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New research shows increased adoption of interactive technology in adult training

The results of a new survey into presentation tools and behaviour indicate a growing marketplace for interactive technology outside the education sector, revealing that over one in ten professionals (12%) use interactive technology to support their presentations.

Steve Dracup, managing director of research sponsor, Promethean AV Distribution, said: “The adoption of interactive solutions in new markets is clearly growing, particularly in sectors such as health and the emergency services where visual display is critical."

The interactive whiteboard is the most widely used interactive tool, functioning as an electronic flipchart that allows people to control a PC through a whiteboard, both to annotate over pre-prepared material and brainstorm ‘live’ in an electronic environment.

The survey of 2000 people was undertaken by YouGov on behalf of interactive technology distributor Promethean AV Distribution, and presentation coaches The Confident Club.

"As a major player in the interactive presentation market, we realised we needed a more accurate picture of public awareness and use of interactive technology in a corporate context," said Dracup. "The results have surprised us and indicate that take-up of interactive tools in the adult presentation and training environment is accelerating."

In 2004, 15% of products distributed via Promethean AV Distribution were sold outside the education sector, compared to just 5% in 2003.

"The benefits of interactive technology that have been proven in education – such as increased audience involvement and retention of material – are just as relevant to the adult training and presentation environment," said Dracup.

"The idea of one way communication where delegates are passive recipients of information is increasingly being recognised as out of date and ineffective, and people are turning to interactive technology as a way of engaging their audience.

"People have to give presentations as part of their job and a third of respondents believe that better presentation skills would equate to faster career progression.

"One of the keys of interactive technology is that it makes presenting material fun and innovative. While it will never be the whole answer in terms of transforming people’s attitudes to presenting, the experience of users so far shows that it can contribute positively to transforming a presentation environment."

YouGov Survey Results:

*Responses account for the 48% of respondents who give presentations as part of their work.

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