There's Nothing Like a Conference...

There's nothing like a conference to make you realize how very much there is to keep track of in the learning world. I have just returned from the ASTD International Conference and Expo in Washington, DC. A friend of mine had a call for volunteers and I was happy to be able to help!

This was the first time I had volunteered but I doubt it will be the last. I had a blast although it was extremely tiring! The only negative was less time to explore the Expo, but duty called!

The conference reminded me how much I love being in an environment where learning is prized and cultivated! To see others care as much--if not more--about creating meaningful learning experiences really touched me as a professional.

Also, I hadn't realized how very thirsty I was to get in touch with peers who are just as committed, craved ideas, and get excited over any and every piece of learning as I do!

And...I got a rubber chicken!

I assure you the rubber chicken was not the highlight but it goes to show what can be a learning tool. I can see it being passed around as sort of a 'hot potato' to music or used as a contestant response tool in a game. Believe me! When a learner squeezes this thing, there will be no doubt as to where the squawk came from first! Plus, it's hilarious! And studies show that learners who have fun are more engaged, and thus learn more!

Social media was a big topic at the conference, of course. Using tools like Twitter and Facebook to create learning experiences seems to be the opportunity of the day, as well as using virtual worlds like Second Life. These tools definitely bring us challenges in how to use them in a creative way for learning but also bring into question of do these tools belong in the business world? The answer from this week's conference is that they're already being used in today's business environments, so I guess the question that remains is: Will businesses that do not adopt these tools get left behind?

I'm interested in anyone's thoughts on this topic from both sides of isle. Regardless of one's view point, however, I think we all can agree that it's an exciting time to be in learning!