The Future of Learning and Development
By Robin Fenton
For decades, learning involved sitting in a classroom or visiting a library to access and absorb new information. These days, knowledge is at our fingertips. Thanks to broadband services, today’s students can gain knowledge using connected devices at home and work, on the go, and anywhere else with an Internet connection. With so much information readily available, what role do training and development play in the future of learning?
First, learners need access to credible information. With so many opportunities for individuals to publish inaccurate or incomplete information online, students must understand the risk of relying on unverified content and ensure the resources they’re using have been reviewed by subject matter experts. As the number of connected devices and mountains of information continue to grow, access to reliable and up-to-date material will only become more critical.
When students are confident in the credibility of their sources, there is an advantage to augmenting the library or classroom experience. At SCTE, for example, a learner could read a white paper, attend a session at SCTE Cable-Tec Expo®, take a self-paced online class, and attend an on-site bootcamp.
Each of these activities contributes to a holistic, more engaging experience, one that encourages knowledge absorption and retention— while reinforcing the same basic principles and introducing related concepts that have held up under the scrutiny of industry experts. The SCTE CORTEX® Expert Development System tracks the multiple touchpoints of today’s learner. The CORTEX system provides a record of a student’s learning journey and in some cases, customized feedback as a learner engages with new material in the learning ecosystem.
Learners process information differently, so there can be no one-size-fits-all learning solution. Among the most unique aspects of SCTE’s CORTEX system are its VirtuLearn™ trainings. This interactive format incorporates a variety of learning approaches in one flexible module, including interactive eBooks, LightningMod™ videos that reinforce key concepts, NetworkSims® to simulate hands-on training in a 3D environment, and VirtuGames® to make content recall fun. VirtuLearn tools live on SCTE’s new learning management system, which boasts more than 1,000 modules as well as an intuitive interface reflecting the digital experiences of modern learners. They are designed with flexibility in mind, so they can be easily updated to reflect new technologies and concepts.
Recently, SCTE made significant updates to its VirtuLearn broadband premises series. The revamped installation course features 12 NetworkSims, giving learners the opportunity to experience real-life scenarios and apply course knowledge that will be most important in the field.
Another key component to holistic learning is demonstrating the mastery of new skills. Upon completion of the first three courses in the updated broadband series — customer service, safety, and installation — learners are prepared to earn the nationally-recognized SCTE Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) certification. After completion of a fourth course in the series, they are prepared to earn the SCTE Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) certification. Completing a certification program shows a learner has the dedication and skills needed to succeed in cable’s workforce.
Another important building block of the holistic learning experience comes in the form of industry events. While some events were derailed by the pandemic in 2020, their absence only reinforced the need for face-to-face interaction, and the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo Virtual Experience proved virtual events can be extremely beneficial. It’s critical that today’s — and tomorrow’s — students have opportunities to learn from their peers. The future of learning and development lies in our ability to combine the convenience of credible, self-paced programs with workshops, webinars, bootcamps, and similar experiences.
SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2021 will take place October 11-14 in Atlanta. Once again, Expo will include the Fall Technical Forum, featuring educational workshops on topics relevant to cable technology, as well as a dedicated track exploring best practices and trends in learning and development. Building on last year’s success, portions of Expo 2021 will also be presented virtually, allowing people to participate from homes and offices around the world. I look forward to seeing cable professionals of all levels continuing their learning journeys with us in-person and online this fall.
Robin Fenton
Vice President,
Membership and Learning Operations,
SCTE
Robin Fenton is the vice president of membership and learning operations at SCTE. A subsidiary of CableLabs, SCTE is a global not-for-profit member organization driving the acceleration and deployment of cable technology.
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