Context and Meaning

“Computers and Google can indeed give us the routine information and facts that we need. What we want from people who stand before us (or, on line) and give a talk is to give us that which data and information alone cannot: meaning. Remember we are living in a time where fundamental human talents are in great demand….. What we yearn for is to listen to an intelligent and evocative – perhaps at times even provocative – human being who teaches us, or inspires us, or who stimulates us with knowledge plus meaning, context, and emotion in a way that is memorable.”

-Garr Reynolds “Make Presentations That People Will Remember”
Presentation Zen – Reynold’s Blog

This week’s Policy and Planning reading emphasized that we don’t lack content in this age of information. Rather, what we lack is context and meaning in our learning environments. Teaching inevitably involves content. But, is the content presented in a context which connects with the learner? How relevant is content to the learner? Can learners make meaning of the content? How can learners be helped to make connection with content…to create a genuine learning experience?

I recently participated in a corporate training module that showed users new features of a computer system they use daily. However, the module did not present the context in which the upgrades would be used. [The training also targeted multiple departments with different uses for the system - different needs]. If the training had used scenarios, or posed a problem to be solved with the software enhancements, the learning module would have been placed in a more meaningful and relevant context for learners.

Williams and Duarte in their discussions also pointed out that design can help provide meaning and context. Granted, design can also be phluffy. But, the design they advocate is design that serves a purpose, enhancing a message or improving usability. Design can be added to create a human element into the content, especially important to consider for all computer mediated forms of learning.

My ending reflection from the readings, context and meaning are essential ingredients in creating effective learning environments.