Multi-Generational Learning in
the Workplace: Overview and
     Instructional Design
       Considerations
      Wednesday, February 25, 2009
             By Janet Clarey
          Brandon Hall Research
Ways to Participate
1. E-mail your questions and
   comments to janet@brandon-
   hall.com
2. TWEET! – send Twitter messages
   to your followers, and to me at
   @jclarey - use #BrandonHall in
   your tweets so we can find them
3. Text Chat during the webinar –
   we will monitor and respond
Your Brandon Hall Research Moderators




    Tom Werner       Richard Nantel




      Gary Woodill        Janet Clarey
                           Presenter
Agree or not?
1. There are “digital natives” and
   “digital immigrants.”
2. Younger people are masters of
   technology.
3. Older people are not tech savvy.
4. Popular claims about generational
   traits are based on solid research.
5. There are generational learning
   styles.
Addressing Bias

    “When you were born
    influences your personality &
    attitudes more than does the
    family that raised you.” – Jean
    Tw enge, Author of the book
    Generation M e
Researcher’s Bias
Personal Bias
Definition
“A generation is defined by a common
age location in history and a collective
peer personality.” – Neil How e & W illiam
Strauss, pioneers in the field of
generational studies
Values




         © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Agree or not?
Views Toward              Boomers                              Gen Xers                        Millennials



Level of Trust            Confident of self, not               Low toward authority            High toward authority
                          authority
                                     Trust, Loyalty, Admiration, Career goals




Loyalty to institutions   Cynical                              Considered naive                Committed



Most admire               Taking charge                        Creating enterprise             Following a hero of
                                                                                               integrity




Career Goals              Build a stellar career               Build a portable                Build parallel careers
                                                               career

                                                                            © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Agree or not?
Views Toward      Boomers                       Gen Xers                     Millennials



Rewards           Title and corner office       Freedom not to do            Meaningful work
                                     Rewards, Family




Parent-child      Receding                      Distant                      Intruding
involvement


Having children   Controlled                    Doubtful                     Definite



Family Life       Indulged as children          Alienated as children        Protected as children




                                                          © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Agree or not?
Views Toward            Boomers                             Gen Xers                          Millennials



Education               Freedom of expression Pragmatic                                       Structure of
                                  Education, Evaluation, Politics, Big question
                                                                                              accountability


Evaluation              Once a year with                    “Sorry, but how am I              Feedback whenever I
                        documentation                       doing?”                           want it




Political Orientation   Attack oppression                   Apathetic, individual             Crave community



The big question        What does it mean?                  Does it work?                     How do we build it?




                                                                            © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Born prior to 1946

Matures / Silent / Veterans /
 Traditionalist Generation

    “Tell me what to do.”
         Matures
I’ve paid my dues and
am looking forward to
                           What they say




retirement. I’ve
dedicated many years
to my job. I like
structured training
and knowing the
ground rules. I’m
open to learning “on
the computer.” I don’t
like to spill my guts to
a group.
1946 – 1964

       Baby Boomers
     Usually broken into two groups:
     1946 to 1955 and then 1956 to 1964

   “Show me what to do.”
              Baby boomers
I guess I’m a workaholic.
I’ve had a big influence    What they say




on policy at my job. I am
used to formal learning
in a classroom. Some of
the newer online stuff
confuses me (not like
that younger
generation!) I like to
take notes and attend
training to advance my
career.
1965 – 1980

       Generation X
“Why do I need to learn this?”

              Generation X
I work to live. I like on-   What they say



the-job training and
self-study. I view
myself as a natural
multi-tasker.
Technology isn’t really a
big deal for me. I really
need to know that I’ll
be more valuable after
attending training. I
need clear, consistent
expectations.
1980s – 1990s

     Gen Y /Millennials
   “Connect me to what I
          need.”
            Millennials
I like hands-on learning
and collaboration.
                            What
                            they
                             say




Technology is just a part
of life. I’m usually
‘connected.’ I like
structured face-to-face
learning. I like to get a
lot of feedback. I think
learning should be fun. I
seek the expertise of my
network. I like quick
exchanges and stories.
Generation ?




Gary with Geoffrey & Katie
The Connected Worker

© Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
I’m only as good as my
                     network.”




© Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Facebook friends = 2,700
Twitter followers = 11,000
            Linked In = 500

       The Crowd
Similarities
  •Not everyone wants to
  learn on computers
             Similarities




  •Everyone wants to learn
  •Heavy tech users tend to
  have similar
  characteristics
                            © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Other variables
 •Workplace culture
 •People change as they get
 older
 •Exposure to technology
 •Socio-cultural differences
              Variables

                          © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
…what the
           research says…



Research
The digital native / digital
             immigrant debate


 Natives &
Immigrants
Prior experience




Your
learners
are
looking to
you
The digital native/digital
     immigrant debate

Di
gi
ta
 l
wi
 s
 d
 o
m
Instructional Design
                Implications
Instructional
   Design
Implications
                •No solid research to
                design differently for
                different generations
                •Digital Native /
                Immigrant categorization
                can create dichotomies
Instructional Design
 In
str
      Implications
uc




      •There are no “generational
tio
na
  l
 D
es
 ig




      learning styles”
 n
Im
pli
ca
tio
ns




      •Too many other variables
      apply (same problem as
      “learning styles”)
Off-the-shelf,                                                              Virtual Classroom
         pre-built courses                                                           Synchronous Learning

                                                                                         • Instructor-led, Real time, Online
    • Ready-to-use content (courseware)                                                  • Connecting geographical disperse
    • Easy to find: IT skills, leadership, safety                                          learners
    • Hard to find: very specific, job-related skills                                    • Groups of learners meet together




     Authoring Tools
                                            First Gen                                        Self-Paced, Self-Service
                                                                                                 Online Learning

                                                                                            • 24 X 7 X 365 access to courses
•   Custom development                                                                      • Completed at learner’s own pace
•   Screen design and layout
                                                    Learning Management
                                                           System                           • Remediation and feedback are
•   Interactive exercises                                                                     automated
•   Tests, Quiz, Assessment                                   LMS                           • Developed once, used many times
•   Simulations                                                                             • Automated scoring and completion
                                                                                              status
                                                •   Central Access to Learning
                                                •   Individualized Learning Plans
     Learning Content                           •   Reporting & Completion Tracking
       Management                               •   Instructor-Led Training Scheduling         Informal Learning,
                                                •   Launch and track online learning          Knowledge On Demand
• Manage large-scale development                •   Certification Management
  (workflow)                                    •   Competency Management
                                                                                           • Just-in-time, anywhere, anytime
• Reusable learning content                                                                • Capture and retain organizational
• Searchable repository of source                                                            knowledge
  material                                                                                 • Facilitates collaboration
                                         Source: Bryan Chapman
Second Gen

                                             Rated Content


                                  Formal Networks
                                  of People



                                             Self-Educating
                                             Users
                        Related Content




                            Tagged Content
                                               Cost Savings




                                          Reviewed Content
                            Content

Source: Saba
Context




Source: Joe Kristy, IBM Global Business Services
Action Plan
1. Learn the theories behind your
   craft
2. Use new tools and apply them in
   your own work
3. Apply the research, avoid the
   hype
                 Action Plan
Other reading


     Other reading
Follow-up questions?


1. E-mail your questions and
   comments to janet@brandon-
   hall.com


2. TWEET! @jclarey
Slide info




       Slides will be
      emailed to you.

           Thanks!

      Brandon Hall
        Research
    brandon-hall.com




Janet Clarey,
Sr. Researcher

Multi Generational Learning

  • 1.
    Multi-Generational Learning in theWorkplace: Overview and Instructional Design Considerations Wednesday, February 25, 2009 By Janet Clarey Brandon Hall Research
  • 2.
    Ways to Participate 1.E-mail your questions and comments to janet@brandon- hall.com 2. TWEET! – send Twitter messages to your followers, and to me at @jclarey - use #BrandonHall in your tweets so we can find them 3. Text Chat during the webinar – we will monitor and respond
  • 3.
    Your Brandon HallResearch Moderators Tom Werner Richard Nantel Gary Woodill Janet Clarey Presenter
  • 4.
    Agree or not? 1.There are “digital natives” and “digital immigrants.” 2. Younger people are masters of technology. 3. Older people are not tech savvy. 4. Popular claims about generational traits are based on solid research. 5. There are generational learning styles.
  • 5.
    Addressing Bias “When you were born influences your personality & attitudes more than does the family that raised you.” – Jean Tw enge, Author of the book Generation M e
  • 6.
  • 7.
  • 8.
    Definition “A generation isdefined by a common age location in history and a collective peer personality.” – Neil How e & W illiam Strauss, pioneers in the field of generational studies
  • 9.
    Values © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 10.
    Agree or not? ViewsToward Boomers Gen Xers Millennials Level of Trust Confident of self, not Low toward authority High toward authority authority Trust, Loyalty, Admiration, Career goals Loyalty to institutions Cynical Considered naive Committed Most admire Taking charge Creating enterprise Following a hero of integrity Career Goals Build a stellar career Build a portable Build parallel careers career © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 11.
    Agree or not? ViewsToward Boomers Gen Xers Millennials Rewards Title and corner office Freedom not to do Meaningful work Rewards, Family Parent-child Receding Distant Intruding involvement Having children Controlled Doubtful Definite Family Life Indulged as children Alienated as children Protected as children © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 12.
    Agree or not? ViewsToward Boomers Gen Xers Millennials Education Freedom of expression Pragmatic Structure of Education, Evaluation, Politics, Big question accountability Evaluation Once a year with “Sorry, but how am I Feedback whenever I documentation doing?” want it Political Orientation Attack oppression Apathetic, individual Crave community The big question What does it mean? Does it work? How do we build it? © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 13.
    Born prior to1946 Matures / Silent / Veterans / Traditionalist Generation “Tell me what to do.” Matures
  • 14.
    I’ve paid mydues and am looking forward to What they say retirement. I’ve dedicated many years to my job. I like structured training and knowing the ground rules. I’m open to learning “on the computer.” I don’t like to spill my guts to a group.
  • 15.
    1946 – 1964 Baby Boomers Usually broken into two groups: 1946 to 1955 and then 1956 to 1964 “Show me what to do.” Baby boomers
  • 16.
    I guess I’ma workaholic. I’ve had a big influence What they say on policy at my job. I am used to formal learning in a classroom. Some of the newer online stuff confuses me (not like that younger generation!) I like to take notes and attend training to advance my career.
  • 17.
    1965 – 1980 Generation X “Why do I need to learn this?” Generation X
  • 18.
    I work tolive. I like on- What they say the-job training and self-study. I view myself as a natural multi-tasker. Technology isn’t really a big deal for me. I really need to know that I’ll be more valuable after attending training. I need clear, consistent expectations.
  • 19.
    1980s – 1990s Gen Y /Millennials “Connect me to what I need.” Millennials
  • 20.
    I like hands-onlearning and collaboration. What they say Technology is just a part of life. I’m usually ‘connected.’ I like structured face-to-face learning. I like to get a lot of feedback. I think learning should be fun. I seek the expertise of my network. I like quick exchanges and stories.
  • 21.
    Generation ? Gary withGeoffrey & Katie
  • 22.
    The Connected Worker ©Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 23.
    I’m only asgood as my network.” © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 24.
    Facebook friends =2,700 Twitter followers = 11,000 Linked In = 500 The Crowd
  • 25.
    Similarities •Noteveryone wants to learn on computers Similarities •Everyone wants to learn •Heavy tech users tend to have similar characteristics © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 26.
    Other variables •Workplaceculture •People change as they get older •Exposure to technology •Socio-cultural differences Variables © Photographer: Geotrac | Agency: Dreamstime.com
  • 27.
    …what the research says… Research
  • 28.
    The digital native/ digital immigrant debate Natives & Immigrants
  • 29.
  • 30.
    The digital native/digital immigrant debate Di gi ta l wi s d o m
  • 31.
    Instructional Design Implications Instructional Design Implications •No solid research to design differently for different generations •Digital Native / Immigrant categorization can create dichotomies
  • 32.
    Instructional Design In str Implications uc •There are no “generational tio na l D es ig learning styles” n Im pli ca tio ns •Too many other variables apply (same problem as “learning styles”)
  • 33.
    Off-the-shelf, Virtual Classroom pre-built courses Synchronous Learning • Instructor-led, Real time, Online • Ready-to-use content (courseware) • Connecting geographical disperse • Easy to find: IT skills, leadership, safety learners • Hard to find: very specific, job-related skills • Groups of learners meet together Authoring Tools First Gen Self-Paced, Self-Service Online Learning • 24 X 7 X 365 access to courses • Custom development • Completed at learner’s own pace • Screen design and layout Learning Management System • Remediation and feedback are • Interactive exercises automated • Tests, Quiz, Assessment LMS • Developed once, used many times • Simulations • Automated scoring and completion status • Central Access to Learning • Individualized Learning Plans Learning Content • Reporting & Completion Tracking Management • Instructor-Led Training Scheduling Informal Learning, • Launch and track online learning Knowledge On Demand • Manage large-scale development • Certification Management (workflow) • Competency Management • Just-in-time, anywhere, anytime • Reusable learning content • Capture and retain organizational • Searchable repository of source knowledge material • Facilitates collaboration Source: Bryan Chapman
  • 34.
    Second Gen Rated Content Formal Networks of People Self-Educating Users Related Content Tagged Content Cost Savings Reviewed Content Content Source: Saba
  • 35.
    Context Source: Joe Kristy,IBM Global Business Services
  • 36.
    Action Plan 1. Learnthe theories behind your craft 2. Use new tools and apply them in your own work 3. Apply the research, avoid the hype Action Plan
  • 37.
    Other reading Other reading
  • 38.
    Follow-up questions? 1. E-mailyour questions and comments to janet@brandon- hall.com 2. TWEET! @jclarey
  • 39.
    Slide info Slides will be emailed to you. Thanks! Brandon Hall Research brandon-hall.com Janet Clarey, Sr. Researcher