ATD Blog
Fri Aug 13 2010
The newly released ASTD/i4cp research report, Instructional Systems Design: Today and in the Future, found that most organizations have Instructional Systems Design (ISD) programs that are, at best, moderately effective in achieving both learning and business goals, and are not positioned well enough for the future. ISD is adapting to the current, fast-changing learning environment and the uncertain future. The learning environment is constantly evolving, with companies' operations expanding globally; learners coming from increasingly diverse backgrounds and cultures; and technological advancements constantly changing the ways in which learning occurs.
What tools are ISD professionals using and considering using, in order to help them adapt for the future? Classroom instruction is not being substituted for emerging technologies and informal learning. In fact, 97 percent of respondents reveal that their organizations currently use classroom instruction, with less than one percent saying they no longer use it. New forms of instruction will not replace classroom learning-at least in the short term-but rather supplement and shape such learning. Learning today is becoming much more customized, informal, just-in-time, and technologically mediated. The study shows that the trend towards blending classroom learning with technological tools has become well established. More than two-thirds of respondents say their organizations use blended learning (combinations of synchronous and asynchronous, classroom, and e-learning).
Although this study confirms the finding from ASTD's The Rise of Social Media: Enhancing Collaborations and Productivity Across Generations study, that most companies have not yet systematically embraced social media technologies for the learning function, there is evidence that these technologies are gaining momentum. A significant percentage of participants say their companies are planning to use them in the future. In fact, fewer than 5 percent of respondents do not think the use of social media will increase over the next five years. Mobile learning, social networks, podcasts, and wikis are the top four tools being considered for use in the future.
A complimentary copy of the report's executive summary can be downloaded and members can download their free copy of the report from the store.
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