Being Present Determines Success in e-Learning

By Catherine Franz

e-Learning requires the same six basic steps as classroom or
self-study learning. Educational researchers tell us that
each step, I prefer the word stage, each stage is
independent of the other, nonlinear, and open to the amount
of time spent in processing. The person’s tenure in each
stage depends on their state, physiologically and mentally,
emotional depth, topic, presentation and environment.

1. Knowledge requires absorbing the new information with
openness and nonjudgment. Letting go of whether we agree or
disagree with the knowledge is important to the success of
what we learn. Our beliefs play strong resonance on whether
we are open or closed when we first receive the information.
Past experiences, culture, and environment to which this
knowledge is shared plays into how open or closed the
receipt of the information can be. Effectiveness depends in
allowing the knowledge to filter in through a charge-neutral
state. The information is what it is at that moment and
nothing more -- at least not yet. Patience does play on the
outcome of this stage.

2. Comprehension is the stage of interpretation. This is
the time to remain in the present moment and still
nonjudgmental. You don't want to allow the past or future
to be a part of this mulling process. During this stage, we
compare this to previous knowledge, experiences, as well as
assumptions. Assumptions, even if not clearly defined, can
bubble up or stay subconscious during this stage. If the
information fills in a gap, it mixes easily and might or
might not eliminate the need to continue the process through
the other stages. If the information confuses the learning,
then the other stages will reinforce the progression.

3. Analysis is breaking down the new information into
smaller pieces and then measuring them individually against
previous knowledge. This process isn't the easiest hill to
climb. This stage is easy to say, "the heck with it," and
jump onto the path of least resistance. Conversations with
a teacher, mentor, coach, friend, or even a spouse allow us
to side step the path and progress quicker than we normally
without this wall bouncing. For instance, a dialogue might
go like this: "This is how I see, understand, or
comprehend this. How do you see, understand, or comprehend
it?" It is just as important to continue this stage with an
open mind.

4. Synthesis begins the decision-making stage. We begin to
assemble the elements of what you want to keep and toss out.
I call this the "izing" stage. This is the opportunity to
personalize the information. A time to mesh it into a form
you can claim it as your own. It would be the time I
"Catherineize" it. If your name is Jennifer or Sam, your
"izing" would be: Jenniferizing or Samizing. Boy, adding
"izing" can make your name a mouth full, however, the
process gives a huge benefit -- it’s easy to remember and
complete.

5. Application stage is exactly what it means. You take
what you have "ized," in my case Catherineized, and add it
into your life. Writing is one of my favorite ways to play
around with figuring out the customizing part (stage 4) and
applying it to stories. Teaching and sharing the
information is another way to apply the knowledge. You will
be taking what you learn and turning it in action by placing
energy and effort into it. Applying the new information in
a safe environment brings about the best results. Role-
playing is an excellent example that provides a safe
environment.

6. Evaluation stage is a time to rank its effectiveness.
Time to make an appraisal of what the information
transformed to, what is or isn't working, what needs
tweaking or trashed. This is the time to allow some
judgment in yet not to the point of thinking any of this was
a mistake. This is the time that especially synchronicity
occurs. This is a time when the universe begins sending you
additional assistance or information on how to expand the
information for the betterment of humanity. This is because
the strength of our energy attractiveness is strong. Look
for the synchronicities and enfold them into this stage.

In quick review, again the six basic stages are: knowledge,
comprehension, analysis, synthesis, application and
evaluation. For those who study the laws of attraction,
take special note that stage five emanates the strongest
energy for manifesting.

(c) Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.