Chief Learning Officer - February 2008 - (Page 39)

Business Education Facilities Virtual worlds: Generically used to define any computer-generated graphic environment, including all games, virtual worlds are MMOs that are designed with numerous objectives, tasks and behaviors that can be — but don’t have to be — achieved. Second Life is a prime example: It has evolved mainly as a place to explore alternate lifestyles, but it is trying hard to find a relevant business application. Second Life is a good way to get a glimpse of the future of the Internet — Web 3.0, if you will — although its processing and graphics power and bandwidth requirements are still relatively prohibitive for most corporations. Still, pioneering companies such as IBM are exploring virtual-world applications in areas such as recruiting, onboarding, internal and external meeting and mentoring. 2. Role-playing games (RPGs). A very popular genre with all age groups, RPGs let players take on new roles, such as being an OSHA inspector in safety compliance or a store clerk handling a difficult customer. RPGs are a natural extension of role-play workshops, but with global accessibility and an immersive environment that fits the role-play and promotes behavior change. Several different types of RPGs are shown in Figure 4. 3. Strategy games. There are two main categories of strategy games: Real-time strategy (RTS): This is especially effective for advanced training because the clock is running — data must be collected and analyzed and decisions made within a limited time period, and players are forced to react quickly to changing circumstances. This genre is best suited for developing business skills in areas where workers are required to make quick decisions or judgments. It also can support strategic-decision training where the consequences of multiple scenarios can be understood within a fraction of the time it would take in the real world. Turn-based strategy: This format allows learners to set their own time to think about options, observe environmental conditions and conduct analyses — that is, until the Enter key is pressed. Then, the game progresses based on their inputs. This genre is sometimes used early in RTS games to help prepare learners for the more difficult real-time decisions. 4. Simulations. Business simulations are well defined and widely used in corporations today, but typically don’t involve gaming concepts. Many computerbased simulations are in tedious spreadsheet formats or involve on-site workshops, which can take up several days and might include computers to access “company” information. Due to their expense, these simulations are usually limited to senior managers. To create more engaging, broadly available and cost-effective simulations, a shift from traditional approaches via integration of Flexibility cubed. Solving your educational support and logistics puzzle is only a few simple clicks away. Finding the right locations, at the right time, with the right equipment – planning business education can be a puzzle. MicroTek has your solution – flexible, cost-efficient, on-demand business education facilities & services. MicroTek merges technology with hospitality to provide the optimal learning environment. World-class facilities, state-of-the-art computer hardware, responsive IT support. And yes, even the coffee. We can place you in any of our 3,000 classrooms in over 250 locations worldwide. And with our exclusive online Tracker ® reservation system, you can keep track of the details of your event, every step of the way. Just the right place. The right time. The right size. All you need to do is show up and teach. To learn more about solving your business education puzzle, call us today at 1-800-207-9620. Just show up and teach.™ Business Education Facilities www.mclabs.com/clo © Copyright MicroTek 2006 http://www.mclabs.com/clo http://www.mclabs.com/clo

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Chief Learning Officer - February 2008 Editor's Letter Table of Contents Business Impact Trends Best Practices Effectiveness Guest Editorial Learning Solutions Home Depot: Building Better Associates CLO Profile Environment Realizing the Vision of “One Philips” Tactics Sun Microsystems’ Next-Generation Worker Video Game Recruiting Tool Productivity The Regence Group: Blended Measurement Human Capital NASA: A Case Study in Technical Leadership Development Case Study Business Intelligence Advertisers' Index Editorial Resources In Conclusion

Chief Learning Officer - February 2008

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