “homo technus” (“technology man”), while embodying humanity’s appetite for communication, survival, domination and intelligence.

“Without understanding evolution and prehistoric learning technologies, we cannot understand teaching and learning.”

Psychologist James Baldwin proposed the “Baldwin Effect,” explaining that learned behaviors can become instinctual via genetic transmission. Humanity’s evolutionary journey is shaped by more than genetics and the environment – as Baldwin points out, learned behavior (for example, tool production) also impacts human evolution. Evolutionary psychologist David Geary refers to learning that comes naturally to humans, such as learning your first words and recognizing faces, as “primary learning.” These forms of learning are part of the evolutionary heritage, as humans have evolved to learn these skills and thus they do not need to be actively learned. By contrast, “secondary learning” – less innate learning skills, such as writing – requires more active effort.

Screens create dynamic possibilities for readers that the printed page lacks.

Think of writing as the “big bang of learning technology,” as the advent of writing fueled cultural transmission and learning while empowering humans to transcend the fallibility of their memories. While the technologies enabling writing have evolved (for example, from the typewriter to the smartphone), so has the medium people use to transmit words. As humanity has moved from slates to screens, the ways people engage with and perceive writing have evolved too, as one can now more easily download, store, search, alter and share written texts via the internet.

“As the physical manifestation of language, writing is of inestimable importance as a learning technology, enabling cultural capital to be captured, nurtured and carried into the future.”

The screen has made writing more dynamic, freeing it from the previously fixed dimensions of the printed page while enabling people to share feedback more easily, hyperlink and leverage tools such as predictive text, using technology to shape their writing’s structure and style. Screens improve upon the hardware of physical books, creating new learning possibilities. In the past, people could more easily “lock up knowledge” in schools and libraries, while today, content is more accessible, as learners can increasingly access it via the internet and view it from their screen. While book lovers may mourn the “death” of the printed book, one would be remiss not to note the potential of its electronic replacement.

Educational institutions have long been slow to adopt learning technology.

There’s long been cultural inertia surrounding adopting learning technology within academia and education. In 1954, B.F. Skinner created the GLIDER, a teaching machine – featuring a wooden box with rotating questions on paper disks. Skinner’s later models allowed children to write answers on a roll of paper, prompting the machine to record their answers before presenting them with the correct ones. Skinner was inspired by psychological theories of positive reinforcement and saw the GLIDER as a better alternative to multiple-choice tests, which might confuse children with the inclusion of wrong answers. However, his devices didn’t sell – teachers preferred to stick to old methods, such as chalkboards and writing.

“We are beginning to see a battle between learning technology and institutional inertia.”

Pedagogic progress and the adoption of the internet and personal computing devices in classrooms have been markedly slow, as many teachers continue to prefer older methods. But as learning technology slowly enters classrooms, it “pushes the pendulum toward more learner-centric models.” As most learners today have instant access to the internet, their learning landscape is becoming increasingly informal; they can learn in a continuous self-paced manner outside the classroom using platforms such as YouTube and Wikipedia.

Platforms enable organizations to personalize learning via AI and data.

The evolution of platforms, including virtual learning environments (VLE) and learning management systems (LMS), gives learning technology power and momentum by scaling learning experiences using the mega-platform of the internet. As available bandwidth increases and innovators develop smarter software, learning platforms connect content and services to billions of learners globally. With the advent of “smart adaptive learning platforms,” learners can now access unique learning experiences that vary depending on individual performance and personal data. Adaptive platforms, such as Duolingo and CogBooks, leverage the power of AI and big data to chunk content into a structure that delivers it to learners when they’re ready to receive it. As smart platforms emerge, organizations will gain more control over how best to match learners and learning with organizational needs.

“Organizations almost always have ecosystems of technology for learning, but they also need enterprise-wide solutions that provide control and consistency – and this is being provided by smart platforms.”

Humanity has long navigated the tension between “horizontal” and “vertical” learning methods, which Neal Ferguson describes in The Square and the Tower in 2019. Horizontal learning pathways are those that occur informally, while vertical learning pathways are those that occur in a top-down formal manner, with individuals receiving education through educational institutions and training departments. Platform evolution reflects this tension and the current tendency toward vertical learning: Platforms such as massive open online courses (MOOCs), LMSs and adaptive platforms enable vertical, tower-like approaches to learning, as educators can control and manage the structure and consistency of learners’ education. Learning experience platform (LXP) models incorporate a more flexible approach to learning but still have some aspects of vertical learning.

Content creation is in flux as it undergoes a technology-driven transformation .

Think of content as “a means to an end” – it should affect a learner’s cognitive state, driving societal progress and learning. People have been relying on content to bridge the gap between learning and teaching, with ancient learners engaging with content via papyrus scrolls for millennia. Today, content manifests in various forms, which you can categorize via function and media types, such as video, animation, audio, text, simulations, augmented reality and gamification. Learning content is rapidly changing as the variety and range of online content grows. Smart content is redefining content today, as organizations no longer need to store content in repositories using LMS storage and can instead leverage a more dynamic approach, pulling content – using intelligent software or AI – from multiple sources to use in a content strategy.

“Content is the captured and transmitted driver of history and progress.”

New forms of content trigger tensions regarding the value of different learning media: Some learners may feel that books are more valuable than more contemporary forms of content, such as social media posts, while others may spend more time consuming social media than reading books. New hierarchies are emerging when ranking the reliability of the content. For example, a 2005 research study in Nature declared that there was little difference between Wikipedia and the Encyclopedia Britannica. AI is now changing the nature of content as its uses expand to include content creation, summarization and curation.

AI is fueled by human curiosity and has the potential to radically change learning.

AI is the most important new technology today and has irreversible impacts. It’s already ubiquitous in everyday contexts, like the workplace, smartphones and cars. In many ways, AI seems invisible, yet it will transform what, why, how and when people learn, as well as having a dramatic impact on the future of work. AI has its roots in 300 BC, when the Greek mathematician Euclid first wrote down an algorithm in his mathematical treatise Elements, recording a method to quickly identify the biggest common denominator between two integers. Many of today’s AI techniques derive from statistical methods, advances in data management, academic research (into areas like reinforcement learning) and non-academic machine learning advances (for example, those from OpenAI and Bell Labs).

“AI could be said to be the pinnacle of our technological achievements, performing astounding roles in almost every area of human endeavor.”

You’d be mistaken to view AI as a singular thing: It’s the combination of many things, including symbolic AI and advanced “transformers,” a type of natural language processing (NLP) that trains models using massive data repositories of text. The growing prevalence of AI in learning environments correlates with a need to empower autonomous learners with digital literacy skills while transforming workplaces into learning cultures by embedding learning into workflows. In the future, “neurotechnology” – an emerging technology that leverages AI to accelerate learning via immersive and non-immersive brain-based technology – can significantly transform learning possibilities and outcomes, in ways humanity can’t yet fully predict.

The metaverse could create a new, immersive world of learning.

Someday, humanity could see the creation of the metaverse. This entirely new technology could function as an “open world, with unimagined opportunities,” which are hard to fully conceptualize or predict before they exist. Software developer Tony Parisi, the creator of VRML (the first 3D web programming language), says the metaverse could provide an accessible, hardware-independent, open and networked experience. It’s likely that metaverse learning will involve 3D simulations and training experiences that could be either wholly immersive, augmented or mixed. Virtual reality learning experiences in the metaverse may even allow learners to feel “objects” as though they were real, harnessing the haptic effect, using glove and controller technology – technology that could potentially aid those learning many things, such as how to perform surgery with a scalpel or wield sports equipment.

“Learning, above all, will benefit all of those who have the imagination to see that its purpose is to change minds. We change minds by taking them somewhere else. That somewhere could be the metaverse.”

Learning and training in the metaverse will be successful if the immersive experience mirrors real life, but metaverse technologies aren’t yet sophisticated enough to create a convincing, functional second world. For metaverse learning experiences to function most effectively, users should be able to experience “flow,” in that they forget they’re in a simulated world and view others’ avatars as having a sense of real presence. If actualized, learners could gain soft skills in the metaverse, using AI-powered avatars to strengthen skills such as managing teams, listening and interviewing. The metaverse could also provide a space where people create virtual prototypes in areas such as city planning and design. Although there are still many unknowns, the metaverse is poised to disrupt learning – no one working in education should ignore its potential.

About the Author

Donald Clark is the author of Artificial Intelligence for Learning and Learning Experience Design. He is the founder and CEO of WildFire Learning and a founding member of the multimedia production company Epic Group plc.

Review

“Learning Technology: A Complete Guide for Learning Professionals” by Donald Clark is a comprehensive and insightful book that serves as an invaluable resource for individuals working in the field of learning and development. The author’s expertise and deep understanding of the subject matter shine through, making this book an essential read for anyone involved in designing, implementing, or managing learning programs.

The book is structured in a logical and organized manner, taking readers through various aspects of learning technology in a step-by-step fashion. Clark begins by providing a solid introduction to the foundations of learning technology, explaining key concepts and theories that underpin effective learning design. This sets the stage for the exploration of different types of learning technologies and their applications.

One of the strengths of this book lies in its ability to cater to both beginners and experienced professionals. Clark strikes a balance between providing a solid grounding in the fundamentals while also delving into advanced topics and emerging trends. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned learning professional, you’ll find valuable insights and practical advice throughout the book.

Clark explores a wide range of learning technologies, including e-learning platforms, learning management systems, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, and social learning tools. He discusses their strengths, limitations, and potential use cases, allowing readers to make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable technologies for their specific learning objectives.

What sets this book apart is Clark’s ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. The writing style is engaging and concise, ensuring that readers stay engaged throughout. The author provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the application of learning technology in different contexts, making the content relatable and practical.

Moreover, Clark doesn’t shy away from addressing potential challenges and pitfalls that learning professionals may encounter when implementing technology-based learning solutions. He offers practical strategies and best practices to overcome these obstacles, ensuring that readers are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving learning technology landscape.

The book also addresses the crucial topic of evaluating the effectiveness of learning technology. Clark emphasizes the importance of measuring learning outcomes and provides guidance on selecting appropriate evaluation methods and tools. This emphasis on assessment and evaluation adds an additional layer of value to the book, as it encourages learning professionals to continuously improve and refine their approaches.

Overall, “Learning Technology: A Complete Guide for Learning Professionals” is an exceptional book that covers the breadth and depth of the subject with precision and clarity. Donald Clark’s expertise and passion for the field shine through in every chapter, making this book an indispensable resource for learning professionals seeking to harness the power of technology to enhance learning experiences.

Whether you are a learning designer, trainer, instructional technologist, or involved in any aspect of learning and development, this book will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of learning technology. It is a must-read for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of the field and drive impactful learning outcomes.