Friday
Jun102005
319 - More Young People Needed in Learning Field, Please!
June 10, 2005
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - June 10, 2005.
#319 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,328 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.
More Young People Needed in Learning Field, Please!
A Short Rant by Elliott Masie
Here is a short rant about the lack of age variety in the learning and training profession. We need more YOUNG PEOPLE in our learning departments!
I just returned from the ASTD international conference and was struck by the lack of colleagues in their 20's. Most of our training and learning departments are staffed by folks in their 40's and 50's. (Although there were more young people represented in the Asian delegations!)
There are significant generational shifts that are impacting learning styles, preferences and opportunities. My employees who are in their first or second job after college are quite different as learners. Their comfort with technology, attitudes towards collaboration and even their desire to listen to an IPOD while working is unique. They would rather send an IM than an email and trust a BLOG more than a memo. Yet, few learning organizations are reaching into the younger ranks when they have an opening.
I would like to URGE my colleagues to take a quick generational scan of the training and learning staff in your company. Add more young people.
They probably won't become life long training professionals, but that isn't the objective. They will add great perspectives right now. And, will take an understanding of learning processes into the rest of the career assignments.
While I have your attention on this topic, let me put in a plea for the other end of the age scale as well. Our retirees are "off the radar screen" for most training departments. Some of the most credible trainers and subject matter experts can be found amongst recently retired staff.
Let's find ways to deploy them as part time employees or contractors.
Building teams for learning design and delivery with a range of ages is key to improving the effectiveness and acceptance of our learning resources. We must energize and diversify our learning community. This will be one of The MASIE Center objectives for the learning field in 2005.
I would love your comments, send to emasie@masie.com
Learning 2005 Update (Oct 30-Nov 2: Orlando, Florida):
* I am SO EXCITED about the content and format that is evolving!
* Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink to Keynote.
* Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to Lead "Profiles in Learning Courage".
* Communities, Case Studies and Conversations rather than Dull Sessions!
* Almost 800 Colleagues Already Registered!.
* Check out the Learning 2005 Blog: http://www.learning2005.com/blog
#319 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,328 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.
More Young People Needed in Learning Field, Please!
A Short Rant by Elliott Masie
Here is a short rant about the lack of age variety in the learning and training profession. We need more YOUNG PEOPLE in our learning departments!
I just returned from the ASTD international conference and was struck by the lack of colleagues in their 20's. Most of our training and learning departments are staffed by folks in their 40's and 50's. (Although there were more young people represented in the Asian delegations!)
There are significant generational shifts that are impacting learning styles, preferences and opportunities. My employees who are in their first or second job after college are quite different as learners. Their comfort with technology, attitudes towards collaboration and even their desire to listen to an IPOD while working is unique. They would rather send an IM than an email and trust a BLOG more than a memo. Yet, few learning organizations are reaching into the younger ranks when they have an opening.
I would like to URGE my colleagues to take a quick generational scan of the training and learning staff in your company. Add more young people.
They probably won't become life long training professionals, but that isn't the objective. They will add great perspectives right now. And, will take an understanding of learning processes into the rest of the career assignments.
While I have your attention on this topic, let me put in a plea for the other end of the age scale as well. Our retirees are "off the radar screen" for most training departments. Some of the most credible trainers and subject matter experts can be found amongst recently retired staff.
Let's find ways to deploy them as part time employees or contractors.
Building teams for learning design and delivery with a range of ages is key to improving the effectiveness and acceptance of our learning resources. We must energize and diversify our learning community. This will be one of The MASIE Center objectives for the learning field in 2005.
I would love your comments, send to emasie@masie.com
Learning 2005 Update (Oct 30-Nov 2: Orlando, Florida):
* I am SO EXCITED about the content and format that is evolving!
* Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink to Keynote.
* Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to Lead "Profiles in Learning Courage".
* Communities, Case Studies and Conversations rather than Dull Sessions!
* Almost 800 Colleagues Already Registered!.
* Check out the Learning 2005 Blog: http://www.learning2005.com/blog
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