Building a Path of Learning

When it comes to learning, a conscious learner engages in multiple learning methods. In this concluding article of a three-part series on Learning and Knowledge, we will look at different learning preferences and explore if there is a model that can be followed based on various situations.” Some of the experiences in the Article also come from applying the model to myself and at Intellistride, a company I co-founded a few years back”.

In recent years, online learning courses have become increasingly popular. I wanted to investigate whether they have overtaken traditional in-person methods as the preferred choice of learning. To do this, I surveyed on LinkedIn and other communication channels to understand people's preferences when it comes to acquiring skills that require a deep understanding of technology & people and have a significant impact on their careers. The question I asked was:

“ To improve management skills critical for your growth, which learning method would you choose based on cost, effectiveness, and availability?

The survey saw participation from 53 young to senior-level professionals, aged between 25 and 55, representing all generations.

According to the survey, 45% of participants across all age groups preferred group training as their method of learning. Personal training and coaching followed closely at 33%, and e-learning was the least preferred option at 22%. Interestingly, none of the participants mentioned social media as a preferred learning platform. Group classes and personal coaching were found to be the most effective methods for serious learning.

The survey overwhelmingly points out a preference for group training and personal coaching, but all other learning modes such as social media and learning play a critical role in the overall “Path of Learning”.

Here is a suggestion for an intuitive model which is modular and can be adapted by a conscious learner depending on the depth of expertise they desire for a Knowledge area.?

All learning methods have distinct parameters of? Affordability, Accessibility, and Impact. Affordability is cost, Accessibility is convenience to access, and Impact is the depth of learning.?

1.???? Social media Social media is often used for entertainment rather than learning, despite being highly accessible and affordable. They lack the impact.

2.???? Online E-Learning is accessible and relatively affordable and have limited Impact.

3.???? Group Training offers a profound learning experience and the opportunity to build a network of like-minded individuals. Live sessions on video have increased the accessibility and affordability significantly.

4.???? Personal Training and Coaching - “The most effective method of learning. A coach can provide support and guidance to help the learner grow. Impact is high but affordability is low.

“Path of Learning” can be achieved through the effective use of all the options. A conscious learner does not need to be an expert in every Knowledge area. It is ok to be a beginner in most, Proficient in some, and Expert in few. The foundation is dug as deep relative to the desired height of the building.

Learning is most valuable when it is applied in practical situations. Theoretical physics should be supplemented with applied physics to achieve better results. Experience, association, and application are essential for constant improvement. An organization that values knowledge can provide the path to Learning for its learners. The proposed model is intuitive and has been tested in both organizational and personal contexts. A few years ago, when data analytics was becoming popular, I enrolled in a one-year intensive course at an institute to learn more about it. As a result, I was lucky to be able to set up Intellistride. Intellistride is a Technology Company

Intellistride is a technology company that specializes in creating IoT solutions. To address customer problems effectively, the team constantly explores new technologies and models. Our model has evolved over the years, based on the knowledge we have gained through experience. As a start-up, we understand the importance of using all available channels for learning. Our current model is a result of the learnings we have accumulated over the past few years.

Intellistride Technologies Binu Balan Pragati Gandhi