This graphic tries to illustrate how various technology layers have, over time*, allowed for the development of new information tools. The rate of tool development is growing exponentially, leaving many people and institutions confused, trying to catch-up, and wondering how to cope. Some organizations are making the most of these disruptive times, as are some individuals. Others are not and will soon become irrelevant. What will differentiate the winners from the losers?

Not too long ago, an information worker or student could get along fine and keep up with their colleagues using a handful of well-known and well-understood tools. Every office worker was familiar with the telephone, filing cabinet, word processor, e-mail, calculator and spread sheet. When a new tool came out, it was soon adopted by all.

Students used textbooks and expected their teachers and schools to tell them what to know. They went to the library for information, and later, used Google to find stuff.

An handful of well-known tools kept people and companies working and learning at similar rates. No longer is this the case. The rapidly growing toolbox has made some knowledge workers much more productive than others–some² say twenty times more productive. When observing optimum learners, one can see that they have figured out how to manage their own learning environments, using just the right tools when needed. The productivity gap and learning gap keeps widening.

Information technologies are having a significant impact on how people work, play, gain information, and collaborate. Increasingly, those who use technology in ways that expand their global connections are more likely to advance, while those who do not will find themselves on the sidelines. 2009 Horizon Report -Key Trends-

In an upcoming post, I’ll argue how it’s not a learning style but a learning attitude that will help us cope with–and ultimately take advantage of–all the new tools available today.

*Don’t get all technical on me about the exact dates. They are only approximations.
² Jay Cross – Informal Learning, 2007