Innovation Center set to inspire future of learning Published May 4, 2009 By By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Much of military life may be by the book, but the new Air Education and Training Command Innovation Center promotes creative ideas on Airman training and education. Future Learning Division officials at Randolph AFB, Texas, opened the center's doors ceremoniously April 30 with congratulatory words by Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, AETC commander, and Maj. Gen. Erwin F. Lessel III, AETC Plans, Programs, Requirements and Assessments director. "The center will accelerate innovation and bring new ideas and technologies for our recruit, educate and train mission," General Lessel said before the event. Inspiration for this creative environment came from similar centers at leading universities and major corporations, said Larry Clemons, AETC Future Learning Division program manager. It is equipped with a $10,000 "electronic laboratory" for service members and civilians to use in their search for better ways to train and educate Airmen. A few of the features displayed in the 450 square-foot room include two "state-of-the-art," high-speed gaming stations with webcams, less-restrictive Internet connectivity for up to 14 team members, high-performance laptop computers, high-resolution flat-panel displays, informational kiosks, reading materials covering a wide variety of future learning topics, and a 16-foot wide white board for collaboration. The current average age of Airmen is 26-35, and nearly 39 percent of the force is below age 26. Digital technology is an additional resource many Airmen in these age ranges are familiar with using because of its prevalence. "For instance, if you are interested in serious gaming in education, we can demonstrate America's Army and the games on www.airforce.com," said Col. John Thompson, AETC Future Learning Division chief. "Similarly, if you are interested in virtual worlds, we can demo our MyBase sites or any of our sister services' virtual world sites." AETC launched MyBase, a virtual world on Second Life, Dec. 2, 2008, to offer people interested in learning about the Air Force a way to do so in a simulated 3-D environment from their home computers. In addition to promoting the Air Force, officials are developing a private site in a three-dimensional world for Airmen to virtually "attend" training courses without incurring travel expenses. The Innovation Center, designed specifically for "out of the box thinking," holds its first brainstorming session the day following its opening, with events such as a Global Learning Forum in MyBase to follow in the future, Colonel Thompson said. "We are excited about exploring new concepts and the art of the possible, and invite everyone interested in cutting-edge education and training to visit and participate in our AETC future learning initiatives," Gen. Lessel said. For more information about the center, call Mr. Clemons at 210-652-3194.