training and development - look into future

[Jenny Filsell]

How will we be undertaking professional development next century? What should a training and development facility look like 10 years down the track? I have urgent need of your opinions. We are renovating a new site with conference area of 2700 square metres and we have to brief the architect. 

Much navel gazing is needed. Please join me.

Will room videoconferencing be superseded or merely supplemented by multi-point audio or video over the Internet. Will most meetings be virtual. Will communication (across the ENTIRE state) be serviced by ISDN, cable, satellite or hybrid media. What will be the takeup of online training & development, virtual conferences, virtual collaborative communities?

I know the 2700 sm needs to provide flexible conference and meeting "room" spaces but with what technology do we equip them? A portable podium with built in video projector, OHP, document viewer, cable connection, mike, video-TV, light control and so on which plugs into flexible floor outlets or do we go for the video projector in the ceiling type of architecture for some spaces. And what do you find best for an auditorium, back lit projection or the more common standard projection from the front.

I welcome input on all or part or references to contacts who have experience in the area.

Jenny Filsell
Online Training and Development
Department for Education and Children's Services