Primer & Definitions πŸ—ΊοΈ: Navigating Workplace Learning

Education πŸŽ“

The broadest term, often conjuring images of formal schooling. However, it encompasses all forms of acquiring knowledge and skills, structured or unstructured, throughout life.

Learning & Upskilling πŸ§ πŸ“ˆ

Largely interchangeable. Learning can be passive (e.g., reading) or active (e.g., problem-solving). Upskilling specifically implies active learning aimed at acquiring new, relevant competencies, often for career advancement or adaptation to new job requirements. It goes beyond mere knowledge to practical application.

Andragogy & Pedagogy πŸ§‘β€πŸ«πŸ†šπŸ§’β€πŸ«

Andragogy: The theory and practice of adult learning, emphasizing self-direction, experience-based learning, and relevance to life situations.

Pedagogy: The theory and practice of teaching children, typically more instructor-centered.

Cognitive Neuroscience πŸ”¬πŸ§ 

The scientific study of biological processes and aspects that underlie cognition, with a specific focus on the neural connections in the brain which are involved in mental processes. It explores how our brains learn, remember, and solve problems.

EdTech (Educational Technology) πŸ’»πŸ“š

A vast field combining education and technology. It includes software, hardware, and theories for facilitating learning and improving performance. Often encompasses tools for K-12, higher education, and corporate Learning & Development (L&D).

Business Training Services πŸ€πŸ“ˆ

External vendors, consultants, or agencies that provide specialized training programs, courses, workshops, or coaching to organizations. They often address specific skill gaps or development needs.

Corporate L&D πŸ’πŸŽ“

Corporate Learning and Development (L&D) is a function within organizations, typically part of Human Resources (HR). It focuses on enhancing employee skills, knowledge, and performance to achieve business goals. Historically, some companies had Chief Learning Officers (CLOs).

  • Learning Management System (LMS): Software for administering, documenting, tracking, reporting, and delivering educational courses or training programs (e.g., Intellum). Content is often stored and published here.
  • Learning Experience Platform (LXP): A more learner-centric platform focusing on content discovery, curation, and social learning. Learners actively engage with and ingest content here.
  • Compliance Training: Mandatory training on laws, regulations, or company policies, often delivered via LMS/LXP.
Workplace Learning & Enablement πŸ’ΌπŸš€

A broad term encompassing all activities that help employees, particularly knowledge workers, acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to perform effectively and contribute to organizational success. Closely tied to the "Future of Work" and continuous development.

Learning Designers 🎨✏️

Professionals who design and develop learning experiences and instructional materials. They apply principles of andragogy/pedagogy and instructional design to create effective and engaging courses, workshops, and learning resources. Often work in-house or as consultants.

SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) πŸ§‘β€βš–οΈπŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬

Individuals with deep knowledge and expertise in a specific area or topic. They collaborate with learning designers and technical writers to ensure the accuracy and relevance of content (e.g., a lawyer for compliance training content).

Technical Writers βœοΈπŸ“„

Professionals who create clear, concise, and accurate documentation and content. In the learning context, they write instructional materials, user guides, knowledge base articles, and update existing documentation to support learning and performance.