Smart failure for a fast-changing world- updated

In a presentation at Ted Talks Obeng (2012) indicated that our environment changes at a faster rate than we can learn about the change. The presenter emphasized the need to address the gap between the pace of change and the pace of learning about the change. The pace of change due to creativity, innovation and risk supersedes our pace of learning. The world is changing at an accelerating speed, yet our response to change is based on our understanding of the meanings of the rules about our world



While we are busy interacting with our world, the rules may change due to creative thinking or innovative idea. We may respond to the new change based on our past knowledge. So even though we are reacting to today’s changes, our decisions, behavior and actions may be based on what we know yesterday. Our think tanks should study innovation strategy which addresses the gap between the pace of change and the pace of learning about the change. Influencing forces include Global paradigm shifts and cultural impact on knowledge acquisition (learning). Obeng, E. (2012). Smart failure for a fast-changing world. Ted Talks. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/eddie_obeng_smart_failure_for_a_fast_changing_world.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/eddie_obeng_smart_failure_for_a_fast_changing_world.html

Smart failure for a fast-changing world.

In a presentation at Ted Talks Obeng (2012) indicated that our environment changes at a faster rate than we can learn about the change. The presenter emphasized the need to address the gap between the pace of change and the pace of learning about the change. The pace of change due to creativity, innovation and risk supersedes our pace of learning.  The world is changing at an accelerating speed, yet our response to change is based on our understanding of the meanings of the rules about our world. While we are busy interacting with our world, the rules may change due to creative thinking or innovative idea. We may respond to the new change based on our past knowledge. So even though we are reacting to today’s changes, our decisions, behavior and actions may be based on what we know yesterday. Our think tanks should study innovation strategy which addresses the gap between the pace of change and the pace of learning about the change.

Obeng, E. (2012).  Smart failure for a fast-changing world. Ted Talks. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/eddie_obeng_smart_failure_for_a_fast_changing_world.html

Game Based Learning in Higher Education

Game based leaning involves the use of gaming models to augment learning in the higher education industry. Game based leaning is emerging as an innovative approach in engaging students in challenge based and active learning environments. The gaming models may be individual or group based and may be played online or on ground. The gaming models which support collaboration have deeper influence on learning outcome (Johnson, Adams and Cummins, 2012).   Emerging internet, cloud, browsers and gaming design technologies are driving the success of the game based learning innovation.

 Fig. 1 Embedded learning game 4 extracted from knowledgedirectweb.com knowledgedirectweb.com

Johnson, Adams and Cummins (2012) reported that game based leaning “makes learning experiences more engaging for students, while at the same time improving important skills, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking”. The adoption of game based leaning is challenged by resistance to change regarding moving from tradition learning methods to using new technologies. There is also the need for providers to satisfy the emerging demands and quality.  The emergence of the game based learning innovation is driven by technological advancements and pressures from the need for engaging, active and collaborative learning methods in the higher education industry. Yet the acceptance of the innovation is limited by resistance to new ways of learning using technology and economical limitations.

The Delphi approach used involved review of current articles, interviews, papers, and new research to identify and rank trends that are currently affecting teaching, learning, and creative inquiry in higher education (Johnson, Adams and Cummins, 2012). The accuracy of the richness of the information could have been improved if a second step involving a quantitative testing of the identified trends using a quasi experimental design to verify if they are indeed pertinent (Okoli & Pawlowski, 2004).

Johnson, L., Adams, S., and Cummins, M. (2012).The NMC Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Okoli, C. & Pawlowski, S. D. (2004).The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design consideration and application. Information & management42, 15-29