The LAP project is about increasing employee skills in the workplace with the use of net-based learning integrated with performance support systems (ICT based and non-computerised tools).
The main goal is to conduct empirical studies of existing learning and work practices in two large Norwegian service companies, Visma and Statoil DH. Based on these studies we have developed and integrated ICT-based learning and knowledge sharing systems, adapted to the particular settings of the two companies (a gas station division and an accounting firm). A second goal is to produce new results in this field of research. A third goal is to identify e-learning needs for the service industry and how the analysis of these differs from other sectors of the trade industry.
Developing and introducing new technology in an organization depends on thorough studies of work processes, organizational structures, learning needs and technological infrastructure. We have developed a theoretical framework for analysis that takes into account technological, pedagogical and organizational factors. In particular we have harnessed the concept of Super Users to identify what roles they take with respect to ICT support, instruction, knowledge activation, and end user development.
In the Statoil case we have used participatory design techniques during the planning stages and evolutionary prototyping during the implementation stages. In both Visma and Statoil case we have used empirical methods, including interviews and video analysis techniques.
Analysis of data is conducted by means of the methods and theories described above and presented in the papers listed below. The data we collected in the Statoil case include interview excerpts and video recorded images and it documents the planning, implementation, and preliminary use of an e-learning pilot system. The analysis is primarily empirical-based (bottom up and describes learning activity in the context of everyday work. The analysis in Visma addresses organizational issues with respect to the new roles needed (super users) when e-learning systems and complex work support systems are introduced into a workplace.
The LAP project brings new insights into the technology, pedagogy and organization of workplace learning. We have further developed the notion of “learning on demand” and we have identified criteria for successful introduction of e-learning and complex work support systems. These criteria is about information systems development (participatory design, evolutionary prototyping) and identification of new user roles (super users).
We also provide insight into the successful co-existence of old and new technologies and multiple information seeking strategies.
Published papers and book chapters:
Andresen, S., Øwre Digernes, T. Superbrukers rolle og betydning for
læring og kunnskapsbygning på arbeidsplassen. Kap. i “Kunnskap og
Læring på Arbeidsplassen”. Gyldendal. 2005 (Forthcoming).
Bryndhildsen, C., Mørch, A. Teknikker for brukermedvirkning ved
design av ny e-læringsportal. Kap. i “Kunnskap og Læring på
Arbeidsplassen”. Gyldendal. 2005 (Forthcoming).
Mørch, A.I., Engen, B.K. and Åsand, H-R. H. (2004). The workplace
as a learning laboratory: the winding road to E-learning in a Norwegian
service company. Proceedings PDC 2004: 142-151.
Mørch, Anders; Engen, Bård Ketil; Åsand, Hege-René Hansen; Rolfsen,
Rolf Kenneth; et al. Introducing E-Learning in a Norwegian Service
Company with Participatory Design and Evolutionary Prototyping
Techniques [Scientific Presentation]. WORKPLACE LEARNING conf.;
25.11.2004 - 27.11.2004.
Mørch, A., Tødenes, I. Evolusjonær prototyping i forbindelse med
innføring av e-læringsportal. Kap. i “Kunnskap og Læring på
Arbeidsplassen”. Gyldendal. 2005 (Forthcoming).
Rolf Kenneth Rolfsen, Kine Dahl, Ivar Solheim, Gjertrud W.
Kamstrup, Bård Ketil Engen, Anders I. Mørch: "Identifying Success
Criteria for Sustainable e-Learning Practice at Visma Services". Paper
presented at Workplace Learning – from the learners perspectives (WL
2004). Copenhagen 25.-27. Nov. 2004.
Åsand, H-R. H., Mørch, A., and Ludvigsen, S. (2004). Super users: A
strategy for ICT-introduction. In E-learning at Work, edited by
Kanstrup, A.M. Roskilde University press, DK, pp- 131-147 (in Danish).
Masters Thesis:
Andresen, S., Øwre Digernes, T. (2005).
Superbrukers rolle og funksjon i forhold til læring og kunnskapsbygning
på arbeidsplassen. Master’s Thesis, Department of Educational Research,
University of Oslo, Norway, Forthcoming
Brynhildsen, C. (2004), User Participation in the Early Development
of a System to Support Learning at Work, Master’s Thesis, Department of
Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway.
Olsen, F. (2004). Hvordan formes superbrukerrollen ved innføring av
ny teknologi. Master’s Thesis, Department of Sociology, University of
Oslo, Norway.
Tødenes, A. (2005), From Mock-up to Pilot: User Participation in
Evolutionary Prototyping of an E-learning System. Master’s Thesis,
Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of
Bergen, Norway, Forthcoming
Ongoing activities:
One Ph.D. thesis (Hege-Rene Åsand) and 2 new master students (Kjersti Sæther and Mari Ann Skaanes)
Presentations:
Mørch have presented the project at the following events/places:
Center for Information Technology in Education (CITE), University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (7/2004) URL:
www.cite.hku.hk/events/citers2004/archive/photo/PartB_2_Alvin/morch.ppt
Telematica Intituut and University of Twente, Enschede, Nederland (8/2004)
PDC 2004 (see paper ref, above).
Department of information science and Intelligent Systems, University of Tokushima, Japan (12/2004
Events:
Åsand has presented the project at WL 2004 in Copenhagen (11/2004).