Reflections on Learning Technologies 2012

Posted on 27 January 2012 by James McLuckie and tagged as learning technologies

So, the journey home has been made. I've caught up on the work emails. And the third load of washing I managed to generate (how?!?!?) is currently spinning in the machine. I can now finally take a few moments to reflect a little on my second experience of the Learning Technologies Conference and Exhibition.

And there are quite a few thoughts occupying my head, thanks largely to three stellar key note addresses, that could almost be classed as 'past', 'present' and 'future'.

The Past

If it sounds disingenuous, or even rude, to label one of the most celebrated thinkers of our time, Edward de Bono as the past, it's certainly not meant to come across that way. While the point of Dr de Bono's talk was the need for L&D to think laterally, and not to just recycle the same old ways of doing things, at its core were classic thinking models, delivered via a back-to-basics presentation style. Armed with just an OHP, paper and a pen to bring his ideas to life, it was almost like watching one man alone with his great thoughts.

When he urged us to abandon satisfactory ideas, charging that they were blocks to true creativity, I considered all the times (which is too often) that I have relied on the tried and tested because I know it works. Excellence doesn't come from that, however, and how am I going to help anyone (including myself) learn anything by doing the same things again and again. It's definitely time to shake up my thinking in a few areas.

The Present

Having read his much acclaimed book, 'You Are Not a Gadget', as part of my research for my Masters dissertation, I was particularly excited to see Jaron Lanier. His ability to provoke thought and stimulate discussion is just as potent in person as it is on paper, as he outlined how we collectively progress and power the development of digital tools, and the responsibilities that come with that.

As just one relatively straightforward illustration of this duty, Lanier outlined a system implementation scenario. The functions embedded into that system, and the processes and protocols that underpin their use, have the power to influence how something is forever done in an organisation, system or culture. For learning professionals, does this set-up scenarios where we'll need to encourage people to unlearn inefficiencies, but find resistance towards our efforts because it's so ingrained that it's too difficult to challenge? Which, in turn stifles what De Bono said is so essential for learning to thrive.

The Future

The ever-advancing mind/machine hybrid was offered by noted futurist Ray Kurzweil. "Technology hasn't made the world worse," he stated. "It's just helped us to understand the problems better." Understanding problems is fine - so long as we have the tools to do something about them. And are empowered to use them.

As I listened to many delegates recount tales of blocks placed in their way by other colleagues and departments, I considered some very real challenges that we have to overcome now before we even consider the possibilities of the future. It's truly frustrating to hear about talented people in our profession who do understand the problems, want to do something about them, but are thwarted by those with aversions to any kind of risk, brandishing outdated notions of protective policies.

On the flipside, it helps make those who are lucky enough to work in more progressive environments even more thankful to work in a culture that encourages digital technology, rather than trying to squash it.

"Social learning gives a voice to the people who are quietest in the room."

It's important for me to end this blog post on a positive note, because I've dwelled somewhat on some perceived downsides. By and large, I am wildly enthusiastic about technology and the opportunities it has afforded me. (As just one of example of how grateful I am to it, approx. 95% of the people I had a great time speaking to during the conference I met via Twitter or LinkedIn.)

The declaration in the heading above came from Oke Eleazu (a customer experience specialist, and director of Think Outside In) in his double-headed session with Donald Clark on peer-to-peer learning. Whether the statement is always true or not, I guess depends on an organisation's culture. However, this is a comment I can see me using time and again to help demonstrate the value of social learning to those who remain sceptical.

Oke also discussed how social learning "supercharges" rather than replaces traditional learning. I couldn't agree more, which is why I will always remain excited to see what new developments and possibilities online and digital technology provide learning.

One final thing …

In the past year Eden Tree's parent company, GoodPractice, has expanded its portfolio of learning materials to include e-learning, video and mobile. With this growth has come some challenges on how best to celebrate these developments at the conference's attendant exhibition. A truly wonderful effort by the entire company, from the generating of ideas, to the sorting out of logistics, resulted in a fantastic buzz and atmosphere around our stand. As a result, I've never been prouder to be associated with Eden Tree and GoodPractice.

Some people to thank for going the extra mile for us include Hilary Joiner of Little Ego Creative Shop whose efforts to make sure our stand looked the part cannot be over-stated; Ascot Communications' Kate Graham, who provided the ideas and experience to guide us in exactly the right way; and our own Catriona MacLeod who held everything together by making sure every 'i' was dotted and 't' crossed.