An eLearning Initiative: Bringing the Conversation to the Enterprise Level

The beginning of our journey with eLearning has kicked off and we are already off to a great start. In the beginning of 2015, we were contacted by Chris Edwards, Assistant Vice President for eLearning Technology, to partner in designing the process for a university level, eLearning initiative. eLearning is campus-wide at the University of Cincinnati, however it has a stronger presence in some colleges as compared to others. Due to an increasing diversity in the community, a demand for new and innovative approaches to learning and the desire to enhance the educational experience to reach its full potential, the planning process for eLearning must take place across the university.

After some discussion and a review of strategic plans from similar institutions, it was clear that a large-scale participatory strategic planning process needed to be put in place. M E Clarke Consulting is just right for the job, specializing in strategic planning and facilitation.

To begin an analysis of the current climate of eLearning, a survey was sent to a diverse group of individuals across campus who are utilizing eLearning. After receiving the data from the surveys we analyzed it and developed a SWOT analysis of the current climate to be presented at the kickoff meeting.

Gathering together a diverse set of representatives from across the campus we developed and facilitated a strategic planning design session. Even though the representatives came from different branches of the campus, they all shared a passion for the growth of eLearning. As each person told their passion story, the sense of camaraderie in the room changed as people began to uncover the similarities they shared.

After connections were made between the representatives we moved on to the SWOT analysis and a plus/delta exercise. During each of these, individuals divided into small groups, vigorously overtaking large poster boards with notes and ideas on the topics. Coming back together everyone shared their ideas, findings, and solutions. As each team presented, common themes began to arise and Meghan helped the group weed out the reoccurring points and create ten goals for the eLearning initiative.

The final segment of the session was reimagining eLearning. Taking three separate aspects; process design, engagement strategy and engaging resistors, Meghan asked everyone to divide into whichever topic they felt most drawn. They were asked to develop steps that needed to be taken, goals to reach and solutions for problems they faced. The teams all worked at length reimagining these critical aspects of a visioning process. For the duration of the exercise conversations never died down and people were once again picking up markers, pens, and poster boards to visualize and share their ideas. Coming together one last time each group shared what they had developed in their small group. When the session ended people had trouble ending their conversations and leaving the room because they felt  invigorated by the possibilities and forward momentum built.

As we continue the design process with eLearning, steps have already been taken to reach the next phase of the process.  We are working in partnership with the eLearning Strategic Planning Committee that includes representatives from across campus to design this university-wide process and create alignment behind the strategic plan.  In addition, an eLearning packet and a website for the eLearning strategic plan is being developed.

Stay tuned as we continue the movement to bring the eLearning initiative to the enterprise level, one step at a time.