The Big Question posed on Learning Circuits this time,as always, is thought provoking –
What did you learn about Learning in 2009?
I think my learning for 2009 was focused around three primary areas; this obviously derives from my focus on innovation in elearning and is biased, but here goes.
Mobile Technologies – 2009 was the year that mobile technologies have exploded on the scene. We learned that there isn’t one single workable solution for mobile technologies. Having said that, it’s quite evident that the convergence of high-speed networks, powerful and capable personal computing devices (mobile/cell phones) will lead to a point where the need for desktop or laptop personal computers ceases to exist. The computer and communication device rolled into one is ideal for delivering learning interventions and tools. This year I’ve spent a fair bit of time learning about mobile technology. It’s going to radically alter elearning and I must understand what we need do to continue delivering effective learning solutions.
Some posts that were interesting related to mobile learning on our blog:
1. Five Myths of Mobile Learning
2. Mobile Learning in India
3. The Social Media and Mobile Computing Explosion
Games and Simulation – Gaming and simulations are rapidly becoming part of mainstream culture and learners have started demanding experiences that mimic or are similar to games, rather than have purely content driven learning. This is another area we’re learning much, from how expensive games are to develop, to the debates about games, simulations, where they might be suitable and what’s a predictable development process for either. The second challenge involves learning the intricacies of game design, and while learning games seem like a niche area, they cover a wide variety of game genres. Each genre involves a different type of design, and each genre is particularly suited to a type of learning outcome. More on that next year.
Interesting posts related to games on our blog:
1. Patterns at Play – Fundamental to Games
2. Can Fun Help Change Behaviors?
3. These Are NOT Serious Games!
Social Learning– Social learning has made it big this year. At Upside we built a version of our LMS that came with a whole range of social networking and content sharing tools built in. We’ve learnt that if we’re blending learning, we might as well make best use of technology to encourage both formal and informal learning channels in an organization. Implementing a solution that provides a backbone for social interaction vastly enhances the learning environment. While there is a certain loss of organizational control associated with such systems, organizations must learn to trust employees with such tools.
All these technology components just make blending learning more complicated. While we’ve proposed some solutions to customers, there’s been a steep learning curve. As these solutions are rolled out, we’ll learn much more about which of these technology components work and how they support and influence learning and performance outcomes.
Some interesting posts on our about Social Learning and Tools:
1. Six Social Media Trends
2. Blending Learning with Social Technology Components
3. How the Fastest Growing Companies are Using Social Media
You just read my last post this year; I hope you’ll continue to follow our blog next year. Happy New Year!
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