Designing workplace learning and knowledge exchange: A postgraduate training program for professionals in SME

Research output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/reportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

In small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) training requirements differ widely and can hardly be covered by broad training programs. For this reason these SMEs heavily rely on internal company training and informal knowledge exchange between co-workers to effectively use pre-existing resources like highly specific expert knowledge. To this end, professionals need to be trained in efficiently communicating their subject-specific knowledge as well as in realizing informal learning opportunities. Hence, in the postgraduate training program "Designing workplace learning and knowledge exchange" (aquwa) professionals are taught the necessary didactic competencies. The training takes place parallel to work over a 12-week period in a blended e-learning format. Modules 1 and 2 deal with principles and methods of knowledge exchange. These principles and methods are further elaborated in Modules 3 and 4, culminating in participants' independent development of an informal learning opportunity at the workplace. The evaluation of the training shows a great acceptance of the course design as well as a significant learning gain over time. Most of the participating professionals recognised a successful transfer of the gained competencies into their workplace. Based on participants' remarks suggestions for online-based postgraduate education courses are provided.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCSEDU 2013 - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Computer Supported Education
Pages635-638
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesCSEDU 2013 - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Computer Supported Education

Conference

Title5th International Conference on Computer Supported Education
Abbreviated titleCSEDU 2013
Conference number5
Duration6 - 8 May 2013
Website
CityAachen
CountryGermany

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-1972-1567/work/141545662

Keywords

Keywords

  • Blended Learning, Enhancing Internal Company Training, Further Education for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Informal Learning, Virtual Classroom Sessions