Learning is About Exploring New Worlds

Learning is a funny thing. Ask the average person what learning looks like, and chances are you’ll get some sort of answer that matches a scenario in which they were being taught. That’s how most people define things – using frames of reference from personal experiences.

This framework for defining learning goes even further for trainers, instructional designers, and others working in the field of learning and performance. We generally deliver the types of programs that organizations ask for us; organizations that are led by people, people whose idea of what learning is has been shaped by their personal experiences of being taught.

The Endless Loop of “Learning”

Photo from Lauro Roger McAllister – http://bit.ly/1nJh1qB

We do a good job of delivering on those expectations, which is important considering the stakeholders we work with are often connected to those signing our paychecks. In doing this – continuously designing and building experiences that reinforce this limited idea of what learning looks like – we find ourselves in an endless loop.

As learning professionals, we need to be striving for more. We might be learning and improving our skills, but unless we find ways to break free of the seemingly endless loop of “what is”, we’ll never really move forward as individuals or as a field. It’s only by breaking free from the world we know that we can discover the infinite possibilities that exist in the universe of learning.

A Universe of Possibilities

While I hold great value for learning that helps me be more efficient with existing tasks, or that helps me develop deeper understanding of existing areas, that type of learning makes what’s within my current comfort zone stronger. I place greater value on the learning that extends my comfort zone and stretches me. It’s those experiences that help me break free of the gravity holding me on the world of “what is” and helps me explore the infinite possibilities of the ever-expanding learning universe.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve always looked forward to DevLearn each year. DevLearn is the place that I go to immerse myself in the learning universe. It’s where I go to connect with other explorers and to hear their stories – including the worlds they have explored and what they learned along the way. A visit to DevLearn is like spending a few days journeying around the universe of learning, taking in all the possibilities.

Three Views from Other Learning Worlds

This year’s DevLearn Conference and Expo is highlighted by three exceptional keynotes, each sharing a unique perspective from the vast learning universe.

The conference kicks off with renowned Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson taking us on a journey exploring the world of science, and how STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are shaping the future of work.

Day two of the conference begins with Dr. Beau Lotto examines the world of perception, exploring how our eyes and mind play tricks on us, and how those changes in perception can radically change how we learn.

DevLearn closes with Belinda Parmar, who will explore the world of technology, examining the differences between how we interact with technology in work, and how that differs from how we interact with technology as consumers.

Explore the New Learning Universe this October

Learning – real learning – is about exploring these new worlds. If you’re interested in expanding your comfort zone and exploring new worlds for learning, make your plans now to join us at the DevLearn Conference and Expo, taking place October 29-31 in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more about what makes DevLearn the must-attend conference each year? Check out the thoughts of regular attendees being shared in the “What I Love About #DevLearn”  blog series.