top of page

The FUSE Learning
Framework

The FUSE Learning Framework, created by Senior Instructional Designer Amanda (Mandie) Kramer, is an innovative e-learning approach designed to integrate micro learning objectives into a cohesive and overarching larger objective. By combining asynchronous and synchronous learning components with design sprint methodology, community of practice, problem-based learning, and real-world application, this framework aims to enhance learner engagement and mastery of key concepts and skills.

Facilitated Understanding, Synthesis, and Engagement

Framework Overview

The FUSE Learning Framework is structured around four primary components: Facilitated Understanding, Synthesis and Sketching, Engagement and Refinement, and Continuous Improvement and Real-World Application. Each component is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a progressive and comprehensive learning experience.

​

1. Facilitated Understanding

Objective:

Provide foundational knowledge and understanding of key concepts.

Activities:

  • Pre-recorded videos

  • Downloadable resources

  • Quizzes

  • Initial discussions

2. Synthesis and Sketching

Objective:

Encourage learners to synthesize their understanding and create initial solutions.

Activities:

  • Interactive exercises

  • Sketching ideas

  • Peer feedback

  • Discussion boards

3. Engagement and Refinement

Objective:

Foster deep engagement through real-world application and iterative refinement.

Activities:

  • Live sessions

  • Breakout discussions

  • Prototyping

  • Testing

  • Continuous feedback

4. Continuous Improvement and Real-World Application

Objective:

Ensure learners can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and continuously improve their skills.

Activities:

  • Ongoing tracking

  • Analysis

  • Peer support

  • Iterative improvements

​

Methodology and Psychology Behind FUSE Learning Strategies

Design Sprint Methodology

The design sprint methodology is a structured process that allows learners to quickly identify problems, create solutions, and test their ideas in a collaborative and iterative manner. This methodology is divided into five stages: Understand, Sketch, Decide, Prototype, and Test.

​

  • Understand: Participants identify and articulate their challenges (Session 1).

  • Sketch: Participants create initial solutions for planning and forecasting (Session 2).

  • Decide: Participants select the best approaches through group discussions and voting (Session 2).

  • Prototype: Participants develop dashboards (Session 3).

  • Test: Participants refine and test their dashboards using real data (Session 3).

Community of Practice

A community of practice (CoP) involves collaborative learning where participants share insights, provide feedback, and learn from each other’s experiences. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and promotes continuous improvement through peer support and shared knowledge.

  • Collaborative Learning: Participants share insights, provide feedback, and learn from each other's experiences throughout all sessions.

  • Peer Support: Continuous support through discussion boards, live sessions, and communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Problem-based learning engages learners in solving real-world problems, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical scenarios. This approach enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

  • Real-World Problems: Participants work on analyzing real cases, creating plans and forecasts, and developing dashboards relevant to their own contexts.

  • Application: Solutions developed are directly applicable to their management and decision-making processes.

Real-World Application

Real-world application ensures that learners can transfer their knowledge and skills to practical scenarios, enhancing their readiness for future opportunities and improving their proficiency in their respective fields.

  • Practical Exercises: Participants apply their learnings to their own data, ensuring immediate relevance and impact.

  • Feedback Loop: Continuous refinement based on peer and facilitator feedback ensures practical and effective solutions.

Session Structure and Integration

Session 1: Understanding and Analyzing Core Concepts

Micro Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the components and purposes of key concepts.

  • Identify common challenges and pain points related to the topic.

  • Analyze a sample case to identify key insights and areas of concern.

  • Apply analysis techniques to their own contexts.

  • Develop initial ideas for improving their processes.

Connection to Larger Objective:

Foundation: Participants gain a foundational understanding of core concepts, which is crucial for informed decision-making. By identifying and addressing their challenges, participants can improve their proficiency and stability.

Session 2: Planning and Forecasting with Real-World Application

Micro Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the basics of planning and forecasting.

  • Identify common challenges in planning and forecasting.

  • Create and sketch initial planning and forecasting solutions.

  • Refine planning and forecasting solutions based on peer feedback.

  • Develop a realistic plan and forecast for their own context.

Connection to Larger Objective:

Effective planning and forecasting enable participants to plan for future growth and manage resources efficiently. By applying these skills to their own contexts, participants ensure they are prepared for future opportunities.

Session 3: Tracking and Analyzing Key Metrics

Micro Learning Objectives:

  • Understand key metrics relevant to the topic.

  • Create a prototype of a dashboard to track these metrics.

  • Analyze real data using the dashboard.

  • Refine and test the dashboard based on peer feedback and real-world application.

  • Implement the dashboard to continuously track and analyze performance.

Connection to Larger Objective:

Tracking key metrics allows participants to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their performance. A well-maintained dashboard demonstrates proficiency and readiness to stakeholders.

Example: Detailed Session Structure Using FUSE Learning Framework

Session 3: Tracking and Analyzing Key Metrics

Micro Learning Objectives:

  • Understand key metrics relevant to the topic.

  • Create a prototype of a dashboard to track these metrics.

  • Analyze real data using the dashboard.

  • Refine and test the dashboard based on peer feedback and real-world application.

  • Implement the dashboard to continuously track and analyze performance.

Connection to Larger Objective:

These objectives ensure participants can continuously track and analyze their progress, making informed decisions and demonstrating competence in their field.

Asynchronous Components

1. Content Delivery (Day 1-2)

  • Activity: Watch pre-recorded videos on key metrics related to the topic.

  • Tool: Vimeo or YouTube for hosting videos.

  • Resource: Downloadable PDF with detailed explanations and examples.

2. Synthesis and Sketching (Day 3-4)

  • Activity: Create a prototype of a dashboard using Google Slides or PowerPoint.

  • Submission: Upload prototypes to a shared Google Drive folder or the LMS.

3. Discussion Board Activity (Day 3-4)

  • Activity: Post prototypes for peer feedback.

  • Tool: Use the discussion board feature in the LMS or Discourse.

  • Engagement: Review and comment on each other’s prototypes.

Synchronous Components

1. Live Session 3 (Day 5)

  • Multiple Sessions: Schedule sessions at different times to accommodate various time zones.

  • Tool: Zoom or Microsoft Teams for live sessions and breakout rooms.

  • Recording: Record sessions for those who cannot attend live.

Content:

  • Brief recap of key concepts.

  • Group activity to test and refine prototypes.

Activities:

  • a. Welcome and Recap (10 mins): Facilitator provides a brief introduction and recap of key concepts.

  • b. Breakout Room Discussions (20 mins): Small group breakout rooms to discuss and review each other’s prototypes.

    • Tool: Zoom breakout rooms.

    • Instructions: Each participant presents their prototype; peers provide feedback.

  • c. Group Sharing and Consolidation (15 mins): Groups return to the main session to share key takeaways.

    • Facilitator: Guide the discussion and highlight key takeaways.

  • d. Design Sprint Stage 4: Prototype and Test (10 mins): Refine prototypes based on feedback and test usability with real data.

    • Tool: Google Slides or PowerPoint for real-time adjustments.

    • Instructions: Participants make adjustments; facilitator and peers provide feedback.

  • e. Feedback and Refinement (15 mins): Receive final feedback and make necessary refinements.

    • Tool: Google Slides or PowerPoint for final adjustments.

    • Instructions: Participants refine prototypes based on feedback; facilitator ensures all key aspects are covered.

Communication and Support

1. Ongoing Discussion and Q&A

  • Platform: Slack or Microsoft Teams for ongoing communication and support.

  • Activity: Dedicated channels for Q&A, sharing insights, and peer support.

2. Email Updates

  • Regular Updates: Send emails to keep participants informed about upcoming sessions, deadlines, and resources.

Detailed Schedule for Session 3

  • Day 1-2:

    • Watch pre-recorded videos on key metrics related to the topic (hosted on Vimeo or YouTube).

    • Review PDF resource with detailed explanations and examples.

  • Day 3-4:

    • Prototype solutions using Google Slides or PowerPoint.

    • Post prototypes on the discussion board (Canvas, Moodle, or Discourse) for peer feedback.

  • Day 5:

    • Live Session 3: Multiple time slots on Zoom.

    • Welcome and recap.

    • Breakout room discussions to review and refine prototypes.

Tools Summary

Content Delivery

  • Vimeo/YouTube: For hosting pre-recorded videos.

  • Google Docs/PDF: For detailed resources and worksheets.

Collaboration and Submission

  • Google Drive: For uploading and sharing completed worksheets and prototypes.

  • LMS (Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard): For managing course content and discussion boards.

  • Discourse: For dedicated discussion forums.

Live Sessions

  • Zoom/Microsoft Teams: For live sessions and breakout room discussions.

  • Mentimeter: For interactive polling and voting.

Communication

  • Slack/Microsoft Teams: For ongoing communication, Q&A, and peer support.

  • Email: For regular updates and reminders.

Conclusion

The FUSE Learning Framework offers a comprehensive approach to e-learning that emphasizes understanding, synthesis, engagement, and real-world application. By integrating micro learning objectives into a cohesive structure, it ensures that participants progressively build the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their contexts effectively and enhance their readiness for future opportunities. Through the combination of design sprint methodology, community of practice, problem-based learning, and real-world application, the FUSE Learning Framework provides a robust and dynamic learning experience that fosters continuous improvement and practical application.

bottom of page