” THE NEXT DECADE “

In a recent issue of “Training Industry Quarterly” in an article entitled, “2010’s Top Training Technology Trends” by David Mallon, the next decade of the e-Learning evolution is succinctly presented.

“The lengthy page-turner is out. In its place is a next generation of e-learning, including: short video vignettes or audio podcasts followed by interactive assessments; pre-recorded virtual classroom sessions; scenario-based learning, 3-D simulations and serious games; e-books, articles and abstracts; and content delivered to mobile devices.”

I could not agree more! In recent SALT Conferences (the best place to take a peek at learning’s future), more and more emphasis is being placed on content developed for PDAs. And, just imagine that future!

Taking training to the plant floor has so many financial benefits that it can blow your mind. The “just-in-time” crowd could not ask for a better application. The worker doesn’t have to leave the floor to either research by reading or return to a desktop in order to remind herself of the steps-to-be-performed.

No! As long as we can get full audio and video to the PDA, “just-in-time” will mean more than an academic phrase. It will become reality for everyone — including the 40% of our workforce who cannot read above a 4th Grade level.

Simulations and Gaming are also gaining momentum in the learning world. Again, you can see it coming through recent SALT Conference tracks.

And, video in e-Learning will gain greater and greater prominence. It is only held back today by the capacity of the infrastructure within many of our older facilities.

Technology learning will continue to lead the advances being made in education and training. What exciting times lie ahead!

More tomorrow – – – – –

— Bill Walton, Founder of ITC Learning
bwalton@itclearning.com

“THE WORLD RELIES ON THE HANDS OF ITS MEN AND WOMEN”