Summary of How Learning & Development Teams are Structured

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Diversity in L&D Team Structures:

  L&D teams can vary significantly in size and operation, affecting the roles and responsibilities of team members. Understanding the structure of an L&D team is crucial for new instructional designers and e-learning developers as it influences the scope of work.

• Centralized vs. Decentralized Teams:
  • Centralized Teams: Typically serve the entire organization, often located within the HR department. They handle a variety of projects across different topics.
  • Decentralized Teams: Comprise smaller teams focused on specific functions or departments within the organization, such as compliance training or sales enablement.
• Generalists vs. Specialists:
  • Generalists: Work on all aspects of the ADDIE process (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) for each project. They are often found in smaller teams and need a broad skill set.
  • Specialists: Focus on specific parts of the ADDIE process and work collaboratively in a more structured, assembly-line fashion. This approach is common in larger, more mature L&D teams.
• Impact on Responsibilities:

  The structure of the L&D team directly affects individual responsibilities and the diversity of skills required. Generalists need to be versatile, while Specialists develop deep expertise in their area.

• Importance of Team Structure Understanding:

  Knowing whether a team is centralized or decentralized, and whether one is a generalist or specialist, is essential for aligning personal skills and career aspirations with job roles.

Methodology / Key Points

• Understanding Team Structure: Assess whether the L&D team is centralized or decentralized to gauge the variety of projects and collaboration opportunities.
• Identifying Roles:
  • For Generalists:
    • Be prepared to handle the entire ADDIE process.
    • Expect to manage multiple roles (e.g., project manager, designer, developer).
  • For Specialists:
    • Focus on a specific aspect of the ADDIE process.
    • Collaborate with other team members to complete projects.
• Evaluate Your Fit: Before joining or applying for a position, consider how the team's structure aligns with your skills and interests.

Speakers

• Tim Slade, e-learning designer and educator from the e-learning designers academy.

Notable Quotes

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Category

Educational

Video