I had a conversation the other day with a fellow trainer. We had talked about what it was like when we did training, just five years ago (when we met). Even over that short a time period, technology has changed and adjusted so much. The speed of major changes is what I cannot seem to get used to, which may be a sign of getting older.
After our conversation, I started thinking about where computing/learning/technology is going to be 5 and even 10 years from now. I honestly do not even know that I can imagine fully what technology will be morphed into at that point. I can make a few guesses, though. I thought it would be interesting to pull this post out years from now and see if I was anywhere close to right on any of my ideas. Maybe I will make my own time capsule.
I think that mobility, flexibility, and customizability (is that a word?) are the characteristics of what computing and technology will look like. I can see now that I rely on so much of the cloud computing and file saving away from my main computer/laptop. I know that my home base is still my home laptop. But, I access most of my applications and files from their location, not on my laptop hard drive.
I believe that like myself, more and more people are going to be transitioning to a cloud computing concept where files, music, email, etc. is all contained in a place that is easily accessible from all of our mobile devices. My next purchase will not be another laptop, but will be a tablet device. Many more of us are using our smart phones to supplement our laptop/desktops right now.
I can see the shift so that even more of our work is completed on mobile devices, too. Right now, most of us are still tethered to our primary workstation. That may change in the next few years, though.
As far as training goes, I can see some learning organizations moving to more open content that is dissected using learning analytics to assess and assign numbers to what and how we are learning. I also see many online training programs allowing customization of personal learning environments.
I like the idea of adjusting how my learning environment looks to be able to make a better structure for me to allow for my style of learning. However, I am not as crazy about trying to put numbers on all parts of the learning process. Just because I may not like it, does not make it any less likely to happen, though. We have seen this transition in the K-12 and college levels, so it makes sense that it would make its way into corporation/organizational learning, too.
As we move into 2012, we must realize that reduced budgets and increased need for technology skills will propel many of the changes we see within the next five years. I have told you my ideas on where we are headed. Write a comment and let me know what you think!
I recently read a blog where someone listed the useful things he learned in 2010. I thought that was a great way to reflect back on the year and evaluate your progress. I like to take the time to look back on each year, but frankly 2010 was my busiest year ever. I honestly had not taken the time like I usually do to compare where I started, where I ended, and what happened along the way. 
I really, really like this time of year. After enduring the hot summer, I love the cooler weather and all of the Fall/Winter holidays. I also like how people’s attitudes seem to change some during this time of year. They are more thankful, giving and caring.
