We all know that creativity breeds innovation. But if you look at the stereotypical office, ingenuity is often sacrificed in favor of standardization. If there’s no creativity in the organization, then there’s probably little to no creativity in the learning. Is your learning program stale and standardized, or have you woven cutting-edge innovation into the process?
With Web 2.0 applications, learning professionals have an opportunity to infuse creative flair into run-of-the-mill exercises. The organizations that are on the cutting edge are those where success rests on innovation. Take a look at Sun Microsystems, Intel and IBM (a recent Los Angeles Times article discusses how they use Second Life for training sessions and meetings).
In an age where oil prices are booming and training budgets are tight, learning organizations can no longer rely on live training, but that doesn’t diminish the need for interactivity and face-to-face time. Virtual worlds are cheaper alternatives that make learning innovative.
Interacting in virtual environments demands imagination and ignites the creative senses. Instead of learning in a traditional four-walled classroom with co-workers, employees are now exploring their company’s virtual island and interacting with half-man, half-animal representations of their peers.
I’m curious, how many of you embrace creativity in learning? What do you do to inspire creativity in your training? How important is creativity at your company? And lastly, have you ever experimented with Second Life and what was your reaction?
