Futurist: Adding Fun to Training
I've shared several columns on my AURA training model, but I don't need to discuss the importance of fun. There are various theories about adult learning, and one that stands out is that adults learn quickly and effectively when humor is involved. However, they also learn better when the learning process is enjoyable. We all have jobs, which can sometimes diminish the fun. Therefore, a core component of any organization looking to implement the awareness phase of the AURA model is to ensure that the process is enjoyable.
The goal of the awareness phase is to initiate the learning process. When this is done in a fun way, it increases the likelihood of effective learning. Fun helps alleviate stress, making it easier to engage with the material. Moreover, it's crucial to introduce interesting and valuable topics to the participants. Fun is a bridge to learning, allowing adults to better retain and build upon information when they feel comfortable.
To facilitate this, I have created a fun module, now referred to as Lesson Zero. This module includes activities that individuals can engage in before starting formal training. Again, the objective is to help people prepare, and I will launch lesson zero soon.
Additionally, I have updated the tools lesson, which I've managed to do in under five minutes. Numerous tools have been released rapidly in the past four to five months. While some of these tools focus on traditional development activities, others emphasize creativity. For example, how can I use my lesson on stellar creativity to generate images? When it comes to PowerPoint presentations, I prefer using images over text. I learned long ago that a slide filled with text typically causes the audience to disengage. This happens because they begin to read the slides rather than listen. Although the human brain is a remarkable multitasking tool, it often struggles to read and listen simultaneously.
As I mentioned earlier and will continue to emphasize, the goal is not to overwhelm individuals but to provide a simple path for them to understand the reasons behind their initial fears. The value of information and knowledge lies in removing the aspects that intimidate people in their daily activities.
Ultimately, fun plays a crucial role in learning. It reduces the challenges associated with acquiring new skills. Training adults can be particularly difficult, as they often need to unlearn habits formed over many years—sometimes 10, 20 years, or more. There is an educational theory stating that it takes approximately 10,000 hours to master a skill. Many individuals have likely spent 10,000 hours on their jobs, performing them similarly for years. Machine intelligence offers a new perspective on how we use information daily. It's essential to view AI, or as I prefer to call it, machine intelligence, as a non-threatening concept. The easiest way to dispel fear is to make the learning process enjoyable.