A one-on-one conversation with CMR Institute’s new Chairman of the Board about the future of instructional design and learning technology.
As Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at Virginia Tech, Barbara Lockee, PhD, has a front seat to the rapid changes shaping technology-enhanced learning. Widely considered an expert in all things related to online education and instructional design, Dr. Lockee has published four books and more than 100 papers on learning technology and strategy. Earlier this year, Dr. Lockee was elected Chairman of CMR Institute’s Board of Directors after serving on the Board for eight years.
In this Q&A, Dr. Lockee provides some helpful advice for learning leaders on prioritizing their resources and strategies in the months ahead.
What are some changes we can expect in adult learning and healthcare education in the next few years?
Dr. Lockee: Right now, we’re seeing several trends converging to help us address the needs of adult learners in new and creative ways. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, we will see increasing interest in leveraging its ability to facilitate more flexible, personalized learning solutions.
Additionally, since the pandemic, e-learning has become an everyday experience for those at school and in the workplace. Learners, particularly those from younger generations, expect their education to be flexible, personalized, and engaging.
From a business perspective, AI and e-learning technologies allow for greater personalization of learning experiences down to the individual learner, which enhances the return on investment. The agility and adaptability of these technologies also means that the turnaround time for program development is much shorter now, particularly with some AI supports that can complement the expertise of subject matter experts to inform content. In the past, keeping up with the evolution of information has been incredibly demanding and resource intensive. However, with AI in the mix, we can significantly reduce that time while creating customized educational experiences that address targeted workplace learning needs.
How will CMR’s Board of Directors help the organization and its clients navigate these changes?
Dr. Lockee: Because the learning landscape is ever-changing, it takes a wide variety of skills, knowledge, connections, and resources to not just keep up with the changes but also to evolve to best serve the needs of our clients.
CMR’s Board of Directors brings an exceptional array of expertise and experience together in support of the organization and CMR’s mission. Collectively and individually, we can serve as resources to help support the team as they evolve into the next generation of healthcare education providers.
What are your goals as Chairman of the Board?
Dr. Lockee: I’d like to support the organization through this time of change and to champion their mission as they explore these new technologies and their potential to enhance workplace learning. I’d also like to serve as a facilitator to my Board colleagues and find ways that we can work together to contribute to advancing the organization and supporting the CMR team. As an individual contributor, I hope to bring a learning sciences and instructional design perspective to help the organization keep moving forward from a learning strategy standpoint.
What advice do you have for learning leaders to prioritize their strategies in the next 12 to 24 months?
Dr. Lockee: It’s easy to become overwhelmed — or on the other side of the spectrum, overly enamored — by the promises of emerging technologies. However, we must all continue to lead with learning in mind. We should not forget what we know about the principles of human learning that have been proven through decades of research. These principles should remain at the center of our decision-making when determining how to most effectively use technology to support learning and performance.
