All I can say about the ASTD (American Society for Training and Development) conference is WOW! Sure was a worthwhile experience. First, the presenters were a cut above. Most not only possessed expertise, but were excellent presenters. I came away with was a sense that things, they are a-changin.'
The shift from a manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy has huge implications for both the way we conduct "business" (not just in the private sector, but the public sector too) and the way we train people to do it. Probably the most recurrent theme was the need of organizations to facilitate collaboration to take advantage of human capital and knowledge. The "stove piped" structures of the manufacturing age just aren't cutting it. Even the military is beginning to abandon the "command and control" paradigm--at least in some areas.
Adult education has always focused on adult's needs for practical solutions and the ability to learn from each other. Those needs have now come to the forefront of the training mindset.
Another recurrent theme was the increasing pace of life--personal and work--and the need to use people's time and attention in training effectively and efficiently. That translates to eliminating boring instruction and ensuring that skills and knowledge acquired during training are applied back on the job. One of the most informative and lively sessions was conducted by Dr. Michael Allen entitled "No More Boring E-Learning." (Perusal of his company's website will make the message crystal clear!)
In addition to the fascinating information, it was wonderful to have a chance to get to know many of my colleagues within my company, as well as new people--many from other countries. A woman I spoke with from Kenya was facing the same issues of how to train better and faster with fewer resources. A zoolegist, she came to the conference to learn new skills related to motivating and training people who work in her agency. Same thing w/ trainers from a bank in Turkey.
Also bought my books and downloaded required articles for my new doctoral classes starting Monday. Found many of the same themes echoed in what I read. Of particular interest is the concept of "participatory action research." And here I thought I had the basics of academic research down in my master's program. Boy how thinking has changed in 25 years! It's a complete paradigm shift and related to the same themes I heard throughout the ASTD Conference. Got to love synchronicity!
As far as what this all means for my quest from rags to riches, am concluding I'll likely end up abandoning the riches part in favor of "comfortable and financially secure." Sure never want to go through what I have for the last three years again but riches? Takes a committment I don't think I'm willing to make at this time in my life. Just don't see the value of pursuing riches at the expense of personal satisfaction (consistent with the kind of "transitions" that come with middle age--according to the book I'm reading, Transitions).
How many PhDs in education do you know who are rich? Bill Cosby, maybe, but that's because his riches accured from being an entertainer, not an educational PhD. I want to provide a secure enough base to develop my natural talents and capabilities in order to make a contribution. If I can do that, I'll feel my life has been worthwhile. But I sure wouldn't turn down riches that just happen along, either!
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