What is Learning Innovation?

My impetus for taking Web 2.0 was to learn the latest in learning technologies and innovation. Corporations are always challenging us to be innovative. And, recently I saw a job posting with the word “Innovation” in the job title and I wonder if this term will start to trend.  As newer technologies continue to emerge, we, as learning professionals, will be constantly asked to be innovative. Every year, we will have to outdo the last and keep re-inventing the wheel. But, how can we do this effectively, without being exhausted once we realize that every year, we have to change.

I really wanted to understand what “Innovation” meant. So, I searched the Internet and found a great handbook by the Center on Innovation in Learning, which you can find here: http://www.centeril.org/handbook/resources/fullchapter/What_is_an_Innovation_SA.pdf. What’s great is that Redding et. al mentions that an innovation in learning does not necessarily have to involve technology. In fact, all we have to do, is define the standard, define the new way and then determine that the new way is better. So, generally speaking, if a plan is tweaked slightly, we have “innovated” the plan. I think this concept helps me become less overwhelmed about being “innovative.”

I have worked in a variety of settings and innovative has meant different things in each setting. In an environment, with only classroom-based training, adding muti-media to the training or adding elearning courses was innovative. In an environment, with classroom-based training, and elearning courses, social collaboration and personalized learning was innovative. So, as I think about how I can incorporate different Web 2.0 tools, I am thinking about how I can best layer them onto the pedagogical framework that is already in place. What do you think of Learning Innovation? Have you seen this term before or seen job postings lately referencing this term? Do you feel compelled to be innovative?