Here’s an interesting question: Should technology be familiar (learn about it to maximize use) or should it be transparent to the user? I started thinking about this after reading a blog entry by Lynn, an experienced learning and development professional.

From my perspective, the answer is YES! Using Elluminate Live! as an example, there’s a learning curve to understand the functionality of the web collaboration environment. Then, as our clients tell us, the technology becomes transparent, allowing moderators and participants to focus on teaching and learning. So in this case, invisibility follows familiarity.

 Then there’s the question of universal design, as my colleague Gary poses in his blog entry of 4/2/07. Of course, the ultimate goal should be to build in accessibility from the beginning. Easy to say, harder to do. Take a look about what Elluminate has to say about accessibility.

 And as for Lynn’s car example, I have a different view. Much to the dismay of my husband, my interest in automotive technology stops at turning the key!

 - Beth for Elluminate