Change

'One of the biggest challenges companies face when navigating new-age marketing channels is anticipating how long technologies and social-media sites will stay relevant. It wasn't that long ago, after all, that MySpace was the social media site. It was soon overshadowed by Facebook, but as older generations flock to Facebook, Rach said, the under-30 crowd is seeking alternatives.'

After reading that quote in the article, Hotels struggle to harness the power of social media, I couldn't help but think how we - instructional designers - face a similar dilemma. We are also concerned with how to harness the ever changing technology.

I think part of the answer is in the quote - you look to the younger generation for the latest trends. Sure, what they think is cool may not make it to the big leagues, but it's a good means of keeping tabs on what may come into the spotlight.

The other part of the equation is being readily open and flexible - organizations need to be open to new possibilities and then adapt to them quickly if they want to survive. For the most part, these should be characteristics that the organizations already have if they are successfully in business. They just may need to be prepared to make faster changes as technology improves.

Similarly, instructional designers will need to be prepared to do the same. If they are familiar with new technology, they will be better prepared to incorporate the tools into a learning context. They should also be open to change. Expecting it.

It may also be beneficial for IDers to be versed in change management, so they can more effectively manage a change in technology use (from pitch to sustained implementation) by their employer or clients.