As the oilfield approaches the long-awaited Big Crew Change and numbers of Generations X and Y employees continue to grow, organizational learning is beginning to reflect this change. Today’s new hires tend to have high levels of computer literacy and actively using mobile technology, cloud computing, geo-coded data such as Google Earth, personalized web sites such as Facebook and Linked-In, semantic-aware applications, smart objects and web 2.0 technologies. Naturally, this workforce readily embraces the use of cutting-edge technologies in the work environment as well as for communication and learning. High levels of comfort with cutting-edge computer and network technologies enable us to develop and implement a greater variety of effective learning solutions. The use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) has become quite common- place and a growing number of early adopters are now implementing Learning Content Development Systems (LCMS) to ensure the effective development and management of rapidly expanding learning libraries. Through use of the above-mentioned cutting-edge technologies and compatible technical standards as well as the rapidly growing number of user-friendly authoring tools, organizations are able to develop and deliver quality, effective learning solutions. Moreover, the use of web conferencing tools and information mapping environments enable project teams to work well across geographical and time boundaries. The role of the instructional designer is changing. Facing high demand and close deadlines, instructional designers are spending less time developing learning materials and more on guiding and supporting teams of subject-matter experts through the instructional design process. Instead of working on one or two projects, the typical instructional designer manages several project teams. Through these expert-driven learning solutions, organizations are able to move a significant portion of organizational learning back into the field – and as learning becomes increasingly embedded, organizations are able to cut back on time away from the job and reduce time to market.
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