eLearning Weekly

Micro to Macro December 23, 2008

My career in learning and technology happened by total chance. I started in the world of computer science and web programming, but quickly transitioned to educational technology and then eLearning. Building eLearning courses came naturally to me because I was used to building web sites and web applications. I built custom interactions in Flash, tamed SCORM, and wrote a ton of HTML and JavaScript. I had a micro focus on eLearning; I was intently concentrated on a very small piece of the overall learning and development picture.

Over the past two years, I’ve seen my focus change. Now I’m much more interested in the bigger picture, and I approach situations with a macro view instead of a micro view. I now see greater value in relationships and networking both inside and outside of our company. I spend more time cultivating relationships with other departments, because I see the connections and potential synergies more clearly. I’m learning that the people side of the equation is just as complex (if not more) than the technology. Who knows – maybe it’s the end of the year that has me reflecting on things, but I’m now much more focused and determined to make a bigger impact.

Here’s how I see it:

Where I’ve Been

• Web site development / web application development
• eLearning course development
• eLearning vendor management
• LMS / learning system administration
• eLearning 2.0 / social learning / general learning solution design and development

Where I’m Going

• More eLearning 2.0 / social learning / general learning solution design and development
• Team / department strategy planning
• Enterprise strategy planning
• Learning and development management
• Executive-level learning and development leadership (CLO?)

The blog posts I write on eLearning Weekly may evolve similarly as my career (hopefully!) progresses, but I’ll do my best to keep the content relevant/helpful for a wide audience.

Have you had a similar progression in your career? Or can you share thoughts, tips, or tricks along these lines? I’d appreciate your feedback…