Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Learning Predictions for 2008

The Big Question for January over at the Learning Circuits Blog is "What are your Predictions for Learning in 2008?" Here is my take at a few answers.

The year 2008 will see continued movement towards Web 2.0 technologies. Individuals will embrace these technologies whether or not the technologies are sanctioned by corporate IT departments. Departments will pick and choose technologies that contribute towards their performance whether or not the technologies are chosen for use by other departments. This will all be part of the disruptive nature of Web 2.0 tools.

A backlash against the use of Web 2.0 technologies, precipitated by their unsanctioned use, will occur in some organizations. Although the "not invented here" syndrome will happen in some companies, many forward thinking organizations will find a way to harness the power of these technologies.

As the use of Web 2.0 technologies becomes more pervasive, their novelty will begin to fade. This will be a very good thing. Using technology for technology's sake does little to enhance learning. As more learning professionals learn more about the new tools, hopefully they will begin applying solid educational principles towards their use.

There will certainly be many more technological tools surface during 2008. Nevertheless, I predict there will also be a thinning in the ranks of companies developing and marketing these tools. This will come about either through company consolidation or attrition.

There you have it. I am looking very forward to 2008. It will be an exciting year for learning professionals whether or not any of these predictions come to pass.

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