FROM TEACHING TO LEARNING? – learning platform 101

I am the first to admit that I still am a beginner when it comes to full utilization of modern technology in executive education. Nevertheless, I am aware that the concept of blended learning is here to stay – and it is actually fitting very well into TSE exe learning philosophy.

One definition comes from Janet MacDonald (Blended learning and online tutoring, 2011), stating that blended learning is “[…] the principled adoption of strategies and media to support course objectives and enhance responsiveness to student needs.” Well said – responding to student needs is particularly essential when dealing with executive education and its customers. Current and future executives with hectic schedules and high expectations are not an easy crowd to please. However, since course objectives and the overall curriculum in e.g. executive MBA studies are versatile and demanding also in academic terms, the use of all possible tools for enhancing the learning experience are welcomed.

We have implemented a new learning platform into TSE exe programmes starting from spring 2014 – eMBA2014 group has had the honor of acting as the pilot group and apart from student utilization, we have simultaneously started to use the platform as TSE exe intranet and internal project tool as well. As for the learning platform experiences so far, we are still in the middle of a typical ‘pilot launch project’ with its teething problems and learning curve – but we would not go back anymore, that is for sure. Software development and small fine-tuning issues put aside, the platform has already proven itself as a diverse tool for administrating, planning, coordinating and managing training programmes and as a clearly valuable tool for our participants. The platform e.g. facilitates distribution of learning material, is a tool for completing the assignments, increases possibilities of peer discussions, enables utilization of new learning methods and assignment types and much more – basically opens up new horizons on many levels! No more e-mail chaos and complaints about communication challenges, when everything is openly visible on the platform. This adds a feeling of democracy as well: the process of a training programme is not rigid, but partly even very transparent and co-created.

As we believe in learning instead of teaching, new technologies can surely help us to deliver high quality learning experience to our students. So, I truly believe that with the help of blended learning, we are able to enhance and deepen our students’ possibilities in forming their own learning paths, to support their different personal growth processes and, as TSE exe mission states, to create visionary leaders who will make an impact.