808 - Schoolhouse Rock, CES Nuggets, Video Grows Radically
January 8, 2014 Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 8, 2014.
#808 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,339 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
1. Schoolhouse Rock - 41 Years Old & Powerful!
2. CES Nuggets Curated from Vegas - Shifts in Tech Market.
3. Video Grows Radically for Learning.
1. Schoolhouse Rock - 41 Years Old & Powerful! Yesterday, I read a great Twitter message from Billy Porter, the star of Kinky Boots (one of our Broadway production investments). Billy was highlighting that it was the 41st birthday of the start of Schoolhouse Rock. I immediately got a huge smile - remembering the short videos that combined music, learning, animation and spirit to teach kids (and adults) cool things. Schoolhouse Rock was one of my introductions to what media and learning could do to make learning fun and engaging. Here are two of my favorite Schoolhouse Rock videos:
* I am Just a Bill! A lesson in the way that Congress operates (at least in those days): http://youtu.be/tyeJ55o3El0 .
* Conjunction Junction! A grammar lesson that still vibrates in my brain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPoBE-E8VOc .
Happy Birthday Schoolhouse Rock! And, thanks to Billy Porter for the reminder. Say Yeah!!
2. CES Nuggets Curated from Vegas - Shifts in Tech Market. Every January, I either attend or remotely curate tech announcements and nuggets coming from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This year, I have been chatting with several colleagues and reporters at CES and here are some early impressions:
* Gadget Spending Dropping. There is a $13 Billion drop in technology gadget spending … even though interest in mobile and apps are going up. Why? Most analysts see that folks now have a very high tech smart phone that can take video, photos, GPS readings and a range of options. Consumers are not saying, “Give me a new gadget to buy.” They want better and faster and more personalized functionality - on existing devices.
* 4X Video and Cloud, Cloud, Cloud. Personally, I am intrigued by two themes. In the video world, 4X is now going to be highly affordable. A major jump in resolution and definition will be available in a corporate video device that is only $1,400 (which was previously in the $90,000 range). We will explore the ways that 4X might be useful in simulations and other high def learning moments. And, the conversations about Cloud, Cloud and Cloud are intriguing, especially as we see the ability to easily integrate software as a service from multiple vendors in the cloud.
* Wearables. As one of Google’s Explorers, I have been fascinated and, in some ways, underwhelmed with wearables. I don’t use my digital watch (too heavy, awkward and not overly helpful). I am intrigued with health and wellness wearables. I am waiting for the next generation of both Google Glass and other wearable glasses, contact lens inventions and more. There may be ways in which wearables will quite helpful with work learning, OJT and coaching. The idea of a work Performance Support system embedded in a wearable is intriguing. Yet, there are Big Data issues and privacy concerns to watch. I am monitoring a few of the announcements this week on wearables and will send an update at the end of the week.
3. Video Grows Radically for Learning. We are tracking significant growth in the offering and use of video for learning at the workplace. We are filling up my upcoming Video and Learning LAB that will be offered in Saratoga Springs in February. Here are the details:
Video and Learning LAB.
Elliott Masie, Facilitator and Host.
MASIE Center - Saratoga Springs, NY, USA.
February 10 to 12, 2014.
Spend 3 intense days in our Video and Learning LAB exploring how organizations are adding a wide range of video resources for learning in the workplace. Together, we will explore video content segments, User Content, video in the Classroom, chat/video conferencing for access to expertise, video storage and search, and a wide range of topics. Come to Saratoga Springs for 3 days in February and roll up your sleeves to explore the changing world of Video and Learning! Details and registration (space is limited) at: http://www.masie.com/videolab
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014
email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie
MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie