Dave Spencer
CUSTODY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR | KRCC
We asked a few faculty around campus about their barrier to learning and what they do to improve accessibility.
Our amazing faculty member, Dave, had this to say…
One barrier to learning that I have observed in my day to day routine over the past 5-7 years is the pace at which information is now being shared. The ongoing learning required simply to be able to function at the workplace has increased tenfold. For example, although it has been some time, prior to email, people had to type and deliver information. Within a Correctional setting, care was taken with each piece of information because if a change was needed, it was an onerous process. With the introduction of email, people were able to send out information much more rapidly, but we still went with policy, and email generally would not supersede policy. Care was still taken because policy was not “quick to change”. These days, with email, instant messaging, and now Teams (face-to-face) meetings, information (including policy updates) can be shared with a keystroke.
For myself, knowing how to use instant messaging, Teams, OneDrive, etc. has taken effort and time in order to learn how to use the many different systems. I connected with people who were able to assist me, made notes to reinforce the learning, and volunteered to organize meetings to make sure I became proficient in the new office systems.
This can be a significant barrier to people that are not electronically inclined, stereotypically the older demographic. However, we are seeing a significant increase in staff with language barriers (i.e., English as a Second Language), which can also create challenges.
As mentioned above, knowing the new working systems ensures I am of greatest benefit to the workplace. I took it upon myself to learn how to use the various communication systems including how to share screens, run a group meeting etc., and I ensure that others are aware of my expertise and take every opportunity to assist them.
As a “learning leader” at my centre I actively share the knowledge that has been shared with me by people that I reached out to. With that, I role model ongoing self development. By showing my peers and subordinates that even after 28 years in the business I still have a lot to learn, I invite others to recognize their own benefit for engaging in self development. Demonstrating my participation in ongoing learning to my long term staff and the benefit I can be to the workplace will hopefully encourage them to remove any potential “I’ve been here so long, I know it all” barrier to their own development.