We called this experiment the Institute for Learning Environment Design (iLED). iLED is a "think and do" tank at the University of Central Oklahoma with the defined mission of creating learning experiences that make a difference. We are interested in exploring the outer limits of what we know about change and innovation in learning environments.
In this post, I reflect on our journey so far and offer thoughts on the unique value proposition we bring to pioneering new ways of learning.
About iLED
In May 2016, The University of Central Oklahoma and NextThought partnered to establish the Institute for Learning Environment Design. This collaboration brought together thought leaders in the fields of learning design and technology with an expressed purpose of partnering with diverse audiences to transform how people learn.
Since its inception, iLED has continued to grow, diversify, and create unique value with our partners. Today we work with partners that include K-12 education, higher education, professional education, business, government, and public safety.
Why iLED?
There are many choices available when it comes to selecting instructional design, learning strategy, or learning technology services. Not only can this be a complex process, there is an element of partnership chemistry and shared values.
What makes iLED such a unique and valued partner? At iLED, we exist to create learning experiences that make a difference.
We believe that learning is the catalyst for positive change, innovation, growth, value creation, and organizational, team, and personal success.
There are three main differentiators that set us apart from others:
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Mission - Unlike many companies or consultants, we're part of a public university with the expressed mission of helping people learn. It's why we exist. It's what we wake up to do every day. Our mission is your success, not profit margins.
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Mindset - We focus our attention on creating a strategy and planning for the broader learning environment - not just isolated courses, programs, seminars, meetings, etc. We realize that the most important factors that influence the success of learning experiences are often driven by the things that don't typically get considered in projects. We take a holistic approach to designing unified learning environments.
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Method - At iLED, we have pioneered a revolutionary way of designing learning environments. It's called Learning Environment Modeling(TM) and it's the cutting edge, state-of-the-art approach to designing the spaces and places where people learn. LEM(TM) combines visualization methods, design science, and data analytics to create the most effective and efficient way to plan learning experiences.
What's on the Horizon?
While we’ve made great progress in creating and sharing new ways of helping people learn, we’re just getting started.
There are many exciting projects and design tools that we’ll be launching soon. Here are a just a few:
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Beginning September 2018, we’ll be offering the newly updated Certified Learning Environment Architect (TM) program with added emphasis areas of learning environment architect mindsets and new design methods.
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A new book is coming! We’re in the final stages of editing a new book that will revolutionize the way people think about learning, innovation, and change.
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Next spring, we’ll be launching a series of new workshops for teams. These will focus on engagement, leadership, and change for learning environments. Along with these workshop will come a series of new design tools that will transform how people envision, plan, and measure learning experiences.
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Can’t say much about this next one other than we’re working on a new data system that aims to revolutionize the way people design any type of learning experience. Say tuned!
Summary
It goes without saying that we’re excited about where we’ve been and what’s ahead. As I mentioned earlier in this post, we’re on a mission to make a difference.
We would love to help your organization take its next steps towards defining and implementing its vision for learning success.