Virtual Reality for LearningAt our October networking event, Geoff Bentley from Better World VR talked about how the digital and physical worlds are merging, thanks to rapidly evolving Virtual and Augmented Reality technology (VR and AR); and how utilising this tech for immersive learning is producing incredible results, and literally rewiring our brains. VR, in particular, allows people to enter and even walk around in a completely different environment, completely engaging our visual and aural senses, and allowing complex interaction. What was once only available to research labs and the military is now allowing global deployment of rapid immersive training for staff, and students to visit places and cultures from the past and present without physically leaving the classroom. Geoff also demonstrated Microsoft’s Hololens, a mixed reality visor, which allows you to walk around see holograms within your environment, place them on your table, and even share them with others. This tech is being deployed in the enterprise right now to provide on-the-job training and support. NZATD Bi-Annual Conference 2016Sue Dark, Totara Learning Solutions The theme of this year’s conference gave tribute to the attributes of a true professional artist; David Bowie. Bowie was someone who constantly changed to the needs of his environment and audience while staying true to the quality of his outputs which were underpinned by true musical expertise and skill. The challenge was set out for L&D professionals to demonstrate the same attributes. It was great to see Totara Partner, Synapsys represented as a keynote; Phil Garing’s ‘Ever get the feeling you are being watched’ – a commentary based on observations of trends noted at the ATD conference in Denver this year and feedback from a survey of NZ practitioners. I’d go as far as saying this was one of the best NZATD conferences yet! It was future thinking and many of the presenters and practitioners running workshops were inspirational and very willing to share their knowledge with participants. It was an excellent opportunity for collaboration and making connections. Kath Norton was ably on the Exhibitor’s Stand and was clearly having some great conversations during the two days. It was really pleasing to also see other organisations, who use Totara products, presenting; Miranda Verswijvelen and Sonya English representing Waitemata DHB discussion ‘A Blended Learning Approach to Acute Care Training’, Hamish Dewe from Orion Health with an interesting way of using xAPI tools linked up with their LMS to ‘Track all the things’, Tania Hawkins and Andrea Lambell from Ministry of Justice explaining how they’ve centralised the Training and Development Service and also Peter Devaney from Creative Leap sharing how they adopt use cases to support the development of requirements for projects. You can get the presentations from here Upcoming Event Bebe Frayle, Synapsys LMS Specialist, will be speaking at the upcoming Blackboard Education Expo in Christchurch on the 16th November 10am-1pm about Synapsys and sharing some great eLearning examples and discussing how to select the best delivery mode for your eLearning. To attend please email us at rachael.hemingway@synapsys.co.nz Kath at ATDRoger Dennis’s keynote was a highlight. He talked about key issues facing society over the next decade. He referenced Future Agenda and the Global shifting of power and influence. Connectedness through the growth of networks and the role of public private partnerships and the impact of Global volatility on how organisations see the world. To ensure growth Governments and organisations will need to have the right people for the right job. The rate of change will require workers to train and retain again just to stay relevant. Challenging for both the organisation and the worker, it provides significant opportunity for the L&D sector if we also continue to keep pace with the change, and question and adapt the way we operate and deliver services. Latest Video Learn more about our newest team member Dale Dunnett here and get some extra tips on LMS management. |