I’ve struggled (so it feels) with the issue of centralized vs. decentralized…enterprise-wide vs. Internet style. Today some thoughts gelled to clarify the issue.
I associate centralized data handling with enterprise-wide initiatives. These may be large elearning implementations, content management, etc. These initiatives have value based on the objectives they most often achieve: standardization, structured, organization, secure, complex…basically management/control tools.
I associate decentralized with Internet style. These are separate, but connected pockets of activity. Objectives of these initiatives are: foster creativity, interaction, knowledge sharing, community building…basically tools for end-users.
When I extend these characteristics to learning…I’m leery of enterprise-wide, standardized elearning…largely because life doesn’t work that way…and because the model being used (centralized/enterprise wide) is best used for management and control – traits quite antithetical to learning.
Learning is more an environment than a process. Environments are fostered…processes are managed. As a result, when it comes to learning, I’m in favour of Internet-style, decentralized, simple, connected activities – these foster an ecosystem of innovation, creativity and learning.
Choice=diversity=ecosystem of innovation=longevity/relevance in a rapidly changing environment. Enterprise-wide projects (which are great for accounting, managing customers, etc.), by nature, cut choice off at the knees…
Basically, when we over-standardize/organize elearning…we have selected the wrong tool for the task: we’re managing when we should be fostering…which is why flexible tools like blogs, wikis, community-building software tools are better for learning…as compared to Learning Management Systems.