Searching, Lurking and the Zone of Proximal Development: New Ways of Learning in Small and Medium Enterprises

17-October-2005

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[ ICT and learning , e-learning in Small and Medium Enterprises ]
I have been working for the last couple of years on the use of ICT for learning in Small and Medium Enterprises as part of a European project. The project has included a survey in seven countries, over 90 case studies, a series of thematic studies and interviews with policy makers. The findings are at very least contentious

I have been working for the last couple of years on the use of ICT for learning in Small and Medium Enterprises as part of a European project. The project has included a survey in seven countries, over 90 case studies, a series of thematic studies and interviews with policy makers.

The findings are at very least contentious:

  • There is little or no involvement in formal e-learning in SMEs
  • Few SMEs have any form of training infrastructure, needs analysis, planning of training etc.
  • formal training is carried out it is usually in response to an immediate need or more commonly due to legislative requirements
  • When formal training is carried out SMEs are likely to select a training provider, public or private, based on word of mouth reputation or personal acquaintance
  • Few SME managers are aware of the potential of ICT for learning
  • There is a great deal of everyday informal learning taking place in SMEs using ICT
  • Computers are used extensively in the workplace for administration and accounting, business to business transactions, customer communication, advertising and promotion, stock control and promotion
  • The most common tools and applications used for learning are everyday business software, especially the use of the Google search engine
  • There appears to be little correlation between previous qualifications and the use of ICT for learning
  • There would appear to be more informal learning in workplaces with less hierarchical work organisation and where employees are given more responsibility for organising their own work
  • Informal learning in the workplace is largely driven by problem solving or personal interest
  • Learning usually takes place when it is needed

I have written over 50 pages of notes (some of which have appeared in this blog) which I hope to include in a book to be published next year. In the meantime I have submitted a paper to this years Online Educa Berlin 2005 conference. Online Educa does not publish full proceeding but instead publishes 1500 word abstracts of papers.

The abstract which can be downloaded from below gives a fair overview of the work. As ever I would welcome any comments.

berlinpaper.doc

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Graham Attwell; 17-October-2005 12:04:35; forum (1) help

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1 Legislative requirements

You wrote that formal training in SMEs is carried out in response to an immediate need or more commonly due to legislative requirements.
Imho this should be in response to an immediate need or more commonly "compliancy driven". It is not only due to legislative requirements. Suppliers oblige SMEs to participate in (expensive) training. We saw examples in the car industry.
Wilfred Rubens, 20-October-2005 19:29:33 forum / discussion

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