What is innovation - does learning or technology drive it.

Before starting on my research around the subject, I asked myself, and my techie partner what true innovation in learning was. We immediately hit the dilemma - is it about the technology or the learning itself? It was a heated debate (as it often is , as we both like to play devil's advocate and we both like to be right!). I believed it was doing an old thing in a new way, maybe supported by technology. He felt that technology can be the driver and the impetus towards innovation.
I also realised that I came to this argument free from the constraints of institutional education, as the training I am involved in is more informal learning. It has a purpose and principles , but is not constrained in the way that learning within education establishments might be. I have no knowledge of teaching practices at all, so it will be interesting to see what my fellow course mates say.

I have always believed that technology supports those processes, but I guess that new technology and innovations in technology can lead to innovations in learning  and work hand in hand. But is this an enhancement of the process rather than innovation? I have had systematic planning drummed into me, (we are all best friends with NAOMIE) and know that often people get carried away by the method, before thinking about the aims and objectives. By the way, the techie thought that Sesame Street was the best learning innovation from his childhood.

Rich and Holtman seem to suggest that using technology enhances the learning experience, and allows for a more holistic approach.  Twenty years have gone by since this study and one wonders if the same barriers to engaging with technology still stand? Although the Generation Y may be techno savvy, and using technology in their everyday lives, it's the Boomers and X'ers that are the teachers and trainers, and I think there may still be some resistance in the embrace. Often this can be due to changing an organisational culture. I certainly see this a lot with the Scout Association. Trainers are training the things they like themselves - not the things that inspire others.

It also struck me when reading this, when does innovation become part of  the everyday? When is technology new to its audience? What is technologically innovative to a group of software designers maybe completely alien to another demographic. I know that we still have members who don't own computers, and others who use facebook as an everyday means of communication.

Luck and Laurence highlighted some key points, some of which I have already questioned. Did the technology make a difference or did having the technology facilitate the use of different methods?  It sounds like the session were  met positively because they were different - they used a different methodology and different people to engage with the students. This is something that I have heard a lot recently. Can we get trainers from another County to come and deliver? New faces seem to be equated with better experiences. Having someone you don't see every day can have more of an impact. I think people would love it if there was a guest speaker from  Headquarters once a month.
The article highlighted that different experiences can be exciting in themselves.

It also highlight a problem encountered by many - that technology needs the support behind it, to ensure it works to it's best advantage.  Often technology can be high risk and disruptive, but does the excitement of using of using it overcome the downfalls. I think it depends on the individual.

I was left with the question - do we shape the development and innovation of technology in learning through our needs, and thus make it better and easier to use?