Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning : Tools and Techniques for Transferring Know-How from Boomers to Gamers

As the members of the baby boomer generation retire, scientists, CEOs, nuclear technicians, doctors, senior trainers, and other highly skilled individuals are taking with them all of their expertise. Simultaneously, a new generation of employee (dubbed "gamers") is entering the workforce with a different focus and learning style. For the first time, our workplace will experience the invasive influence of video games, Internet surfing, blogging, and podcasting. Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Learning is an innovative book that provides practical and original solutions to the impending boomer/gamer knowledge and skills transfer gap. The book outlines how gamer values such as the use of cheat codes, the love of gadgets, the need to play games, and the desire to be constantly connected can be used as methods for moving information from the heads of the boomers to the fingertips and gadgets of the gamers. As organizations begin to think strategically about how to attract, retain, and train new talent, this book will be an invaluable resource. Author Karl Kapp includes a list of techniques for re casting existing training and computer systems into tools that will bridge the gap between the boomers and the gamers. The book reveals the new methods that are being used successfully in a variety of settings such as the entertainment, game, and electronics industries. Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Learning offers valuable new information on the use of atypical learning and performance support methods?such as the use of Flash mobs and cheat codes, video iPods, and even instant messaging and blogging. The book debunks the notion that the "toys" and "bad habits" of gamers have a negative impact on the workplace. Instead, the book describes how these items can actually be used to achieve an advantage by savvy, innovative organizations. The book also shows how to sell these "radical" concepts to upper management and executives who are typically boomers with a completely different perspective than gamers.