What Is Learning Engineering?

I recently read a wonderful article co-authored by Sae Schatz in the Army University Press Journal of Military Learning called Learning Engineering at a Glance that addressed learning engineering as a means to transform military learning at the pace and scale needed to respond to the growing complexity of the global security environment. Given her work as the Director of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative I could not help but take a deeper dive into the topic.

Along with MG Christopher Hughes (Ret.) our esteemed Military Advisor here at AstrumU I had the chance to sit down with both of these authors and SMEs to explore the topic. When it comes to military training and given his experience for having stood up at Army University in 18 months as well as half a dozen DoD OPDIVS in his book War on Two Fronts: An Infantry Commander's War in Iraq and the Pentagon these two have provided some actionable insights about how we can foster a culture of leadership and overcome obstacles and challenges when it comes to bureaucracy that is needed to chart a successful strategy that we can learn from to increase the levels of understanding about why engineering?for?learning is needed in military education and training. Especially now at a time of renewed focus and efforts being applied to digital and talent management transformation using emerging technologies.

Learning Engineering (LE) is an emerging field that aims to design and develop effective and engaging learning experiences by applying principles from various disciplines, including:

• Educational technology
• Learning sciences
• Cognitive science
• Data Science
• Engineering design

What are some key aspects of Learning Engineering:

Goals:

• Improve student outcomes
• Increase engagement and motivation
• Personalize learning experiences
• Support diverse learners
• Make learning more efficient and effective

Key principles:

• Evidence-based: LE relies on research and data to inform its practices.
• Multidisciplinary: It draws on knowledge from various fields to create a holistic approach to learning.
• Data-driven: LE emphasizes the use of data to understand learners and make informed decisions about learning design.
• Iterative: LE is a continuous process of design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Learner-centered: LE focuses on the needs and experiences of learners.

Methods and tools:

• Learning analytics
• Adaptive learning
• Simulations and games
• Virtual reality and augmented reality
• Learning management systems
• Educational data mining

Benefits:

• Improved learning outcomes: Studies have shown that LE can lead to significant improvements in student achievement.
• Increased engagement and motivation: LE can make learning more engaging and motivating for students.
• Personalized learning experiences: LE can be used to personalize learning experiences based on individual needs.
• Improved efficiency and effectiveness: LE can help to make learning more efficient and effective.

Ten Key Takeaways and Strategies for Increasing the Levels of Understanding about Why Learning Engineering during a Time of Digital and Talent Transformation is needed across military education and Training:

1. Promote Awareness and Education:Publish articles, research papers, and journals like the "Learning Engineering at a Glance" to disseminate information about the importance of learning engineering in military education.Conduct workshops, seminars, and webinars to educate military personnel, trainers, and decision-makers about the benefits of engineering principles in learning.
2. Demonstrate Tangible Benefits:Provide case studies and real-world examples showcasing how learning engineering has improved training outcomes, reduced costs, and enhanced readiness in the military.Use data and metrics to quantify the impact of learning engineering on the effectiveness of military education and training programs.
3. Collaborate with Experts:Foster collaboration with experts in the field of education, instructional design, and engineering to leverage their expertise in developing and implementing learning engineering solutions. Engage with academic institutions and research organizations to conduct studies and experiments that validate the effectiveness of learning engineering approaches.
4. Involve Key Stakeholders:Engage military leadership, training officers, and educators in discussions about the benefits of learning engineering and how it aligns with the military's strategic goals. Encourage active participation and feedback from military personnel who directly benefit from improved training methods.
5. Highlight Adaptability and Responsiveness:Emphasize how learning engineering can help the military respond rapidly to evolving threats and changing global security environments. Showcase the adaptability of learning engineering solutions to address different training needs and scenarios.
6. Allocate Resources:Advocate for the allocation of resources and funding to support the development and implementation of learning engineering initiatives within the military.
7. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:Establish a feedback loop to continually assess the effectiveness of learning engineering interventions in military education and training.Make adjustments and refinements based on lessons learned and emerging best practices.
8. Communication and Marketing:Develop a clear and compelling communication strategy to articulate the value proposition of learning engineering in military education.Use various communication channels, including internal newsletters, presentations, and social media, to reach a wider audience.
9. Policy Support:Work with policymakers and decision-makers to advocate for policies that encourage the integration of learning engineering principles into military training and education strategies.
10. Highlight National Security Implications:Emphasize how improved military education and training, facilitated by learning engineering, contribute to national security by enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the armed forces.

Given the stakes at hand, global economic competitiveness as well as national security however, we must also realize the potential economic impact that delivering positive outcomes that a new skills-based economy holds for those who may be transitioning out or wish to personalize last-mile training and upskilling in the new economy for alternative pathways.

Using LevelSet solutions, AstrumU supports transitioning Army Servicemembers by translating the skills they gained through military experience and education into the skills they need to succeed for career opportunities in the civilian sector. As we embark on enabling this technology platform for MilSpouse as well as Air Force consider the McKinsey Study From the Military to the Workforce: How to leverage veterans’ skills November 8, 2023, which makes a strong case to value for our Country, Veterans, and marginalized communities via the return on educational investment. Although AstrumU at present may be the only?tool that can deliver?individualized, prescriptive recommendations based on verified information I am inspired and determined to provide an effective and cost-efficient decision support tool and solution that can provide a positive outcome and a multiplicity of impact for stakeholders including Transition Counselors, Transitioning Soldiers, and Military Families. Join us in our mission and begin to understand how your skills can translate into meaningful outcomes and career progression, to begin your journey learn more at AstrumU