To quote Shakespeare, “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to what we call things in L&D, EVERYTHING! Our job is to help communicate complex ideas and make them applicable to those we serve. We even hold degrees in how to do this! One of my pet peeves is that we haven’t been as disciplined as we should be when coming up with the many ways (e.g., acronyms) to name or label what it is we do and/or deliver. This has led to much confusion and misunderstanding that often hinders us from creating the best learning and performance solutions for our learners.
In the timeline that follows, I do my best to accomplish three things: BEGIN to host a dialogue around exactly what we mean by Workflow Learning (WFL), show the journey that’s gotten us here, and explain WFL’s relationship to other terms/practices we throw around. Understanding these three perspectives can hopefully help us build a better case for WFL and distinguish it from the many other things we do. Now, a few disclaimers and points to make before you view the timeline:
- In my “research” to find defendable definitions for each term, I quickly discovered that landing on one definition was a challenge. In reviewing sources like Wikipedia, industry association sites (e.g., ATD and The Guild), and other sites specific to various disciplines, I found that we have MANY definitions for several terms, so I took my best shot when comparing them. I’m not defending or married to what I’ve included. As I outlined above, the goal here is to host—not dictate—a dialogue. I’m open to suggestions and hope this gets us started.
- Some of the terms you’ll see are actually contrary to WFL but are part of the dialogue that surrounds it. An LMS, for example, isn’t an effective WFL environment, but it is often confused with supporting or even hosting the approach. I think it is important to include these terms because they are part of the journey that has led us to the current state of WFL.
- A few terms list more than one date or even a range of dates. This is because their influence or evolution spans the times represented. I did my very best to offer this perspective where appropriate. Every term listed is still part of our industry today.
- Although they appear decades apart, the 5 Moments of Need® framework, first introduced in 1985 by Dr. Conrad Gottfredson, has significantly influenced how WFL has evolved, especially how it has matured technologies like an EPSS into a Digital Coach. I don’t want that relationship to be lost in the timeline below.
Again, I hope you find this helpful and that it begins to bring clarity and significance to the powerful and transformational approach that is WFL. Click on the graphic below to zoom in for a closer look.
In addition, the WLPA will be hosting a LinkedIn Live session about Workflow Learning Vocabulary and Definitions on Wednesday, September 27th. We hope you can join us and contribute to the dialogue! Sign up here!
