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Monday
Jan052015

861 - First Day of Work, Targeting and Personalization, CES Reports

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - January 5, 2015.
#861 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,793 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Video and Learning LAB - Feb. 10 to 12 - Saratoga Springs.

1. The First Work Day of 2015. How is it Different?
2. Targeting: The First Cousin of Learning Personalization.
3. Reports from The Tech/Gadget Show in Las Vegas.
4. Learning Innovation and the Marketplace - Video Clip.
5++ Thank You!

1. The First Work Day of 2015. How is it Different? I am curious how my Learning TRENDS colleagues approach today, the first day of work for most people in 2015. I am a big fan of two work days each year, days when I go into deep perspective about personal learning processes and also shifts in my business models. Those days are Labor Day - when I am still like a 7-year-old preparing for the start of school with fresh school supplies, a new notebook and the excitement of starting a learning year - and today, the first work day of a new year.

This morning, I had a staff meeting of the MASIE Center team and we focused on how 2015 would be different than 2014. Here are a few snippets:

* More Laughter! Learning can be a very serious topic; yet, laughter is key to making learning come alive. We will be adding more laughter and humor and fun perspectives to MASIE Center projects and events in 2015. Let’s use the AHA of HAHA to embrace the humanity and usability aspects of learning strategies.
* More Curation and Relationship Content! This year, we will focus more and more on curating REAL learning experiments and projects in actual large organizations. Let’s balance the press release avalanche of new product announcements from optimistic suppliers with real-world examples and even “autopsies” of learning changes in action.
* Simplicity: We are looking at each of our in-house and external-world-facing systems with an eye toward simplicity. Can we do that with a simpler, more agile and less complex process?

And, on a focus level, we will be delving deep into 3 topics in 2015: Gamification & Learning: The Ups and Downs; Digital Trust; and Learning Strategy Shifts. Stay tuned! We will do those with gusto.

2. Targeting! The First Cousin of Learning Personalization: One of the key themes that we are hearing from Chief Learning and Talent Officers in larger organizations is TARGETING!

A first cousin of Learning Personalization, Targeting is the process by which:

* The Learner.
* The Manager of the Learner.
* The Teacher/Coach/On-The-Job Colleague.
* The System.

…might “target” the learning of the learner - in real time - based on:

* What They Really Need to Know That is New.
* What They Don’t Know Already.
* What They Can’t Just Look Up Online.
* What is a Performance Gap or Pattern.

The Learning Personalization conversation revolves around the choices and preferences of a learner. Targeting adds a second level of choice, selection and sequence to create a faster-to-competence pathway. As we explore Learning Personalization this year, we will be equally focused on Targeting and will watch the rising innovations in system assistance for learner confusion and content primacy.

3. Reports from The Tech/Gadget Show in Las Vegas: In the next few days, I will send out several special Learning TRENDS, curating reports from analysts, colleagues and journalists at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas where major new technologies are introduced, primed and sometimes exaggerated. We will give you some eyeball reactions to the technologies with a special emphasis on how Technology & Learning might intersect.

As a coming attraction, about 70% of the CES press releases are all about “wearables”. Anticipating the release of Apple’s Watch, there are competitors, collaborators and extenders of the Wearable World. We will also recount the role of 4K and Ultra Def in screens for the classroom.

4. Learning Innovation and Education - Elliott Video Clip. There is another video clip of an interview that I did recently on Learning Innovation, Education and the Marketplace - exploring in a few minutes our approach to tracking more rapid innovation processes. This was shot by BigThink and can be viewed at: http://bigthink.com/videos/eliot-masie-on-using-innovation-for-education

5++ Well, this is a special, quick Thank You to each of the over 50,000 Learning TRENDS readers. I have had the privilege of writing Learning TRENDS since November 1, 1997. It is an awesome honor to be in communication with so many learning colleagues from around the world. So, as part of a delayed New Year’s Greeting, here is a personal and warm thank you, Learning Trends Colleague. And, you can always reach me at emasie@masie.com or @emasie.com  


Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliott Masie’s LAB. - Jan 7 to 9, Saratoga Springs (2 Spots Remaining).
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 to 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning Summit.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategies LAB with Doug Lynch.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Sunday
Dec282014

860 - Tech After Holidays: 4K Learning, Cardboard VR, Tesla and iBeacons

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 28, 2014.
#860 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,789 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Innovations Retreat LAB - Jan 7 to 9, 2015.

Tech After The Holidays - High and Low Tech Aha’s!
1. 4K Learning - High Definition Curved Images.
2. Cardboard VR - Folding Paper, Phone & Virtual Reality.
3. Tesla Electric Disruption - A Driving Science Project.
4. Beacons Discovery - Oh, There You Are, Learner!

Tech After The Holidays - High and Low Tech Aha’s: After Christmas and Chanukah, many people explore the technology from their presents. I am now in our Learning LAB in Saratoga exploring low and high tech that might have implications for learning in the future. Here are some quick notes from Elliott the Learning Geek - with more to follow in January:

1. 4K Learning - High Definition Curved Images: We just opened up a new 65” Curved Screen, 4K Ultra Definition TV in our LAB. It is pretty amazing to see video played in Ultra 4K style, especially on a High Def Curved Screen. I have been experimenting with using the new screen - and a 4K camera - to bring images and experiences to new depths for a learner. For example, I watched a mountain climber show how she scaled the rocks using grips and ropes. The intensity of the images made it very different for me as a learner. Netflix and others are starting to stream 4K movies at a slight up charge. I can’t wait to make some trial video segments for learning. Here is a sample of the screen in our LAB: http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN65HU9000FXZA

2. Cardboard VR - Folding Paper, Phone & Virtual Reality: While we have the new Oculus Virtual Reality prototype now owned by Facebook, I was looking for a much lower cost and accessible option for Learning TRENDS readers. So, we wandered into the CARDBOARD world of Cardboard - a special project from Google. Take a formatted cardboard outline - purchased for just a few dollars or printed from a PDF - and fold it up to make a viewer that holds an Android or iPhone. You can view really powerful Virtual Images! This is an open source project and there are some wild experiments that include a concert by Paul McCartney where you change the view by moving your head. Imagine if this were a simulation for new store employees or technical training modules. Check it out at: https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/

3. Tesla Electric Disruption - A Driving Science Project: I am enjoying my holiday present of a TESLA, the all electrical vehicle from Elon Musk. It is an amazing and disruptive piece of technology. It charges up to give a 260 mile range in a car that is OMG fast and high performance. It goes from 0 to 60 in just a few seconds and is a combo of a sports car and active science experiment. The dashboard includes a 17” screen with Big and Small Data for the driver. Owning this car turns me into a daily learner. For a holiday trip, we picked a hotel with a free high powered charger in the lot to get ready for another 200 miles.  The car’s technology is also quite disruptive as it regularly goes online and gets a complete upgrade that adds new driving features every few weeks. Imagine if our LMSs were that good at upgrading for new learning requirements! A fun “aha” yesterday was to discover that Nick Howe, the Chief Learning Officer for Hitachi, has written the leading book on owning a TESLA. Here is a picture of the battery deck of a TESLA: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Tesla_Motors_Model_S_base.JPG

4. iBeacons Discovery - Oh, There You Are, Learner! On the table are a dozen small devices, each about 2 inches long and 1/4 inch high. They are very cool “iBeacons” that can have an engagement role in learning and development. Each beacon is programmed to be detected by the users in your organization or just customers walking by. Their smartphones, if enabled with Smart Bluetooth and an appropriate app, can detect the beacons’ presence and send a note, picture, video or text message that would alert or remind users of a fact, content element or opportunity. I am setting these beacons up to alert our LAB participants of a piece of technology that is nearby or to link them to a Performance Support page that explains something new. The beacons can be set up for variable proximity and specific types of learners. We are excited to explore how these low cost beacons could assist a learning project. Here is a page on iBeacons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBeacon

So, what is Elliott the tech and learning kid discovering in the LAB with these technologies? 

- Learning Implications: New tech developers rarely start by thinking of the world of learning. We must be experimenters and lab creatures to take something new like 4K or iBeacon and think how it might be evolved for learning.
- Cool Things Can Be Inexpensive: While some tech is pretty expensive, let’s look at some that might be only $1.99 a learner or even open source.
- Technology Isn’t Affordances: In other words, some things that are cool, like Second Life, may not pan out or may never find a route to workplace learning.
- Share Your Tech: Set up an area in the workplace for fellow colleagues to experiment and “play” with new technologies. Great ideas await!

Have a very Happy New Year and I look forward to more Learning TRENDS in 2015.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie LAB. - Jan 7 to 9, Saratoga Springs.
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 to 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning Summit.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategies LAB with Doug Lynch.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Tuesday
Dec162014

859 - Aging Simulator; Ads in eLearning Modules or MOOCs

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 16, 2014.
#859 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,774 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Innovations Retreat LAB - Jan 7 to 9th.

1. Simulation for Aging Impacts.
2. Ads in eLearning or MOOCs?

1. Simulation for Aging Impacts: I am a huge fan of using simulation technology to provide people with an in-depth immersion from new perspectives. So, I was really fascinated with a technology developed by MIT’s AgeLab.

They have created AGNES, a suit worn by students, product developers, designers, engineers, marketing professionals, planners, architects, packaging engineers, and others to better understand the physical challenges associated with aging. Developed by AgeLab researchers and students, AGNES has been calibrated to approximate the motor, visual, flexibility, dexterity and strength of a person in their mid-70s. AGNES has been used in retail, public transportation, home, community, automobile, workplace and other environments.

Check it out at: http://agelab.mit.edu/agnes-age-gain-now-empathy-system

We will have an increasingly larger number of simulation options for learners to take a virtual deep-dive into new or future realities.

2. Ads in eLearning or MOOCs? This month, I have had multiple conversations with learning product designers about the use of and reaction to revenue ads placed in eLearning or MOOCs. 

Let’s say a company would like to offer a high-end, intensive leadership program to rising executives.  One option being considered is to provide small ads on the side of the screen, ala a Google or Bing search. The advertising could be screened and also targeted to this learning user cohort. 

Likewise, a MOOC could be offered free of charge to users, financed by embedded ads from Yahoo or other digital ad suppliers.

Assuming the ads were appropriate and non-intrusive, what would your reaction be as a learner and as a learning provider? Send me a note to emasie@masie.com

I will publish results in a future TRENDS. 

Note: Learning LABS in 2015: We are pleased to announce 3 Learning LABS for Learning Professionals that will be hosted at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs in 2015:

- Learning Innovations Retreat & LAB: January 7 - 9, 2015.  (Only 6 spaces left. Register ASAP.)
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support LAB: January 20 - 22, 2015.
- Video & Learning LAB: February 10 - 12, 2015.

We have had many registrations for these programs already and space is quite limited. They are hands-on and roll-up-your-sleeves LABS. Check out the content and online registration at http://www.masie.com


Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie LAB. - Jan 7 to 9, Saratoga Springs.
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 to 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategy & Learning Leadership.
- Leadership Development Evolves

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Thursday
Dec112014

858 - Digital Trust?? Producing: Process and Details

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 11, 2014.
#858 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,769 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Innovations Retreat LAB - Jan 7 to 9th.

1. Digital Trust?
2. Producing: Process & Details.

1. Digital Trust? A new project that The MASIE Center will be focusing on:

“Digital Trust”

How does the process of trust change, shift, shrink, expand or evolve as we connect, collaborate and know colleagues (and friends) digitally?

How does a new employee at a 10,000 person company trust (or perhaps not trust) colleagues that they meet through a corporate collaboration vehicle such as Jive, SharePoint or Intranet?

How does an individual assess - from a trust perspective - content, context or opinions from people they have never met face to face?

How does an individual build the personal and professional competency of Digital Trust?

In the next few months, I will be publishing a digital book on Digital Trust, bringing together learning and HR leaders from various organizations to explore the dimensions of Digital Trust and more.

If you are intrigued by this topic, please send me an email to emasie@masie.com  We believe that the issues of trust, as explored by Steven MR Covey and others, are even more important and perhaps elusive in the digital world. So, send me a note to emasie@masie.com and let’s explore this intriguing topic.

2. Producing - Process & Details: I am writing this Learning TRENDS as I leave Paris for New York, after we just opened a new Broadway show, “An American in Paris”.

This is an exciting new show that combines amazing dance, sets, music from Gershwin, political themes and an incredible cast. MASIE Productions is honored to be one of the Production Partners for this show, which opened in Paris and will move to Broadway in March 2015. You can scan stories and video from the show at: http://www.anamericaninparisbroadway.com/

I wanted to share some perspectives about “producing” that are wonderfully connected to our worlds of learning.

The process of creating a Broadway show, especially a hit, takes years of collaboration, work, labs, demonstrations, casting, fund raising, disagreements, shifts and marketing magic.

What we watched in Paris was an amazing point (but not the finish line) of the production and creation process for “An American in Paris”.

Director Christopher Wheeldon takes the cast and creative team through a daily process of experimentation, rehearsal, feedback and coaching. The leads of the show, accomplished ballet dancers, have been coached in singing and acting, and supported to expand their craft to this new format.

Our opening in Paris was received with over 12 minutes of standing ovations - from a Paris blended audience - and the dozens of producing partners traveled to France to both celebrate and learn.

We gave a spare ticket to a 21 year old woman who was passing out arts newsletters outside.  We surprised her a few minutes before the sold out show with a free ticket (in an upper balcony) and just asked her to send me a message after she got out with feedback. Here are a few lines from her (Virginie Bénévent):

“I love theater and this show blends everything: songs, dancing and acting. It reminds me of Gene Kelly, a genius and master of dance. Plus, it echoes many events of our history in Paris.

The props and the setting are perfectly designed - these details are crucial. This a trip in this beautiful story between 2 worlds of art: France and America.

The show lasted almost 3 hours but it seemed so short. The final dance was amazing. Elliott, in three words: wonderful, efficient and free.”

Production is about 360 degree feedback. It is about the ability to listen to the cares and angles of every segment of the audience. It is about creating more than a good show - but rather a GREAT show - and that takes time, risk and discipline as well as agility as artists and producers.

When you see an awesome piece of theater, it reflects the works of dozens or even hundreds of artists over years. We never rush being “done” as great theater comes from circles of experimentation and feedback.

So, as I fly back from Paris I am thrilled and honored. And, I am making a list of dozens of micro elements of “An American in Paris” that could evolve and stretch in the months ahead. I will share elements of the process with Learning TRENDS readers and hopefully you can see it on Broadway or when we go on tour in a few years.

Note: Learning LABS in 2015: We are pleased to announce 3 Learning LABS for Learning Professionals that will be hosted at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs in 2015:

- Learning Innovations Retreat & LAB: January 7 - 9, 2015.
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support LAB: January 20 - 22, 2015.
- Video & Learning LAB: February 10 - 12, 2015.

We have had many registrations for these programs already and space is quite limited. They are hands-on and roll-up-your-sleeve LABS. Check out the content and online registration at http://www.masie.com


Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie’s LAB. - Jan 7 - 9, Saratoga Springs.
- On-The-Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 - 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 - 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4th - Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategy & Learning Leadership.
- Leadership Development Evolves.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Tuesday
Dec022014

857 - Middle East Learning Report; Courses in the Air; LABs for Learning Professionals

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 2, 2014.
#857 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,763 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Innovations Retreat - Jan 7 to 9th.

1. Middle East Learning Report & Perspectives.
2. Idea: Courses in the Air.
3. Learning LABS in 2015.

1. Middle East Learning Report & Perspectives. I had the honor of keynoting at two Middle East Learning and Development gatherings in the past 3 days.

First, I was one of the keynoters at the Middle East Organizational Learning gathering. We had the WOW experience of holding this meeting with senior learning leaders from the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and other countries in the Parliament Chamber of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.  (It was the equivalent of holding a national learning conference on the floor of the U.S. Congress). Right before I spoke, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia addressed the role that learning must play in developing economies.

Last night, I was interviewed at a special dinner in Dubai for Learning Leaders. My interviewer Syed Sherazi spent an hour drilling me with questions about the state of learning changes. We then had an interactive dinner conversation with colleagues from a wide range of companies, government agencies and other countries in the region.

My takeaway from both experiences is the intense role that learning plays, and more importantly WILL PLAY, in developing countries. A few notes and observations:

- Learning Personalization is key. They see personalization assisted through choices and adaptions by learners, designers, their managers and ultimately with Big Learning Data.
- Global Learning Means Divergence. Sometimes “global” means a single message in a single style. But, it is key that global learning honor the traditions, cultures and earlier-in-life learning experiences of each segment of the workforce. We need to find a deeper way to embrace and sustain divergent approaches to learning.
- Granularity is Key. Learners and designers want shorter segments of content, more focused social/collaborative formats, and a more adaptive approach to curriculum.
- Assessment - Deeper and More Difficult. There was a clear sense that learning assessment, particularly in the eLearning area, is too broad and too easy. They wanted assessments that would give learners a more precise “Score Card” of their readiness on dozens of micro-topics. And, to make assessments more difficult with the expectation that a learner might want to take a test several times before achieving success.
- Emotional Intelligence!!! The same conversation was had with the CLOs in the rooms as we have had with CLOs and government leaders in the US. Skills must be mapped to emotional intelligence with the latter being key to long term employment success.
- Mobile is the Only Option. They view mobile not as an enhancement but rather as the first and often only access that workers may have to online assets. They want Mobile Learning Apps and more.

I will post links to the various conversations from these conferences when they are online, in a few weeks. On a personal note, it was amazing to meet two colleagues who each had been reading Learning TRENDS from Egypt and Abu Dhabi since 1988. While it was the first time we met face to face, we have had many shared mind-to-mind moments and interactions over the years.

2. Idea - Courses in the Air: There were representatives from airlines, Aviation Authorities and even Panasonic, which makes the interactive movie and TV systems on long distance airplanes. So, I rolled out one of my “aha ideas” that I would love to see invented sometime: Courses in the Air.

What if a passenger could choose to take a mini-course on a 4 to 14 hour flight? It would be a MOOC in the Sky with video, reading and interactive elements, and someday might even include a real time video chat function as well. The learner could strive to earn a “badge” or roll several badges up into a certificate or degree program that they pursued over several years of flights. It would be an intriguing element to add to international travel.

3. Learning LABS in 2015: We are pleased to announce 3 Learning LABS for Learning Professionals that will be hosted at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs in 2015:

- Learning Innovations Retreat & LAB: January 7 - 9, 2015.
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support LAB: January 20 - 22, 2015.
- Video & Learning LAB: February 10 - 12, 2015.

We have had many registrations for these programs already and space is quite limited. They are hands-on and roll-up-your-sleeve LABS. Check out the content and online registration at http://www.masie.com


Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie’s LAB - Jan 7 - 9, Saratoga Springs.
- On The Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 - 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 - 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 – 4, Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategy & Learning Leadership.
- Leadership Development Evolves.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Tuesday
Nov252014

856 - Thanksgiving and Learning; Starting Trip to Dubai, Paris, London

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 25, 2014.
#856 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,757 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Innovations Retreat - Jan 7 to 9th.

1. Thanksgiving & Learning.
2. Trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London & Paris Today!
3. More Curated Content Online.

1. Thanksgiving & Learning: As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, it is always fun to ask a few “Learning” questions to your family and friends over a meal. As we give thanks for much in our lives, it can be intriguing to be thankful for the learning opportunities we have and to consider learning desires and needs for the future.

I often ask my friends and family questions like:

- What was something powerful that you learned this year?
- What is a new resource or expert that you discovered this year - to help you learn?
- If you had more time or opportunity, what topic would you want to learn in the next year?
- How can you assist others to be better learners?

We are so blessed to have opportunities to learn from so many expanded resources, people and technologies. Let us give thanks and keep asking learning questions of ourselves and others.

2. Trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London & Paris Today! In just 30 minutes, my flight takes off for the first leg of a 4-country, 5-city business, theater and fun trip. I am typing in the Emirates Airlines lounge, preparing to board a 14 hour flight to Dubai. Here is my schedule (and I would love to connect with other Learning TRENDS readers and colleagues):

- Dubai (Nov 26 to 28) - Thanksgiving Dinner and Meetings with Learning Colleagues.
- Abu Dhabi (Nov 28 to 30) - Keynote Speech and Meetings with Learning Colleagues.
- Dubai (Dec 1 to 2) - Briefing with Learning Suppliers & Visit to Horse Farm.
- London (Dec 2 to 7) - Theater Visits/Meetings & Learning Colleague Connections.
- Paris (Dec 7 to 11) - Opening of “American in Paris”, co-produced by MASIE Productions.
- Milan (Dec 12) - Quick Stop and Sightseeing.

If you or your colleagues are in any of those cities, send me an email to emasie@masie.com and let’s see if we can connect for a cup of coffee. I will be interviewing learning leaders in these cities and will share some global impressions in a future Learning TRENDS.

3. More Curated Content Online: Our team is continuing to add Curated Content, including videos of several hour-long sessions, from our Learning 2014 event. Go to http://www.learning2014.com and select the Curated Content Tab. More to be added in the coming weeks.

Check Out: Learning Innovations LAB & Retreat that I will lead in Saratoga Springs from Jan 7 - 9. Details at http://www.masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie LAB - Jan 7 to 9, Saratoga Springs.
- On-The-Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 to 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 - 4 in Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategy & Learning Leadership.
- Leadership Development Evolves.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

 

Thursday
Nov202014

855 - Graphics Illustrations, Alzheimer's Challenge, 3 New Learning  Programs

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 20, 2014.
#855 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,754 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Innovations Retreat - Jan 7 to 9th.

1. Graphic Illustrations of Sessions - Done Remotely.
2. Three New Programs for Learning Professionals.
3. Alzheimer’s Challenge: Learning & Research!

1. Graphic Illustrations of Sessions - Done Remotely. We have just curated the Graphic Illustrations of all Keynotes from Learning 2014. Our graphic illustrator Rachel Smith was in California, listening to an audio feed from Learning 2014 and illustrating the sessions in real time for every key topic from every speech. These are now posted and accessible at:

http://www.learning2014.com/index.php/graphic-notes.html

2. Three New Programs for Learning Professionals: We are pleased to announce several Learning LABS for Learning Professionals that will be offered at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs in 2015:

- Video & Learning LAB & Seminar - Led by Elliott Masie, with Lauren Boughton & Ed Burke. Feb 10 - 12.
- On-The-Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Led by Bob Mosher & Conrad Gottfredson. Jan 20 - 25.
- Learning Innovations New Year’s Retreat with Elliott Masie - Jan 7 - 9.

Complete details of each LAB along with online registration at http://www.masie.com

3. Alzheimer’s Challenge: Learning & Research! My colleague Dr. Ken Dychtwald, a leading researcher on issues related to aging, has published a very powerful article on the need for a major research effort aimed at Alzheimer’s:

“We Must Beat Alzheimer’s Before It Beats Us!”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-dychtwald/we-must-beat-alzheimers-b_1_b_6078896.html

This is a must read. And, I would implore you to pass the article along to your colleagues, friends and relatives. The financial and human cost of Alzheimer’s will wallop people, families and societies. And, Ken Dychtwald makes a key case for a major research effort.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie’s LAB - Jan 7 to 9, Saratoga Springs.
- On-The-Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 to 22, Saratoga Springs.
- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, Saratoga Springs.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4th, Orlando, Florida.
Upcoming:
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Learning Strategy & Learning Leadership.
- Leadership Development Evolves.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

 

Friday
Nov142014

854 - Learning Innovations Retreat, Posture Coaching, Breathalyzers

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 14, 2014.
#854 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,745 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando. Save The Dates.

1. Mobile Add-On’s: Breathalyzer and Posture Coach.
2. Learning Innovations New Year’s Retreat: January 7-9.
3. Very Early Registration for Learning 2015 Now Open.

1. Mobile Add-On’s - Breathalyzer and Posture Coach: 2015 will see many peripherals and add-on’s that will work with a smartphone. Apps are extending their reach, data collection, coaching and engagement - through Bluetooth connection with small devices. Here are two that we have been experimenting with at The MASIE Center LAB:

* Breeze - Breathalyzer: A small handheld bubble that a person blows into for 5 seconds that provides a sharp estimate of their Blood Alcohol level to advise them about risks of driving. It costs around $99 and will synch up with a smartphone, displaying results and even offering a link to taxi or Uber service. Details at: http://store.breathometer.com/products/breeze

* Lumo Lift - Posture Coach: A small sensor that I can wear on my shift/jacket that senses physical posture. It provides a physical monitoring of posture and provides both tracking to my iPhone as well as vibration to coach me when I’m slouching. Details at: http://www.lumobodytech.com/

Both of these are health or behavioral in nature and provide infographic feedback and advice. As Apple releases its Watch and other wearables surface, we will see more technology that is peripheral to our smartphones. We are intrigued about the coaching and data feedback adaptions for Learning & Development. Stay tuned.

2. Learning Innovations New Year’s Retreat - January 7-9: As I was planning my schedule for early 2015, the idea popped up to host a “Retreat” around Learning Innovations and Technology for a small group of people here at our 10,000 square foot Learning LAB in Saratoga Springs, NY. Imagine 2 1/2 days of experimenting with, exploring, adapting, testing and learning about new learning technologies, including:

- Learning Personalization.
- Mobile Learning Models – Mobility & Performance.
- Video: Fast, Targeted, User-Created, Open, Digital Studios.
- Wearables: From Glasses to Bands to Watches.
- Performance Support Technologies.
- Learning Systems Refreshed.
- ReDesigning Webinars.
- MOOCs: Massive and Open Content Models.
- Collaborative & Social Learning Technology.
- Curation: Harvesting & Sorting Content.
- Drones, 3D Printing and the “Maker Model”.
- Hackathon for Learning Technologies.
- Badges and Micro-Credentials.
- The Connected Classroom – ReModeled.
- Switching Authoring Systems & Approaches.
- Engagement for Learners.
- Learning Tools, Apps & Resources.
- Technology for Feedback, Assessment & Performance.
And More.

Let’s spend a very intense time together in the MASIE Learning LAB at the start of 2015 and collaboratively explore the future of Learning Innovations & Technologies. Space is quite limited.  Information and registration at: http://www.masie.com/retreat2015

3. Very Early Registration for Learning 2015 Now Open: We are pleased to announce the $100 discount for Very Early Registrations for Learning 2015, which will be held November 1 - 4, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. For details, go to http://www.masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
* Programs in 2015:
- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliott Masie’s LAB.
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 - 4 in Orlando, Florida.
- Video and Learning LAB.
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Leadership Development Evolves.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Thursday
Nov062014

853 - Skype Translations, Curation Begins, Matzoball Wins

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 6, 2014.
#853 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,739 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando. Save The Dates.

1. Skype Real-Time Translation Coming.
2. Learning 2014 Curation Begins!
3. Miss Matzoball WINS!

1. Skype Real-Time Translation Coming: Keep your eye on Microsoft’s soft announcement about the upcoming Skype Translator tool. Imagine having a conversation with a colleague who speaks a different language as Skype does real-time text display of translation. It could be an amazing and powerful tool for global workplaces and collaboration. Skype is now seeking early beta testing volunteers. Details at: http://tinyurl.com/lka3kxg

2. Learning 2014 Curation Begins! We had the honor of hosting 1,671 global learning colleagues last week at Learning 2014. There is great buzz and excitement from the discussions, keynotes and dialogues as we start the Content Curation process. Over the coming weeks we will be adding video clips, content selections and curated summaries from faculty, participants and The MASIE Center Staff. These will start to appear on www.learning2014.com next week.

Thanks to all of you for your energy in the evolving world of learning. We are pleased to announce the dates for next year:

Learning 2015.
November 1 - 4, 2015 - Orlando, Florida.

Early registration rates and online registration will open in a few weeks.

3. Miss Matzoball WINS! Many of you know that one of my other activities is breeding and racing Thoroughbred Race Horses. Well, last weekend Miss Matzoball won her first race at Belmont - by over 6 1/2 lengths! Here is the video of the race. http://www.nytbreeders.org/includes/video-player.cfm?date=20141025&track=BED&race=10  Wow!

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
* Programs in 2015:
- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4th - Orlando, Florida.
- Video and Learning LAB.
- Gamification and Learning LAB.
- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.
- Leadership Development Evolves.

Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Monday
Oct132014

852 - Questions for Bobby Flay, Ken Robinson and Robin Roberts; Google Adds Tech for Virtual Medical Visits

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 13, 2014.
#852 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,721 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 1,618 Registered Already.

1. Questions for Robin Roberts, Bobby Flay & Sir Ken Robinson, Please!
2. Google Adds Medical Virtual Visits to Hangouts and Helpouts.
3. Lindsay Mendez, Broadway Star to Perform at Learning 2014.

1. Questions for Robin Roberts, Bobby Flay & Sir Ken Robinson Please! Over the next 12 days, I have the fun and challenging task of building a list of questions to ask the keynoters for Learning 2014. So, please help! I would love to have wonderful “stretch” questions for these and other keynoters. Send me a note if you have a cool question for these folks and topics:

* Chef Bobby Flay: Cooking, Learning, Throwdowns or other questions, please.
* Robin Roberts, Good Morning America: Storytelling, interviewing, personal, medical or other questions, please.
* Sir Ken Robinson: Learning Revolution, creativity, personalization or other questions, please.
* TED Videos: Questions about why TED Videos are so popular and highly used.
* Elliott Masie: What are some questions for me - about learning trends and futures?

Please send me your questions, whether you are attending Learning 2014 or not, to emasie@masie.com   I won’t be able to use all of them, but it will help enormously and I will publish summaries of these queries on TRENDS after the event, which starts on October 26.  http://www.learning2014.com

2. Google Adds Medical Virtual Visits to Hangouts and Helpouts: Medical visits with doctors and other health care professionals are going more and more virtual. Google has just announced they will be adding Virtual Medical Visit capacity to their Helpouts, which is an extension of their video-based Hangouts. Information at: http://tinyurl.com/lfp4vrv

3. Lindsay Mendez, Broadway Star to Perform at Learning 2014: I am honored to bring one of the most popular Broadway stars to sing in our general sessions at Learning 2014. 

Lindsay Mendez has appeared in Wicked as Elphaba, Godspell, Grease as Jan, and Everyday Rapture. For her role as Rose Fenny in Off-Broadway’s Dogfight, she was nominated for the 2013 Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, the 2013 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.

Lindsay will add musical magic to the general session that will open Learning 2014 and help welcome Robin Roberts and Chef Bobby Flay with some very theme-appropriate tunes.

A picture of Lindsay and a link to a video she made describing the back stage makeup process as she starred in Wicked is on my website at: http://www.learning2014.com/index.php/item/lindsay.html

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM
Curator & Host, Learning 2014

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

Friday
Oct102014

851 - Colbert, Carol Burnett and Appointment TV; Personalizing a Learning App

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 10, 2014.
#851 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,719 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 1,594 Registered Already.

1. Stephen Colbert - “Appointment TV” - Carol Burnett Perspective.
2. Engage the App: 1,600 Users Start to Collaborate.

1. Stephen Colbert - “Appointment TV” - Carol Burnett Perspective: Last night, a fun convergence happened between the Stephen Colbert TV Show, Learning, Carol Burnett and Appointment TV.

As you may know, MASIE Productions is co-producing Love Letters, starring Carol Burnett, starting tomorrow on Broadway. She was interviewed on the Colbert TV Show and asked about the change in how people watch and consume media and content.

Stephen Colbert noted that when her Carol Burnett Show was on decades ago, she had 50 million viewers each week. Carol noted:

* Every Saturday night there were these shows on in row: Archie Bunker, MASH, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett.
* She joked that, back then in 1967, “There was only 1 channel on TV” - though there were only a few :)
* But, she said that the difference was that it was “APPOINTMENT TELEVISION”. People made a plan to sit together with family and friends and watch a show together - as others did at the same time around the country.

I loved her phrase “APPOINTMENT TELEVISION”. It relates directly to Learning. Much of what we did for decades was “APPOINTMENT TRAINING”, a parallel to the same trend in the workplace. But, now the shift is towards many, many more options and viewer/learner freedom to choose when, what, how long and how often.

You can watch the interview with Carol Burnett by Steven Colbert at: http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/hzou6l/carol-burnett

And, if you get to New York City, catch her on Broadway at our show Love Letters, starting tomorrow afternoon: http://lovelettersbroadway.com/

2. Engage the App - 1,600 Users Start to Collaborate: Yesterday, our team at The MASIE Center took a deep breath as we sent out authorization codes for access to the Learning 2014 Mobile App, Engage, to 1,600 colleagues coming to the event starting on Oct 26th.

We took a deep breath because the world of mobile apps for events and learning is changing. We had to make it multi-platform: Apple, Android and web-based. We had to alter the app to fit our code of conduct about participant privacy. I did not want to share emails for fellow participants without their express permission on a case-by-case basis. We wanted to add “Notes” so learners could take notes during each session, keep them private, and download them as a file at the end of the event. We wanted to add iBeacons, which are just coming to the market, that would be triggered by a person’s proximity to a small Smart Bluetooth Beacon to share situational new information. And, we wanted folks to build their own schedule and allow for real-time “Meet-Ups” throughout Learning 2014.

We tested and modified the App, and finally set up the access codes to be sent out to each learner! At the same time, we wanted to give people who are not registered yet a limited view of the app and event. You can take a peek (but not gain access to participant information) at http://www.learning2014.com/engage 

The world of modifying and customizing a learning app is a combination of content, context and collaboration. Many thanks to Steve Rosenblum, the manager of Learning 2014, for months of work and personalization of this project. We look forward to experimenting how an event-specific, multi-platform, user-defined privacy app can optimize the learning experience for all. Details about Learning 2014 at http://www.learning2014.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM
Curator & Host, Learning 2014

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

 

Tuesday
Oct072014

850 - No Laptops on in Class; Shooting Basketballs; Supporting Faculty Design

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 7, 2014.
#850 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,703 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 1,524 Registered Already.

1. Turn Off Laptops & Phones in Class? A Controversy!
2. Shooting Basketballs - Muscle Memory & Focus.
3. Faculty & Learning: A Briefing for Collaborators.

1. Turn Off Laptops & Phones in Class? A Controversy! A colleague of mine, Clay Shirky, a leading media journalist and professor, has triggered a great conversation about the use of laptops and cellphones by students while in a classroom. Understand that Clay is one of the strongest analysts about the transformational nature of technology on society and education; yet, he just wrote an article about why he has banned the use of laptops and smartphones in his classes.  Here is a small sample of Clay Shirky’s blog on this topic:

“I came late and reluctantly to this decision — I have been teaching classes about the Internet since 1998, and I’ve generally had a laissez-faire attitude toward technology use in the classroom. This was partly because the subject of my classes made technology use feel organic, and when device use went well, it was great. Then there was the competitive aspect — it’s my job to be more interesting than the possible distractions, so a ban felt like cheating. And finally, there’s not wanting to infantilize my students, who are adults, even if young ones — time management is their job, not mine.”

“Despite these rationales, the practical effects of my decision to allow technology use in class grew worse over time. The level of distraction in my classes seemed to grow, even though it was the same professor and largely the same set of topics, taught to a group of students selected using roughly the same criteria every year. The change seemed to correlate more with the rising ubiquity and utility of the devices themselves, rather than any change in me, the students or the rest of the classroom encounter.”

“Over the years, I’ve noticed that when I do have a specific reason to ask everyone to set aside their devices (“lids down,” in the parlance of my department), it’s as if someone has let fresh air into the room. The conversation brightens, and more recently, there is a sense of relief from many of the students. Multi-tasking is cognitively exhausting — when we do it by choice, being asked to stop can come as a welcome change.”

“So this year, I moved from recommending setting aside laptops and phones to requiring it, adding this to the class rules: “Stay focused. (No devices in class, unless the assignment requires it).” Here’s why I finally switched from “allowed unless by request” to “banned unless required.”

From Elliott: I find myself in strange agreement. While I love to be connected, for the small amount of time that I am in a classroom, I want to be engaged. And, as a teacher, I really want learners to be engaged. One of my friends asked if a massage - while reading email - would be the same. We must address the Ups and Downs of multi-tasking and learning.

Read Clay’s article in full at: http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2014/09/why-clay-shirky-banned-laptops-tablets-and-phones-from-his-classroom/

So, I would love to hear your comments. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com  At Learning 2014, I will ask 1,600 people in our opening session to discuss this topic. Stay tuned.

2. Shooting Basketballs - Muscle Memory & Focus: How does a basketball shot relate to our world of learning? Practice, practice, focus and muscle memory! We are bringing Dave Hopla, the leading basketball shooting coach in the world, to Learning 2014 for hands-on practice.

Dave Hopla will teach non-basketball players how to shoot a ball and get it in the net almost all the time. It is an amazing process with implications for how we all approach learning design.

Read more about Dave Hopla at http://www.learning2014.com/index.php/item/foul-shots-for-learning.html

3. Faculty and Learning - A Briefing for Collaborators: I enjoy taking Learning TRENDS readers behind the scenes of our Learning 2014 design and structure experience. So, how do you help nurture great facilitation of 175 sessions at a large event? I made an 11 minute video briefing that articulates our design and “facilitation” hopes/expectations for our almost 200 session leaders. If you want to see our approach, it is online at: http://www.learning2014.com/index.php/faculty-welcome-video.html

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM
Curator & Host, Learning 2014

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

 

Friday
Oct032014

849 - Complete Program Guide Online: Learning 2014

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 3, 2014.
#849 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,700 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 1,407 Registered Already.

Special Note: Learning 2014 Complete Program Guide Now Online!

Dear Colleagues,

We have just sent the Learning 2014 Complete Program Guide - with detailed descriptions of over 175 sessions and 6 keynotes - to the publisher and posted it online.

Go to: http://www.learning2014.com/guide

There are over 1,400 global colleagues registered to come to Orlando from October 26th – 29th to ENGAGE and LEARN together about the future of workplace learning.

In addition to Sir Ken Robinson, Robin Roberts from Good Morning America and Chef Bobby Flay, we have added more unique learning experiences, including Dave Hopla (the leading basketball shooting coach) addressing Muscle Memory, Ann Herrmann-Nehdi on Brain Science, and Larry Israelite on “Lies About Learning”.

Take a look at the cool learning choices in the Learning 2014 Program Guide:

http://www.learning2014.com/guide

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM
Curator & Host, Learning 2014

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

Tuesday
Sep302014

848 - ABBA: The Concert Booked; Building a Fluency List

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 30, 2014.
#848 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,699 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 1,347 Registered Already.

1. ABBA: The Concert - Confirmed for Learning 2014 Celebration!
2. Fluency - A List of Terms for Understanding.

1. ABBA: The Concert - Confirmed for Learning 2014 Celebration! I am honored to announce that we just booked ABBA: The Concert to perform the Learning 2014 Concert & Celebration (Oct 26-29 in Orlando).  They are a tribute group that has been performing ABBA songs since 1996 in 20 countries around the world.

On Tuesday night, ABBA: The Concert will perform for Learning 2014 participants and their guests. The songs of ABBA and Mama Mia will include: Dancing Queen, S.O.S, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes All, Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and more. Details and a video of ABBA: The Concert at our site: http://www.learning2014.com/index.php/item/abba-the-concert-learning-2014-party.html

We now have over 1,300 global colleagues registered for Learning 2014. Hotel space is limited and we encourage registrations as early as possible. http://www.learning2014.com

2. Fluency - A List of Terms for Understanding: Learning departments should consider building a set of Fluency Lists - collections of words and terms related to a specific job function, product line or even their entire company. As workers enter new roles or positions, it is quite helpful to build their “fluency” with terms and definitions that they will encounter. Often, they understand the concept but the language is different. Fluency lists can even be developed as “crowd sourced” surveys from users helping to list the key terms that would be high on a Fluency List.

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM
Host, Learning 2014

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

Wednesday
Sep242014

847 - Learning Thumballs; Jewish New Year Greetings

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 24, 2014.
#847 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,694 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 1,294 Registered Already.

1. Learning Thumball: Tossing for Topics!
2. Jewish New Year Tonight: Learning Thoughts.
3. MASIE Briefing Streamable Now: Learning Trends in 2014.

1. Learning Thumball: Tossing for Topics! A very cool 6 inch ball has arrived in our office. It is the Learning Thumball that we designed to add an element of non-digital gamification to Learning 2014.

There are 30 panels encircling the 6 inch wide Learning Thumball - each with a question or conversation trigger. Here are a few examples:

- Does Google Search Affect Learning?
- Learners I Don’t Like?
- Learning Interruptus!
- Your Favorite Teacher?
- Gaming & Gamification?
- Compliance & Learning?
- TED Videos: Why Do They Work?

We ordered 200 of these cute, soft and toss-able thumballs. Learning Thumballs will be a fun added element at Learning 2014 and we hope that 200 participants will want to take a Learning Thumball home - if they donate $10 to True Colors Fund, one of our Learning Gives Back grant honorees.

Check out a picture of our cool Learning Thumball at: http://www.learning2014.com/index.php/item/thumball.html

2. Jewish New Year Tonight - Learning Thoughts: Tonight, Jewish New Year begins with the Rosh Hoshana celebration. I have always seen the New Year as a time to reflect on learning and life. Here is a poem that I often think about at Rosh Hoshana that connects to our world of learning:

“How We Become Wise”

After a long, hard climb up the mountain, a group of spiritual seekers finally found themselves in front of the great teacher.

Bowing deeply, they asked the question that had been burning inside of them for so long.

“How do we become wise?”

There was a long pause until the teacher emerged from the meditation. Finally, the reply came:

“Good choices.”

“But teacher, how do we know how to make good choices?”

“From experience,” said the wise one.

“And how do we gain experience?” they asked.

“Bad choices” smiled the teacher.

May all of our New Years be a time to celebrate old traditions, life experiences, new changes and continual learning!

3. MASIE Briefing Streamable Now: Learning Trends in 2014. We just hosted over 1,800 colleagues online for our 60 Minute Learning Trends in 2014 Video. Several hundred folks were not able to get online due to server jam. So, here is the complete, no-charge, one-hour briefing addressing: Personalization, Compliance, Video in Learning, LearningTech, Connected Classrooms, Social Learning, Gamification, 50 Plus and Big Learning Data. To view the Briefing just go to:

http://www.learning2014.com/trends914

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie
Chair, The Learning CONSORTIUM
Host, Learning 2014

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