Sherma Edwards

OMDE 610 Section, 9020

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020
June 22, 2015
Behaviorist & Cognitivist Learning Activity

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020

Introduction
E-learning is defined as learning facilitated and supported through the use of
information and communication technology which is delivered entirely online or a blended
approach, a combination of online and face to face, teaching and learning methods (Jisc Digital
Media, 2015, para. 3). The Behaviorist/Cognitivist E-learning Activity illustrated by an
outsourcing and partnering company called Quality Matters & Workplace Alliance Inc. (QMWA
Inc.) serves as a learning, career development and workplace-training program at the University
of the West Indies (UWI) for fulltime, adjunct or contingent staff or members who are employed
at this higher education institution. The UWI Open Campus was conceptualized and launched in
2008 to help build social development and meeting the learners needs who reside in the rural
areas and to also make sure technology advancement is practiced in pedagogy at the institution
(UWI Open Campus, 2008, 2014, p. 3). This paper will provide an overview of QMWA Inc. and
its detailed outline, program plan and objectives. The type of technology to be used, learning
theories and a rubric will also be discussed.
Overview
QMWA Inc. and its initiative will follow strict rubrics to enhance learning and provide
students with feedback of class expectations, which include: learning objectives (competencies),
assessment and measurements, instructional materials, course activities and learner interaction,
course technology, learner support, accessibility and usability and making sure leadership teams
work together with students to ensure learning outcomes are achieved (Quality Matters, 2014,
para 2, 4). The UWI has almost fifty on-site campuses in seventeen Caribbean countries; today
they have six Open Campuses (UWI Open Campus, 2008, 2014). The UWIs Open Campuses,

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020
its mission and core values provide students with free and open sharing opportunities to
individuals lacking academic qualifications to access courses that will prepare them for
potentially better jobs, an increase in income, new knowledge and to gain additional skills (UWI
Open Campus, 2004, 2015).
The UWIs leadership team realizes the need and importance of open education.
Therefore by joining with QMWA Inc., the program initiatives will provide cost effective and
efficient workplace learning and training opportunities to its employees. It will be taught in a
hybrid format, with in-class and out of class interaction and instruction so that employees get a
feel to the type of learning experience the UWIs students are exposed to and can then relate.
Periodically, employees skills and knowledge must be enhanced to address issues such as
change in technology and competition. To adapt to these organizational changes, workplace
training is necessary according to existing theorists and learners taught at a distance means that
learner support is a very critical component for success (Smith & Drago, 2004). If workplace
learning is effectively executed in todays information age, UWI will then stand a better chance
against global competition issues and achieving their organizational goals because organizations
are beginning to realize their key to success is learner success (p.1).
Outline of Activity/Lesson Plan
Work, Career & Business Training: Organizational Culture
An introduction to the UWIs organizational culture in the workplace and Open Campus business
model
Time Required:

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020

5-day training-Each day different topics will be discussed and students will be assessed.

Objectives/ Standards:

Students will learn about the open education, organizational culture and exposed to new
technologies and communication skills to be used on the job and in their lifespan. They
will also be exposed to the UWIs vision and best practices in meeting these guidelines
and reaching organizational goals. Vision Statement: By 2017, the University will be
globally recognized as a regionally integrated, innovative, internationally competitive
university, deeply rooted in all aspects of Caribbean development and committed to
serving the diverse people of the region and beyond (UWI Open Campus, 2008, 2014, p.

5).
Employees will learn how to apply time and task management skills, improve
organizational skills and the steps needed to accomplish these goals.

Activity Statement:

Learners will have access to a survey and will have to choose one area of their
organizational skills or their ability to use technology and how they will like to improve
those skills. They will be provided with necessary job aids to meet these needs each day
after every lesson.

Materials and technological tools:

Learners will have access to the organizational skills survey via paper or an electronic
copy.

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020

At the workplace, access will be granted to computer labs. Learners must have access to
the reliable Internet and computers at work or at home for the distance learning content of

the class.
Technological or web 2.0 tools such as wikis and blogs and interoffice tools such as
Google docs, sharing and saving files will be taught. Effective writing and
communication will be addressed.

Discussion questions to help with critical thinking skills:

What are some tips for getting your work done effective and efficiently?
What tools do you use for effective writing and communication?
What have you been disappointed with in this company and what types of changes would
you like to see occur?

Procedures:
During the weeks training, learners will have access to 24/7 technical support provided by either
the UWI or QMWA Inc.

Day 1: Flexibility in meeting the peers and participants for that week in-person at the
computer lab location or on the Internet via Skype; since each week there will be a
different group of learners. Preferably a member from each department will participate to
help with networking opportunities. This way each week the representatives at QMWA
Inc. can work on community building amongst departments and its members. Learners
will work on the survey for thirty minutes, responses and questions will be discussed and
their homework will be to find an article on the skill they need to improve for the next inclass session and access tutorials at home.

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020

Day 2: Online content training and workshop and these topics will include: The UWIs
core values, mission, goals, culture and the definition of Open Campus and its new
organization directions and change processes. Tools for effective writing and
communication will be discussed. Learners will be quizzed with the use of multiple

choices and it will be time to test time management skills.

Day 3: Face-to face interaction and sharing of articles or job aids from other departments

so that the employees jobs can be made easier.

Day 4: For those who are less tech savvy, he or she will be paired with another member
who is versatile and a buddy system will be created for learning and growing together
and working on setting up a blog or wiki site and the class will peer-review and critique
each groups webpage. He or she will develop some best practices and ideas for time and

task management and building leadership skills.

Day 5: Farewell and course evaluation will be completed.
Both the behaviorist and cognitivist theory are relevant in teaching and learning

activities and is addressed in the lesson plan illustrated above. According to Kamuka (2008),
educational institutions must learn how to adapt to global competition and learn how to remove
situational barriers and how to become more cost effective and increase the quality of learning
experiences (p.91).
Conclusion
It is recommended that higher education institutions remain up to date with technology
advancements to maximize social development. QWMA Inc. is a make believe organization but
its initiative exposes the importance of an effective workplace training program and how learning
is a systematic approach impacted by philosophical orientation, technology and societal changes.

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020
Employee Workplace Training Assessment: Rubric
EXCELLENT (10
pts.)
Knowledge/Understandin Employee
g of Materials
understands the
learning materials
Learner can
and is willing to
proficiently use
applications and e- assist other
learning tools in an employees in areas
they may be weak
effective or
efficient manner
Enthusiasm/ Motivation
Employee is always
motivated in
Employee is
learning,
excited to
participating and
participate in the
helping others
learning session
Employee
encourages others
to be successful
Assertiveness/ Attitude
Employee is very
positive and his/her
Preparedness for
attitude is open to
the training/
learning new
learning session
Eagerness to learn concepts

AVERAGE (10 pts.)

POOR (10 pts.)

Employee somewhat
understands the
learning materials
and will do their
own learning or
training before
assisting others

Employee does not

understands the
learning materials
and shows no to
very little interest in
assisting other
employees

Employee is
sometimes
motivated in the
training process and
helping others

Employee is not
motivated and will
not help others

Employee is positive
but his or her
attitude is somewhat
indifferent to the
new learning
concepts and
training tools
Employee somewhat
shows initiatives in
what has to be learnt

Employee has a
negative attitude
most of the time and
does not agree with
learning new
concepts.

Employee does not

or rarely uses the
application
appropriately nor
does he/she follow
instructions or
guidelines
Employee never or

Initiative
Open to using
training and job
aids at the
workplace
Professionalism
Material is higher
education or
university relate

Employee is always
showing initiatives
in the training class
and in the workplace
Employee uses
applications and
tools appropriately
and always follows
instructions and
guidelines

Employee at times
uses the applications
appropriately and
often has to reread
guidelines

Application to Work

Employee is always

Employee

Employee never
shows initiates in the
training and learning
opportunities

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020

Learner applies the

new technology
and applications to
daily tasks

applying new
lessons and
applications at work

sometimes applies
and uses new
applications at work

rarely uses new

applications at work

References
Harasim, L. (2012). Learning theory and online technologies. New York, NY: Routledge.
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Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020
Jisc Digital Media. (2015). Introduction to e-learning. Retrieved from
http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide/introduction-to-elearning
Kanuka, H. (2008). Understanding elearning technologies in practice through philosophies in
practice. The Theory and Practice of Online Learning (online book). pp. 91-118
Money Instructor. (2002, 2006). Work, Career & Business Training: Organizational Culture.
Retrieved from https://www.moneyinstructor.com/lesson/orgculture.asp
Quality Matters. (2014). Higher education program-rubric. Retrieved from
https://www.qualitymatters.org/rubric
Rcampus (2015). Employee training assessment. Retrieved from
http://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?code=C584CW&sp=yes&
Smith, L., & Drago, K. (2004). Learner support in workplace training. In J. E. Brindley, C.
Walti, & O. Zawacki- Richter (Eds.), Learner support in open, distance and online learning
environments (pp. 193-203). Oldenburg: Bibliotheks-und Informationssystem der
Universitt Oldenburg.
University of the West Indies. (2004, 2015). Welcome to the UWI open campus. Retrieved from
http://www.open.uwi.edu/about/welcome-uwi-open-campus
University of the West Indies Open Campus. (2008, 2014). The first years of UWI open campus:

Sherma Edwards
OMDE 610 Section, 9020
progress, leadership and transformation. Retrieved from
http://www.open.uwi.edu/ckfinder/userfiles/files/TheFirstYearsOfTheOpenCampus-2-32.pdf
University of the West Indies Open Campus. (2004, 2015). What is open in open campus?
Retrieved from http://www.open.uwi.edu/openness/what-open-open-campus

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