Training Industry Quarterly - Summer 2011 - (Page 38)

TRACKING TRENDS | KEVIN OAKES WEB 3.0 REPRESENTS A SHIFT IN HOW PEOPLE INTERACT WITH THE WEB WEB 3.0: TRANSFORMING LEARNING he growing role of technology in organizational learning is both a boon and a burden. While the benefits of emerging technologies are broad and unprecedented, it is nearly impossible for most learning professionals to keep pace with the rapid evolution of these tools. Even as today’s technology experts discuss artificial intelligence, immersive virtual worlds, and the future of mobile devices, many organizations are still wrestling with how best to leverage online learning. Research my firm conducted recently showed that learning departments have not fully adopted many of the tools, technologies and concepts associated with Web 2.0, and yet the next evolution – often referred to as Web 3.0 – is now upon us. Not sure what Web 3.0 is? It’s Ok, it’s a little confusing. Most pundits categorize Web 3.0 as a range of Internet-based services and technologies that include components such as natural language search, forms of artificial intelligence, software agents that make recommendations to users and the application of context to content. Rather than a collection of technologies or applications that can be purchased or in38 T stalled, Web 3.0 represents a shift in how people interact with the Web. Recently we conducted a new study on how organizations are using Web 3.0 in learning. In the study, we break Web 3.0 into three basic components. The first component is what is most commonly referred to as the Semantic Web. This is a vision of the Internet in which software can understand the meaning of data and use natural language searches. The Semantic Web is a customized experience; information is tailored to the users’ needs, location and identity. Unfortunately in the vast majority of companies this is not what most employee’s experience. All too often, internal search results do not provide the best answers and the information is often only partially related to what an employees needs. Web 3.0 technologies offer the promise of smarter searches with bet-ter, more targeted results. The second component is the Mobile Web, which will allow users to experience the Web seamlessly as they move from one device to another. Not surprisingly, most interaction will take place on mobile Web 3.0 will likely have an impact on learning in the near future To what extent do you think Web 3.0 will have a positive impact on learning in your organization three years from now? Very high extent High extent Moderate extent Small extent Not at all Don’t know 2.9% 16.2% 28.6% 28.1% 7.0% 17.3% 0 10% 20% 30% TrainingIndustry Quarterly, Summer 2011 / A Training Industry, Inc. ezine / www.trainingindustry.com/TIQ http://www.trainingindustry.com/TIQ

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Quarterly - Summer 2011

Training Industry Quarterly - Summer 2011
The Formula for Performance
Table of Contents
Ad Index
Training for Transformation
Working Smarter: New Ways of Learning
Classroom Training: 7 Scary Problems
Technical Training: Where Does it Belong?
Social Learning: Focus on Collaboration
Performance Management: Focus on People…and Profit
Adding Social Media Tools to Learning Portfolios: 10 Questions to Consider
Bridging the Gap: Training and Business Results
Managing Knowledge in High Performance Organizations
UPS
Web 3.0: Transforming Learning
The Soft Touch

Training Industry Quarterly - Summer 2011