The people have spoken! Following a survey, the APMG examination institute and accrediting body has changed and simplified the format of PRINCE2 exams. Here are the changes below.

Part 2: Asynchronous Digital Learning

This is the second in our series on Digital Learning: Learning Without Limits where we look at the evolving nature of learning and its effect on individuals and organisations and the workplace.

Faced with the end of the job-for-life culture, today’s workers are constantly forced to re-invent and re-skill themselves as they move from one career to another. Many are turning to PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner project management to improve their employability, and asynchronous learning is one form of digital learning that allows them to do acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding.

Definition: asynchronous/āˈ siŋkrǝnǝs / adjective [see synchronous /siŋkrǝnǝs/ adjective]
Not existing or happening at the same time; not contemporary; not simultaneous.
Asynchronous digital learning is where learning takes place away from other people, in one’s own time and space, usually over the internet.

Advantages: Self-paced, self-regulating and independent, asynchronous learning is ideal for dispersed individuals and teams who like, and are motivated, to work without supervision. Free from the limitations of time and space, they are able to reflect on and analyse subjects without pressure from others. The result is that they may understand more and they may be able to give more detailed responses. This form of learning can be beneficial for students or teams who may otherwise be disadvantaged by language differences, educational background or disability.
Disadvantages: On the flip side, the asynchronous approach can hinder learning if it is not properly supported. Without the benefit of timely and live discussion and intervention from fellow students and tutors, trainees may lack motivation, incorrectly understand a subject and feel isolated. A more subtle disadvantage may be that they miss out on the ebb and flow of ideas and the sparkle of discussion that could inspire them to think innovatively and gain the necessary knowledge to apply their learning in the workplace.
Making a learning approach work: For asynchronous, indeed for any kind of learning to succeed, your learning provider must create a positive learning environment. We at ILX Group support individual and team learners irrespective of the type of learning method they choose. Comprehensive support services, a PRINCE2 Forum, PRINCE2 Blog Twitter and ILX Group LinkedIn help students stay connected to the subject, to each other and to the expert tutors who have real-life experience of the subject taught.
And finally… quality trainers make all the difference to learning outcomes and we’re delighted that our lead ITSM consultant Mike O’Brien has been nominated for an award at ITSM 12.

Useful Links:

• ILX Group: Digital Learning For Business report and Infographic
• Chartered Institute of Personnel Development: Learning and Talent Development 2011
• E-learning Awards 2012 Shortlist
• Full details of the ILX Group and Virgin Media nomination
• How our training enables organisations to meet objectives
• The ILX Digital Learning Licence explained
• The Cabinet Office’s Best Management Practice Portfolio

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This is the second of our two part series on this topic.

At ILX Group, we have been at the forefront of Digital Learning Best Practice, so we are delighted to have been shortlisted with Virgin Media for the e-Learning Awards 2012. To complement the glittering event at the London Marriott Hotel on 8 November we are running a series of articles to demystify digital learning. This is the first in the series.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

This much loved phrase from the Dr Seuss book for children has a lesson for adults: reading is an important way to learn and to advance your career.

We may be a little PRINCE2 obsessed here, but we’ve noticed something: some decisions by national team coaches and managers have shades (some paler than others!) of PRINCE2 Principles about them.

Mr Chen is a remarkable man.

In 2008 he saw London win the Olympics for 2012 and his imagination was captured. He decided to pedal his rickshaw 60,000 km and across 16 countries from China to London in order to spread the Olympic spirit.

Part two of our suggestions for learners and trainers to improve their learning journey.

There’s a scene in the film City Slickers (city folk go cattle driving, yeehaw!) where the Billy Crystal character, Mitch, tries to explain to his friend Phil, how to use a VCR (yeah, it’s an old film). Phil, though, doesn’t get it. He seriously doesn’t and, you know that he’s never going to get it.

Everyone can have a brilliant idea for a product or service. The trick is to make sure that you follow the right steps to turn the idea into reality. PRINCE2’s themes help ensure this. They are the seven critical aspects of project management that, addressed and considered throughout the project, make it a success.