AN AUSTRALIAN
April 18, 2016
I don’t do commercials or endorsements.
But, I do recognize leadership in the technology training world. Hence my earlier pieces on the pioneers of the ‘70s and ‘80s — giants like Ray Fox, Gloria Gery, Rockley Miller, Phil Dodds, Paul Tenczar, Bob Yeager, and Phil Dodds —- all Americans.
However, I was reminded of another pioneering giant in learning technology this weekend—- an Australian —- when I re-visited his company’s website: www.interactiontraining.net
Ian Smith is the Founder and Managing Director of InterAction Training in Sydney —- and has been for thirty-three years.
I have known Ian for better than two decades and have always been impressed watching him lead his company through the many iterations of analog and, then, digital learning.
Today, InterAction Training emphasizes their Learning Management System (PULSE), an authoring tool (ADRENALINE) and extensive off-the-shelf libraries of courseware.
A couple of years ago, Ian wrote an exceptional White Paper in which he expressed these thoughts:
“The first part of this paper will focus on the identification and implementation of technological learning solutions in your organisation. The tools must integrate seamlessly with other systems, while the resources must dovetail with established learning strategies – evolution not revolution.
Having committed to this great leap of faith, we must not allow a ‘build it and they will come’ complacency to stagnate the momentum. , , , “
In introducing the section on “Selecting and implementing technology centric learning tools and resources” Ian wrote:
“Today’s Learning and Development professionals are confronted by an endless assortment of vendors offering an ever-expanding range of learning programs and support tools. While many of the best known vendors are promoting out-dated technologies, newcomers are emerging in their droves with a large majority embracing open source solutions as a fast track to building a business. Invariably both have one thing in common, and that is that they do not fully understand the cornerstones of the learning industry or the audience that learning professionals serve, but are going to tell you anyway that theirs is the ideal solution for you.”
Ian is uniquely creative and has led his company skillfully through the ever-changing fads of learning technology. He is a dear friend.
More on Wednesday – – –
— Bill Walton, co-Founder, ITC Learning
www.itclearning.com/blog/ (Mondays & Wednesdays)