What upgrades or changes are necessary to provide better technology integration for adult learning opportunities?

As the Hilton is using SkillSoft as a platform for training, the assessment of what upgrades and changes are necessary to provide better technology integration for adults learning SkillSoft needs evaluation. Skillsoft uses learning management software and "SkillSoft provides and unparaleled learning experience by quickly delivering highly targeted learning through an innovative, cloud-based solution that connects formal, informal and collaborative learning, when and where people want to learn (SkillSoft 2012). They cover the technical bases from traditional face-to-face learning to social networking learning. SkillSoft has developed inGenius software that is "Social learning combining the power of social media technology with the appeal of a collaborative environment that encourages ongoing informal learning, knowledge sharing and transfer, and the development of in-house subject matter experts" (SkillSoft InGenius® 2012).

                                       

SNS is the latest technology and other academic establishments are slowly attempting to integrate it into their current programs. Skillsoft coupled with Hilton International bring innovation to adult education technology. The custom program developed by these two innovators has made the training program the top and most cost-effective programs available today. As more academic technological changes evolve, these two collaborators will continue to incorporate them as needed into their training programs.

SkillSoft inGenius® . (2012). Retrieved from http://www.skillsoft.com/products/inGenius/default.asp
Skillport (2012) Retrieved from http://www.skillsoft.com/products/SkillPort/default.asp
Skillport (2012) SkillPort 8: A revolution in learning, retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HfGR5QJiG0
    
                    

How does the Hilton address concerns such as the type and size of bandwidth and the capability of implementing Web 2.0 tools?

John Forrest Ales leads communication strategies for Hilton Hotels & Resorts and its portfolio of more than 540 hotels in 76 countries across six continents as senior director - global brand public relations for the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide (Hilton, 2012). Ales is responsible for managing the brand's global reputation; executing media and community relations; supporting brand marketing objectives and creating resources for hotels to excel in local markets (Hilton , 2012). 

Ales shaped strategies for a range of top consumer brands including Taco Bell, Hilton, Epson, Activision and Chevron at Cohn & Wolfe (Los Angeles). He focused on branding legislative and public policy agendas and managing domestic and international media interest in the state's recovery. He developed Louisiana's first Web site streamlining emergency preparedness and recovery information, advanced the state's historic use of text alerts for emergency communication and launched the first social media campaign of any U.S. Governor (Hilton, 2012).

The Hilton provides customer support, media accommodations and media inquiries to address concerns and the capability of implementing Web 2.0 tools. The Hilton requests their guest to send their e-mail comments or questions about Hilton hotels, Hilton HHonors®, or their Web site. Security and privacy are important issues to the Hilton Family of Brands. For the guests own privacy protection, Hilton encourages them not to include sensitive personal information in any emails they may send to the Hilton hotel (Hilton, 2012).

Hilton (2012) Media contacts: retrieved from http://www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com

Photo retrieved from http://hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=37

Hilton International’s Adult Education and Training Technology Management Process

Hilton International faced a problem of decentralization because of its vast size and footprint. "Hilton had 380 hotels worldwide and was represented in 66 countries (SkillSoft 2010)". The method they used to train their workforce was via the traditional classroom teaching modality. To overcome their issue of decentralization, Hilton International decided to collaborate with SkillSoft. According to their website, SkillSoft is a company who "provides on-demand training and e-learning solutions and offers customers the most comprehensive and current content in the e-learning industry along with a fully hosted, scalable and flexible platform" (SkillSoft Ireland Limited, 2012).

                                                                    

 Forming a partnership with a company like SkillSoft was a clever way for Hilton International to transition from a decentralized method of offering traditional classroom teaching in their various settings internationally. This maneuver enabled them to provide and adult education and training solution that was more cost-effective while allowing them to maintain the consitency of their brand internationally that would in essence provide them with a centralized training solution. Hilton International does not manage their e-learning technology: everyting interfaces with SkillSoft. "Hilton wanted to invest in content rather than costly learner management systems so the company opted to use SkillSoft's built in LMS, SkillPort. Both SkillSoft's courses and those supplied by other providers can be accessed through SkillPort, which has been branded and customized to Hilton's own specifations (SkillSoft, 2010)".

       SkillSoft (2010) Case study: Hilton International Hilton opens up learning to its employees worldwide. SkillSoft
        SkillSoft Ireland Limited (2012) Retrieved from http://www.skillsoft.com/about/ 
      Photo retrieved from http://www.skillsoft.com/

Managing technologies at the Hilton

What technologies are currently in use for Hilton Hotel Corporation?

     Hilton is one of the biggest if not the biggest name in hotel history.  The Hilton brand has been around since the early 1900’s.  The company is still around to this day because of commitment, leadership, and innovation in the hotel industry. Hilton is one of biggest companies in the world which means having the latest technology and the most skilled workers is.  Looking into Hilton's past we can see technology is a big part of the success in the company. Hilton is the first to create a central reservation office in the 1950’s. The reservation office was designed to make reservations by telephone, telegram, and teletype. 

                                                          

       The secret for remaining in the forefront of the hotel business, the Hilton understood the need in having a skilled work force to stay ahead of the changing needs of technology. Hilton work with five colleges offering of 2,500 programs for team members.  The program delivery for team members includes e-learning, webinars, eBooks and articles, classroom training, on-the-job training experiences, social learning, iPads and apps.  These deliveries originate in the Hilton Worldwide University, which comprises five different colleges. The colleges are Hotel, Owners, Commercial, Leadership, and General studies.
Retrieved from http://www.hiltonworldwide.com/
Photo retrieved from http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2007_08/011870.php