“Second Generation” E-Learning: Characteristics and Design Principles for Supporting Management Soft-Skills Development

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Adams, J. & Morgan, G. (2007). “Second Generation” E-Learning: Characteristics and Design Principles for Supporting Management Soft-Skills Development. International Journal on E-Learning, 6(2), 157-185. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/19865.

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Journal Information

International Journal on E-Learning
ISSN 1537-2456
Volume 6, Issue 2, April 2007
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on IJEL

Authors

Jean Adams, Gareth Morgan, Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada

Abstract

This article develops the concept of "second generation" e-learning as a new paradigm for thinking about online learning. Whereas "first generation" approaches have been effective for developing technical skills, the same approach has not proven effective for developing management soft-skills (e.g., in the field of leadership education). The distinction between the two e-learning paradigms is examined through a comparison of six characteristics and design principles. These have emerged from an action-learning research project where an e-learning system has been built from the ground up and pilot tested in a variety of organizations. The article presents a discussion of where and when each approach is most likely to be effective, how the different design characteristics are continua rather than a set of polarities, and a short case study of an application in the context of an executive development program to illustrate soft-skill development possibilities. Conclusions are drawn on the importance of taking a pedagogical, rather then a technology-driven approach for developing effective online programs for job-based learning and performance improvement. It is also argued that current technology standards appear to be locking the industry into a "first generation" mindset - at the expense of the pedagogical exploration and learning design innovation required for effective soft-skill development.

Keywords

• Leadership
• Standards
• Adults
• Business
• eLearning
• Instructional Design
• Instructional Materials
• Learning Outcomes
• Professional Development
• Internet

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