508 - Multimodal Learning: Trainers Sit Down?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 13, 2008.

#508 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.

Host, Learning Systems ‘08 - http://www.masie.com

1. Multimodal Learning Research.

2. Language Learning by iPod.

3. Trainer’s Tip: Sitting Down Changes the Room.

4. Learning Systems For Learners (Not Just Administrators).

1. Multimodal Learning Research: Cisco recently released a provocative paper entitled “MultiModal Learning Through Media: What The Research Says”. Last week, I was at a symposium with Charles Fadel, the Cisco global lead on Education, and he shared this research. It tackles a number of widely-held myths and assumptions about how people learn and the role of media in the education process. I would strongly urge you to download this PDF and read it:

http://www.masieweb.com/multimode

Send me a few comments and reactions to this paper and I will share them with TRENDS readers.

2) Language Learning by iPod: We are pleased to attach a recent paper by Learning CONSORTIUM Member Jonathan Kayes, the CLO of the CIA, focused on his experience using PodCasts for language training. He wrote this with Hank Horkoff of Praxis Language. I am deeply impressed with the emerging practice of using PodCasts for deep language training and learning. Check it out at:

http://www.masieweb.com/languagepods

3. Trainer’s Tip - Sitting Down Changes the Room. I just spent three days teaching our Learning Leadership Academy and sat down for most of the program. While most trainers usually spend the day on their feet to project energy and presence, it is interesting to experiment with sitting down. The discussions and tone of the sessions changed dramatically as myself and co-presenter Nigel Paine sat WITH the group rather than standing in front of them. Try it!

4. Learning Systems For Learners (Not Just Administrators): Imagine if you asked 100 of your learners to design a LMS or LCMS from scratch! What would they request as features, functions or “feel”? We are conducting this experiment in the four weeks leading up to our Learning Systems ‘08 event in Las Vegas in April. In our interviews, learners have been way more focused on these factors:

* Offer of Learning: How learners are offered learning opportunities.

* Ratings of Learning Choices: Not all learning content is equally great.

* Social Dimensions to Content: Linking authored content and real social learning.

* Style-Driven Content: Can the LMS know my style and preferences as a learner?

* Notes Derived From Content: Learners want some e-content to linger.

* Search-Based Learning: Adding Search functions to the LMS and LCMS.

We will expand this list at Learning Systems ‘08. Information and registration at http://www.learningsystems08.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie

emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:

* Learning Systems ‘08: April 9-11 - Las Vegas

* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando

Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com