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.
September 25, 2007 at 3:20 pm
· Filed under Uncategorized
Live blogging…could be random.
I am listening to Stephen Downes…with slides on Slideshare…watching the backchannel chat on a second screen. Great - funny- audience participation creating some unplanned laughs. This is messy learning in progress and it’s good.
Brandon spoke about innovation - innovation being the single biggest factor for who succeeds and who fails. And innovation in action as an improvement…implementing something new….without fear. He talked about innovations outside of learning and our need to grab the cat by the tail…this is a great analogy for the spirit of the conference.
I have to say I was a bit surprised at the number of people who raised their hand when Tom Crawford asked if anyone had played Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). I mean, the average age of the attendees at Tom’s keynote must’ve been 45! I did raise my hand though…and I’m 44. But some people, I just couldn’t picture dancing.
Conversations among attendees about the biggest technology disruptions in the past 100 years included the computer chip, the Internet (of course), plumbing, electricity, TV, telephone, railroad….and as far as learning technology in the last five years, Google was the top ranked. In the bigger scheme of things, plumbing is right up there ; )
For me, Tom’s big message wasn’t about technology…it was about people. It’s the peeps not the technology. Great keynote. Very inspirational. I look forward to his session tomorrow. Earlier tonight, at the poolside reception here at the conference, he shared some interesting demographic information on gamers. The guy is passionate about technology, brilliant and a total geek to boot. He blogged about the conference here. Too cool. And this video is too cool…supplied in the event you don’t know what DDR is.
All delegates are welcome to attend the Brandon Hall Research Excellence in Learning Awards. Brandon Hall will present winners with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards.
The Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards
is in its 13th year of recognizing the best in learning content, technology, and initiatives from around the world.
Technorati Tags: Brandon_Hall_ConferenceIIL07
Five well-known figures in the learning technologies field will answer questions from the audience on any relevant topic. Questions can be submitted before or during the session. Send questions to Gary Woodill - garyATbrandon-hallDOTcom
Gary Woodill, Brandon Hall Research - Moderator
Stephen Downes, National Research Council of Canada
Jay Cross, Consultant
Lance Dublin, Consultant
Cathy Lawson, Wal-Mart University
Lydia Sani, Partner, Redwood e-Learning
Steve Johnston, President, Second City Communications
Tuesday, September 25, 2007, 1:30-3:00 PM.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007, 1:30-3:00 PM
Learning isn’t one directional. It also isn’t passive. To be effective, engagement has to be off the charts. Experience what happens when you combine Second City’s principles of improvisation and Redwood’s unique delivery tools. Come and participate in an experiential learning environment where audience participation and suggestions will drive a rapid e-learning process. Be part of a simulated learning adventure through the deployment of interactive tools that let learners push the envelope and not only learn, but have a few good laughs while learning.
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.
After the Awards, you are invited to join the Udutu-sponsored post-awards party. Meet new friends and enjoy the jazz.
All delegates are welcome to attend the Brandon Hall Research Excellence in Learning Awards. Brandon Hall will present winners with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards.
Five well-known figures in the learning technologies field will answer questions from the audience on any relevant topic. Questions can be submitted before or during the session. Send questions to Gary Woodill - garyATbrandon-hallDOTcom
Lydia Sani, Partner, Redwood e-Learning
