Resumen de Processes of Learning and eLearning
Learning is a set of mental processes driven by a proactive interaction between individuals, and between individuals and their environment. Environment includes resources focused on learning (such as technology, teaching-learning tools and the expertise of others). Environment also encompasses formal and informal social settings such as the workplace and educational institutions. Past history and experience are key features of the individual’s learning environment. A pre-requisite of learning is a process of iteration as the individual registers sensory inputs and tests these against mental models. Such mental models facilitate an individual to make sense of their environment. Iteration over time allows the individual to fine tune the inputs. Experience counts for much. Ideally, sense-making is within socialised interactions with others. This dynamic process allows the creation of new knowledge, skills, abilities and competences. A model of learning which views learning as a linear (step-by-step) process of teaching input followed by learning response overlooks the essential dynamism of the process. The object of this paper is to present some models of work-related learning. We present examples of processes of learning and, in so doing, we explain not only how individuals learn but also how organizations and societies learn and develop in an analogous way. We examine the role of learning technologies in the context of these models and suggest guidelines for eLearning at work. We describe the advantages of distance learning and the use of the web and the role of specially designed eLearning system as support and facilitation.
