By Michael McCauley
The January 2009 issue of Wired Magazine has an interesting article, “How YouTube Changes the Way We Think.” Science and technology writer Clive Thompson (who blogs here) writes that advances in video technology and distribution - think YouTube - have made it possible for people to create short, focused viral videos that appeal to the need for instant information. “How To” books and manuals are often supplanted by up-to-the-minute videos and other instructional technology.
Blogs, online magazines, and wikis provide focused, just-in-time knowledge.
This is real and valuable in the training environment, too. The advent of digital coaching technology (DCT) enables the creation of highly-focused, just-in-time coaching that replaces conventional classroom and e-learning-based training.
The people we coach may no longer have the time or the patience required to sit through a three day (or even three hour!) training session.
Learners want knowlege presented in short bursts that can be immediately applied to their unique environment. By creating a structured coaching environment, DCT enables learners to access, learn, and apply key knowledge with the help of a personal “coach.”
Traditional training is still useful and works well with some learners. There will likely always be a place for it. But the future direction of training seems clear: shorter, more focused “knowledge bursts” in a personalized format. This is what Digital Coaching Technology does best.
Tags: Blogs, Clive Thompson, DCT, Digital Coaching, digital coaching technology, Digital Training, Online Magazines, training, Wikis, Wired Magazine, YouTube