Mathemagenic

From Understanding KM tools discussion at brint:

What tool functionality helps most with accelerated learning in your experience? (question from Denham)

I would suggest to build on adult learning theory (e.g. The Adult Learner: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development) and to look from learner's perspective:

1. accessing knowledge gap (What I need to learn? Why?)
2. finding a good way to learn (strategy + resources; e.g. Should I go for a course or join a community?)
3. implementing (using learning strategy and resources to gain expertise)
4. evaluating (Did I learn it?)

In terms of functionalities this means:

1. competency/knowledge assessment; awareness of ogranisational targets, priorities and rewards for learning

2. knowledge mapping (two parts - a. Where I can find knowledge? and b. Where I can find a facilitator for learning this type of knowledge? ); learning planning tools (strategy? sequence?)

3. (based on variety of learning methods) e.g. tutorials, simulations, tools for practice, reflection, sharing, discussion...

4. assessment tools

Then there is a question about the responsibility for learning and degree of facilitation. I would distinguish between formal and informal/incidential learning.

Formal learning is the one with primary responsibility of an organisation (e.g. training course). In this case there are smart professionals (instructional designers, trainers) who know how to support learning cycle and who are responsible for selecting right tools.

Informal learning is something that all people do naturally, on purpose (=self-directed learning) or by occasion (=incidential learning). In this case you need more support for learner's decision-making about his learning process. May be we can think about tools that smart enough to support it :) Here I would think about "personal KM tools", K-logs for example.

Lilia

PS This is some rough ideas: I'm starting a PhD to look more specifically into functionalities to support informal learning :)