myLearning: A Modern Platform for Air Force and Guardian Development

The Air Force and Space Force are committed to providing their personnel with cutting-edge resources for professional growth. The myLearning platform represents a significant step forward in achieving this goal. It offers a modern and interactive solution designed to meet the evolving needs of Airmen and Guardians, both enlisted and officers, and to empower their deliberate development.

The Vision Behind myLearning

Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, AETC command chief, emphasizes that Airmen and Guardians deserve systems that enable their deliberate development. The myLearning platform answers this call by meeting personnel where they are and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Adam Rasmussen, AETC deputy of learning services, highlights the goal of myLearning as embracing innovation and technology across the force.

Replacing Legacy Systems

myLearning debuted in March as a modern and interactive solution, replacing training modules previously found on the Advanced Distributed Learning Service (ADLS). The platform also incorporates courses previously hosted on the Enterprise Blended Learning Service (EBLS), commonly known as Blackboard. Course owners who previously hosted their classes on EBLS will be trained and given site access to build their new courses in myLearning.

Key Features and Capabilities

myLearning is designed to be a comprehensive learning ecosystem with several key features and capabilities:

Interactive Learning: As the name implies, myLearning offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Centralized Platform: It consolidates training resources, making it easier for Airmen and Guardians to access the courses and information they need.
Data Storage: "Learning Locker" stores learning data and can serve as a source of record for organizations, according to Bill Muse, AETC Learning Services program manager.
Reporting Tools: Standard reports are being developed to aid course owners and unit training and deployment managers.
Course Management: The platform offers capabilities to provide course recurrence and bulk completion.
Synchronous Learning: The ‘Big Blue Button,’ a new synchronous learning capability intended to increase course development and execution options, went live in the myLearning platform in January.

The ‘Big Blue Button’

The addition of the ‘Big Blue Button’ provides instructors with modern capabilities for real-time polling of students and the ability to share screens and video content, according to Floyd McKinney, AETC Learning Services Operations division chief. Brig. Gen. Brenda Cartier, AETC director of operations and communications, emphasizes that the continual push to add functionality to the platform is another way AETC is advancing force development in line with Chief of Staff Gen.

DAFeL: Streamlining Total Force Awareness Training

Airmen and Guardians now have another option for completing their required Total Force Awareness Training (TFAT). DAFeL, launched in June 2023, is part of the effort to optimize force development and simplify access to training. Adam Rasmussen, AETC Learning Services division chief, states that "The DAFeL platform provides a user-friendly learning experience, giving Airmen and Guardians the ability to complete annual requirements without lengthy and confusing workarounds."

From an efficiency perspective, offering TFAT in DAFeL will save time and effort by automatically assigning TFAT due dates based on a learner's most recent completion for each course, eliminating manual enrollment for recurring training events," Rasmussen said.

Addressing User Feedback and Evolving Requirements

Chief Master Sgt. Eric Johnson, Education and Training (3F2) career field manager, acknowledges that recent system modifications may have resulted in ‘change fatigue’ within the field. However, he also notes that "This adaptable system enables an iterative approach to development, allowing us to respond effectively to user feedback and evolving requirements."

Initial Success and Future Development

Since its launch, more than 300,000 Airmen and Guardians have accessed the site and completed around 361,000 courses. Floyd A. McKinney, AETC chief of learning services, states that they are pleased with both the performance of and the force’s embrace of myLearning during the initial rollout. AETC will continue to announce updates and additional features to myLearning over the next year.

Seeking Assistance and Providing Feedback

Users experiencing technical difficulties with the site or who have feedback for the development team can submit a ticket to the myLearning Service Desk by clicking the 'NEED HELP?' button. Users are asked to exercise patience as the myLearning Help Desk is working trouble tickets as quickly as possible, with a response time of 3-5 business days.

Read also: Interning with the US Air Force

Important Notice Regarding System Usage

It is important to remember that this is a Government system and may be accessed and used only for authorized use only. Unauthorized use of this system or the information on this system could result in criminal prosecution. Unauthorized use of this system may subject violators to criminal, civil, and /or administrative action. by and to authorized personnel for official purposed, including criminal investigations. Such information includes sensitive data encrypted to comply with confidentiality and privacy requirements.

tags: #air #force #my #learning #platform