I have recently had conversations with Margaret Regan and Sumaya Kazi about how the virtual platform, Second Life, is being used for a variety of training purposes.

When I describe Second Life to my clients, they respond by saying…Oooohhh…sounds odd.  But…as you look more closely at what companies and universities are doing, it really makes sense.  This all reminds me of the Sims Game, and my kids learned a great deal about cause and effect and making life, financial and career choices by playing the game.

So, if you want some ideas on the subject, check out these articles:

Great Article in Wired Mag on Wii and Second Life becoming a Training Simulator

Kapp Notes blog entry

Mauritius: Mauritians pioneer emergency preparedness training in second life

“The world has changed, and it’s not turning back.”
~DK of MediaSnackers

The “new media” — Internet, mobile technology, interactive television — has redefined mass communication. While older generations are trying to learn, adapt, and basically keep up with youth in this area, Gen Y’ers are taking to all these formats seamlessly. Blogging, podcasts, and vodcasts (video blogs) are supplanting traditional channels. The speed with which these messages are delivered feeds right into the Gen Y desire for instant gratification.

But with all these advances happening overnight, training in the technology has become a must. MediaSnackers, a UK based company dedicated to helping organizations work with young people to generate new strategies and operations in social media, has risen to the challenge, incorporating the “quick bits” learning and processing style of Gen Y.  The company works with young people to train them to use the new media, as well as instilling a sense of responsibility about the global impact of their efforts.

The company’s founder is as unique as the organization itself. DK — that’s his entire moniker — knows how Gen Y’ers learn, what they expect from technology, and how the new media unleashes their creativity. The colorful UK native works within the gap between the Gen Y’ers, who are embracing this technology at the speed of sound, and their confused managers, who are still stumbling with new media.

We had the privelege last year to interview DK of MediaSnackers for The Gen Y Project (Check out their impressive 2008 pro bono project here). DK has very generously opted to not have his chapter appear in our book but to be given away as a bonus chapter to help each of you in supporting Generation Y in their development in the future.

Download the bonus chapter featuring DK of MediaSnackers here.  This is a great chapter, so thank-you DK!

Listen to the interview with DK for The Gen Y Project:

 

 DK of Media Snackers [63:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If you enjoyed this interview with DK, you are going to love the book Millennial Leaders.  Pick up a copy today through Amazon.com.