The Challenges of Developing Training Programs for Generation Next

Training in many organizations as well as the US military has traditionally been developed using some version of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) or Systems Approach to Training (SAT) models. These training development models, which consist of five phases, Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, are very systematic and concentrate on developing technical subject matter in a logical manner that is efficient and cost effective. However, today the design of technical training programs has become much more challenging due to the new value systems of today’s Generation Next and their comfort with and expectations of various new technologies. These “20somethings” have been using technology since pre-school. Now, as adults, they are comfortable using it in creative ways that are “fun” and demand much more from the technology whether for entertainment or training. This is posing a dilemma because many of those currently employed to develop training programs were taught to use “traditional” training media and methodologies and do not understand or feel comfortable with all the capabilities available in the new training technologies. This article suggests how training designers must not only learn to use technology but also change their philosophical perspective in order to enable the Gen Next students to take control over their learning and make the complicated feel simple.