Excited about Learning Technologies? We are. After being energised at Online Educa in December for the year upcoming, it's now the turn of Learning Technologies to capture our enthusiasm for 21st century workplace learning. For me, the event is at the perfect time of year. It gives you something to work towards in January, a month that could easily be a directionless write-off after a hectic festive period. But this two-day at Kensington Olympia ensures that you star the year with a bang. And this year, as with every year, the keynotes are unmissable. Just as he was putting his finishing touches to his Prezi/PowerPoint/OHP slides, I got five minutes with Beau Lotto about his keynote speech that kicks off day two of the event.  

Tell us about your keynote at Learning Technologies.

We’ll be exploring the idea that there’s nothing creative about creativity. Rather, creativity is only creative when viewed from the outside. We’ll also discuss the two major challenges to seeing differently: fear and ignorance.

Given this is an event that focuses around technology, do you think creativity can be hindered by technology as well as helped by it, and what can we do about this?

The important thing is to lead through questions, not through technology. But technology can create a new space for asking questions. 

A lot of people believe that you are born with a creative mindset. Do you agree with this or do you think creativity is a skill that can be developed?

People are diverse, and this is a good thing. Some are more willing and able to do what’s necessary to see differently. But we all have the possibility of being creative...as it can be developed - given that many lose the inherent capacity. 

If you ever find yourself in a creatively redundant place, how do you get out of it?

With a question.

Beau Lotto is director of Lottolab. Lottolab Studio is the world’s first public perception research space.