Cathy Lawson Keynote (IIL07)
Cathy started us out with the Wal-Mart cheer! It was a much needed open activity on this, the last day of the conference. Her presentation was a well-received snapshop of challenges in the corporate learning area. It was also incredible fun and was a good contrast to Stephen Downes impressive keynote. Closed vs. open. The challenges of scalability in a controlled environment. Her straight forward illustrations of corporate organizations’ challenges was well received by the group. It was a needed link…answering the question, “OK, I’m in but how do I do this?” After digesting the sheer volume of the organizations’ learners in Cathy’s area of responsibility (1.5 million in the US) it was culture that became one key point. Are we, as learning professionals, shooting ourselves in the foot by communicating in learning geek-speak? Do we delay change? Some tips from Cathy on educating stakeholders…the difference between training/learning vs. communication. Do you provide training services when training isn’t the issue - that kind of stuff. Another key takeaway was how blended learning can improve the learning experience for the learner and not think of technology as a stand-alone concept. Yet another key point was building partnerships within the organization. I was especially impressed with how Wal-Mart works with what they have to get it done quickly - necessary in the retail area while making long-tail changes. An excellent presentation. Partner, educate, innovate, no geek speak. Got it.
