Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 11

STELLA LEE, PH.D.
WHAT'S NEXT
IN TECH
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN
EVALUATING EDTECH PRODUCTS
With just about every organization
going through some degree of digital
modernization, and the continuing
need to support workplace learning
and performance remotely, educational
technology (edtech) products are in high
demand these days.
From learning management systems
to tech-enabled assessments, edtech
provides a tremendous opportunity to
innovate and to address challenges in
skills development. However, despite
vendors' promises of increasing learner
engagement, improving performance
and reducing skills gaps, many edtech
products fail to meet expectations and
have a sustainable impact. One of the
reasons for this is that organizations
lack a holistic understanding of how the
introduction of an edtech product will
shape the way we learn - and how it
will impact the business.
To address this gap, we can start by being
better informed about these products and
by asking the following questions:
WHAT PEDAGOGICAL
ASSUMPTIONS ARE THE
EDTECH PRODUCTS MAKING?
Every edtech product is based on certain
assumptions
about learning (whether
intentional or not). For example, many
virtual classroom systems were designed
to replicate the physical classroom,
subscribing to the behaviorist theory of
learning in which the instructor is at the
center of learning, setting objectives and
providing appropriate stimuli to elicit the
desired responses. Learner behaviors are
seen as predictable and controllable via
rewards and punishments. Being aware of
such assumptions will help us understand
why an edtech product is designed
in a certain way, to determine if these
assumptions align with your learning and
development (L&D) goals and shed light
on whether the ideology is entrenched in
a limited or outdated learning approach.
DOES IT SOLVE AN
ACTUAL PROBLEM?
While it is exciting to explore emerging
technologies, the real question is whether
these innovations will result in better
learning outcomes and experiences, or
create a different set of problems. For
example, using a learning experience
platform to recommend learning content
might increase learner engagement but
it might also become too prescriptive,
require constant feeding of data and lead
people only to content based on their own
interests and biases.
WHAT ARE THE
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS?
All edtech products collect and record
data. However, there is a lack of clarity
about how learner data is being used
or
manipulated.
than white faces. As we evaluate edtech
products, we need to ask questions about
ownership of data and learner autonomy,
privacy and security; especially if these
factors are unclear.
WE NEED TO ASK
QUESTIONS THAT GO
BEYOND FUNCTIONS
AND FEATURES.
WHAT ARE THE
OPPORTUNITY COSTS?
Sometimes, technology is not the best
(or only) solution to our L&D challenges.
When considering the cost of introducing
a new edtech platform, we ought not
only to factor in the cost of licensing and
implementation, but also what we must
give up in order to make room for the new
product. Prior to setting your sights on a
particular edtech product, I recommend
conducting an ideation session with your
key stakeholders to explore and consider
all options and alternatives. This will help
to ensure that whatever edtech product
you are selecting is the right solution to
your L&D challenge.
Furthermore, there
are concerns about AI-based learning
systems with the potential to exclude or
discriminate against certain groups or
demographics of learners, often without
a way to opt out or provide feedback. For
example, online proctoring tools verify
learners' identities using biometric
scans such as facial recognition. This
can be problematic as facial recognition
technologies are inherently biased in
their accuracy. According to research,
Black and Asian faces are falsely
identified 10 to 100 times more often
TRAINING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE - SPRING 2022 I WWW.TRAININGINDUSTRY.COM/MAGAZINE
Edtech products present a lot of
wonderful and exciting opportunities to
organizations, but in order to choose
wisely, we need to ask questions that go
beyond functions and features.
Dr. Stella Lee has over 20 years of
experience in consulting, planning,
designing, implementing and measuring
learning initiatives. Her focus is on
large-scale learning projects including
LMS evaluation and implementation,
learning analytics, and artificial intelligent
applications. Email Stella.
| 11
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/remote-testing-monitored-ai-failing-students-forced-undergo-it-ncna1246769 https://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/ https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/remote-testing-monitored-ai-failing-students-forced-undergo-it-ncna1246769 https://www.tonybates.ca/2014/07/29/learning-theories-and-online-learning/ https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/remote-testing-monitored-ai-failing-students-forced-undergo-it-ncna1246769 https://apexart.org/images/breiner/articles/FacialRecognitionSoftwareMight.pdf https://www.trainingindustry.com/magazine

Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022

Putting the Learner First
Table of Contents
From Change Management to Resiliency
What to Consider When Evaluating EdTech Products
Prioritizing the Employee Experience
Relentless Engagement: Creating a Path for Inclusion Across the Employee Life Cycle
Learning in the Blended Workplace: Design Ideas for a Distributed Workforce
Enable Expert Performance With Adaptive Learning
Taking the Virtual Route to Leadership Training
Culture’s Influence on Global and Remote Learning
The 5 Paradoxes of Leading in a Hybrid Workplace
3 Steps For Successful Remote Onboarding
The Future of Work Requires Development Equity
Making the Leap: Correlation to Causation
L&D’s Role in Developing Company Culture
Better Selling Starts with Better Business Acumen
Corporate Gender Responsibility: A New Paradigm for Engaging and Developing Women
The Burnout Revolution
How Sam's Club Is Training and Retaining Current and Future Leaders
Reclaiming Development
Mindset Strategies for Business Growth in 2022
Pluralsight and Go1 Partner to Address the Growing Global Tech Skills Shortage
Company News
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Intro
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Cover1
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Cover2
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - CT1
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - CT2
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Putting the Learner First
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 4
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 5
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Table of Contents
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 7
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 8
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - From Change Management to Resiliency
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 10
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - What to Consider When Evaluating EdTech Products
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 12
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Prioritizing the Employee Experience
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 14
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Relentless Engagement: Creating a Path for Inclusion Across the Employee Life Cycle
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Learning in the Blended Workplace: Design Ideas for a Distributed Workforce
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 17
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 18
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 19
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 20
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Enable Expert Performance With Adaptive Learning
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 22
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 23
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Taking the Virtual Route to Leadership Training
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 25
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 26
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 27
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Culture’s Influence on Global and Remote Learning
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 29
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 30
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 31
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - The 5 Paradoxes of Leading in a Hybrid Workplace
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 33
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 34
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 35
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 3 Steps For Successful Remote Onboarding
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 37
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - The Future of Work Requires Development Equity
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 39
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 40
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 41
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Making the Leap: Correlation to Causation
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 43
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 44
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 45
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - L&D’s Role in Developing Company Culture
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 47
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 48
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 49
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Better Selling Starts with Better Business Acumen
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 51
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 52
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 53
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Corporate Gender Responsibility: A New Paradigm for Engaging and Developing Women
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 55
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 56
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 57
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - The Burnout Revolution
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 59
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - How Sam's Club Is Training and Retaining Current and Future Leaders
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 61
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 62
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Reclaiming Development
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - 64
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Mindset Strategies for Business Growth in 2022
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Pluralsight and Go1 Partner to Address the Growing Global Tech Skills Shortage
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Cover3
Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2022 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_winter2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_fall2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_summer2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_spring2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_winter2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_fall2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_summer2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_spring2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_winter2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20210910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20210708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20210506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20210304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20200708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20200506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20200304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20200102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20191112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20190910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20190708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20190506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20190304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20190102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20181112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20180910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20180708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20180506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20180304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20180102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20171112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20170910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20170708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20170506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20170304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20171112_se
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_20161112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2016fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2016summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2016sales
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2016spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2016winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2015outsourcing
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2015summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2015leadership
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2015spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2015winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2014summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2014winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2013fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2013summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2013spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2013winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2012fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2012summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2012winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2011fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2011summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2011spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2011winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2010fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2010summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2010spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2010winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2009summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2009spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2009winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2008fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2008summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/trainingindustry/tiq_2008spring
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com