306 The Competency-Based Workplace
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Wednesday, October 23
Management and Strategy
Jamaica AB
Once upon a time, training was measured in seat time and the ISD community saw that this was bad. After great debates and much consternation, seat time was replaced with learning objectives and cognitive task analysis, and the ISD community pronounced that this was good. But is it? The result is that learning programs—in both education and training—are assessed on knowledge to be learned rather than what is needed on the first day on the job. As an example, people learning cybersecurity are tested on their knowledge but not on their ability to innovate and apply the knowledge, or on the "weaponized attitude" that they need to be successful.
In this session we will explore the concept of a competency framework and how it can be applied to define the "real" outcomes for a training program. We will show how data collected from the workplace. as well as training sources, can reference such frameworks and be used to analyze the efficacy of the training against authentic measures. Attendees will learn how to conceptualize and operationalize the competency-based workplace, and how to develop practice-based competency frameworks.
In this session, you will learn:
- The difference between learning objectives and competencies
- The goals and underlying philosophy of a competency-based workplace
- How to develop competency frameworks from practitioner knowledge
- What instrumentation is needed to implement a competency-based workplace
- The role of xAPI and methods for transforming xAPI data into competency assertions
Audience:
Designers, developers, managers, senior leaders (directors, VP, CLO, executive, etc.)
Technology discussed:
xAPI, Moodle, checklist apps, CaSS

Robby Robson
President
Eduworks
Robby Robson, the president of Eduworks, is an internationally recognized innovator in online learning. He began developing web-based learning content and learning management systems in 1995, chaired the IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee from 2000 – 2008, and has helped dozens of organizations develop eLearning technology strategies. He has served as principle investigator and lead scientist on multiple federally funded projects that explored new technologies for learning, education, and training. Robby co-founded Eduworks in 2001, where he has guided research, services, and product development.

Judy Katz
Product Manager
PeBL Pro
Judy Katz makes stuff that helps people learn. She is a strategist, designer, and developer, as well as a frequent speaker and writer. She has worked in the field of learning and development since 1997 and holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas, an MBA from Baker University, and an MEd in instructional design with a focus on workplace learning from UMass-Boston.