357 - Flash: Blackboard and WebCT to Merge

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 12, 2005.
#357 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,405 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

Flash: Blackboard and WebCT To Merge - More Consolidation

The merger process continues in the learning space. Today, it was the announcement that the two largest educational learning management companies are merging: WebCT and Blackboard.

"This merger makes tremendous sense for our clients, shareholders, and employees." said Michael Chasen, Blackboard President and Chief Executive Officer. "It represents an unparalleled opportunity for two successful, mission-driven organizations to unify in a combined platform singularly focused on being the premier partner for educators on a global basis.
Together with our clients, we have one of those rare and special opportunities to truly improve the access, quality and efficiency of education on a global scale."

"Today is a great day for WebCT's and Blackboard's clients, partners, investors and employees," said Carol Vallone, WebCT President and Chief Executive Officer. "Both companies feel passionately about academic pursuits, institutions of learning and, most importantly, their various constituents, and have shared credit in jointly pioneering the integration of technology and education. We've thought a lot about the alignment of cultures, technologies and overall strategies of the companies and these businesses belong together."

We will do an interview and follow-up with these companies in the coming days.

Elliott Masie
Learning TRENDS
Learning 2005 - http://www.learning2005.com

356 - WebQuests - Cool Idea from Schools for Corporate Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 12, 2005.
#356 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,405 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

WebQuests: An Idea from Schools for Corporate Learning

WebQuests - a simple and powerful learning method that has become quite popular in elementary and secondary schools that can be leveraged and adopted for corporate learning.

A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet. Bernie Dodge from San Diego State University has advocated and pushed this concept forward as both a powerful teaching method and also a way to increase collaboration and critical thinking skills.

Tom Marsh extends that definition: "A WebQuest is a scaffolded learning structure that uses links to essential resources on the World Wide Web and an authentic task to motivate students' investigation of a central, open-ended question, development of individual expertise and participation in a final group process that attempts to transform newly acquired information into a more sophisticated understanding. The best WebQuests do this in a way that inspires students to see richer thematic relationships, facilitate a contribution to the real world of learning and reflect on their own metacognitive processes."

Here is a simple example of a WebQuest designed by a classroom teacher to explore the music of Mozart:

http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/WebQuests/mozart/Mozartquest.html

From a corporate experience, imagine building a new employee orientation as a WebQuest, leveraging both the corporate intranet and other web resources to have teams of new employees build their own employee handbooks.

There are dozens of great resources on WebQuests:

* Search "webquest" on Google or MSN Search
* Here is a key link to a portal page on WebQuests: http://webquest.org/
* There is even a cool on-line authoring and design tool, QuestGarden, for teachers and instructors to use to create a webquest:
http://webquest.org/questgarden/author/

We will conduct a "conversation" at Learning 2005 at one of our general sessions about adapting the core educational threads of a WebQuest for adaption as a corporate and organizational learning tool. Information on the event (Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando) available at http://www.learning2005.com

Let's keep looking across the "river" for effective learning innovations developing in the K-12, college and religious education spaces that can be adpated for corporate learning.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie

355 - 10 Wishes for Learning; Report from Czech Republic on Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 11, 2005.
#355 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,312 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

a. Learning in the Czech Republic: An Interview with Vladka Knehova.
b. A Learning and Training Wish List (10 Elliott Wishes)

a. Learning in the Czech Republic - An Interview with Vladka Knehova: We are launching a series of Text, Audio and PodCast interviews with learning colleagues from around the world. Our first visit is a short interview with Vladka Knehova, a learning specialist in the Czech Republic. Here are her perspectives of how e-Learning and learning innovations are evolving in that part of Eastern Europe:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

b. A Learning and Training Wish List (10 Elliott Wishes): As I prepare for my keynote sessions at Learning 2005, I've been revisiting a dynamic "wish list" that I keep with hopes for our field. Here are the first ten from that list (practical and far-fetched):

1. Learning "Applets": I wish that there were thousands of small learning applets that could be purchased and deployed simply. Imagine an applet, built in Flash, that I could paste into my webpage and would have a cool explanation of Lean Manufacturing or a quick quiz on the principles of People Delegation. One could license these for a reasonable fee or even get them in public domains. Universities could create them. Authors and designers could integrate them. I bet there would be a robust business model for these Learning Applets.

2. Patent Law Changes for the Learning Field: There are a few patents that were granted to companies that are causing grief and huge expense for the learning field. For example, IPLearn is suing SumTotal over "infringement"
of their patents that cover most of e-Learning systems. These companies usually don't have any real products and sue with the hope of getting a settlement rather than bearing the costs of litigation. I wish the patent office had a saner process for awarding these patents and we were able to invalidate these nonsense patents. They are a threat to innovation. (I recently served as an unpaid expert witness in one of these cases.)

3. Learning Research: We need a lot more research on what works and does not work in the learning field. I would love to see more funding for work related learning research. In addition, I wish that we could direct doctorate students towards the key learning research topics that are desperately needed by our field. For example, what is the ideal duration for a learning session? What are the best ways to introduce coaches into a blended learning setting? (To help with my wish, at Learning 2005 we will be building a Learning Research Wish List).

4. A Classroom Thermostat that Actually Worked: I have spent about 2,000 hours of my career dealing with temperature issues in classrooms. I wish for a thermostat that actually worked or that the students could vote by their remote devices to make warmer or cooler. Ah, what a relief.

5. (A Past Wish that Came True: No Smoking in Classes): Does anyone remember when the issue of smokers and non-smokers in classes was a hot issue? I remember having one section for smokers. And, it turned into an In and Out group, like the back steps of high school. Whew!

6. The President on West Wing Taking an e-Learning Class: President Bartlett, as you are in your last term and looking towards a future life, why not enroll for an e-Learning class. It would be cool. We'd love to see your enjoyment and frustration with this emerging media format. We need role models.

7. Transportable Certifications: I have taken some of the same classes, in different organizations 2 or 3 times. In this age of compliance, can I "test out" of certain requirements across organizations? Why not let me get an easy-to-validate digital certificate that I have attended and passed a class on "Board Ethics"? As careers evolve to jobs, we need to have transportable certification results.

8. Spell Checking Magic Markers: Well, it is a wish list. I will swap out great smelling magic markers for one that would buzz when I made a spelling mistake. The white board and flip chart are my downfall when it comes to instant spelling. Boy, do I miss that spellchecker.

9. Alumni Learners: I have a strong wish that we find ways to leverage the energy, knowledge and experience of our retired and alumni workers. In recent emergencies, such as Katrina, creative organizations reached out to former employees for key leadership and coaching roles. Let's find better ways to continue to engage our former employees in the learning dimensions of our organization. They are a strong base of knowledge and can be part of the context-rich fiber of our organization.

10. Shared Learning Metrics: We have to start to insist on Shared Metrics when starting learning projects. Shared Metrics are measures that are harvested by both the learning and the business units. Shared Metrics are agreed upon at the start of the project and usually require active data gathering at the business unit level. A Shared Metric is more of a business measure than a training measure. Examples: Increase in Sales, Time to Hire or Degree of Customer Satisfaction. Shared Metrics are the key to real vs. false ROI. Shared Metrics are one of my strongest wishes and also high on the list of the "C" suite of officers of your company.

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning 2005: October 30 to November 2 - Orlando, Florida.
Registration: Early Fee Still Available - http://www.learning2005.com

354 - The Role of Invitation in Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 8, 2005.
#354 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,304 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

Perspective: The Power of Invitation in Learning, By Elliott Masie

Our field is significantly focused on learning design, learning delivery and learning assessment. I want to take a few paragraphs to make a strong case for an often neglected process:

LEARNING INVITATION

We can build the best learning in the world, host it on the fastest servers and track it with the best metrics package, but we still need to invite the learner to learn.

When I consider some of my post powerful learning and development experiences as a learner, many of them started with a strong and personal invitation to learn. My manager would call me into her office and strongly suggest that I attend a class. A colleague would tell me about a great on-line program and invite me to try it out. Or, I would have an assignment and be advised that a piece of content would really help me get the job done.

Learners respond well to invitation. Fifteen years ago, I was part of a study that showed that one of the strongest influences on learner success and TRANSFER of knowledge to the workplace could be found when a worker's manager sat down and invited them to take a learning activity and framed it for them in terms of their current or future work assignments. The manager inviting the worker to learn was even more influential than the skill of the trainer or the effectiveness of the instructional design.

As we have moved to the world of e-Learning, I fear that we are depreciating the importance of Learning Invitation. In so many cases, the learning department has swapped out an email blast for a personal conversation. Or, even worse, it assumes that the learner will regularly come to the learning "Portal" page and spend hours browsing for the right class. Wrong!

In fact, as we shift towards more self-service on the transaction and delivery side, it is even more important for the organization to invest in Personalized Learning Invitation. The cost savings will be found on the delivery side. But we don't save on any costs when the learners fail to come.

ASTD and The MASIE Center did a joint study a few years ago called, "If We Build It, Will They Come?" One of our findings was the power of invitation. The learner has to be able to understand the value of the learning activity.

There are many emerging models for better Learning Invitation:

* Use the Learning Management System as a learning invitation engine.
Have the LMS send reminder notes to managers for them to personally invite or engage their workers in key activities related to targeted competencies or projects.

* Leverage Peer Invitation. Have the alumni of a learning experience, class or e-Learning spend some time inviting future learners or detailing how they benefited from the class. They can even be drafted to serve as low-intensity coaches to help with future learners. Or, find ways to get peers to "rank or rate" public learning options. Invitation can sometimes be based on what a peer group finds powerful and effective.

* Use Social Networking Software to Target Invitation. I am doing this right now as we get ready for our Learning 2005 event. Hundreds of participants have filled out profiles of their learning interests. I am designing sessions based on their needs and then sending specific invitations to people to help facilitate these discussions. It is a very different model than just creating a schedule of sessions sent in by eager presenters.

* Measure Invitation Effectiveness. Experiment with diverse methods of invitation. These can even include non-traditional methods like hand-written notes from managers or a book sent to an employee to get them intrigued in a leadership development program. Then, measure the effectiveness. How many participated based on what type of invitation?
And, did their participation lead to projected business changes?

We can fool ourselves into thinking that we are just in the content creation and distribution business. In these days of information ABUNDANCE, learners are rightfully protective of their time and energy. We have an opportunity to become much more personal in our Learning Invitations. We can leverage peer and social networks as well as old fashioned conversations. Our recent book on Memorable Teachers showed that one of the characteristics of our most powerful teachers was their ability to personally and repeatedly invite us to learn.

I would love to hear your comments on Learning Invitation. Send them to me at emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
The Learning CONSORTIUM
Host, Learning 2005
Oct 30 to Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida
http://www.masie.com

Learning 2005 University 7: Flash Drives for Learning: Text, Audio and PodCast Segment

TO: Learning & Training Colleagues.
FROM: Elliott Masie, Learning 2005 University.
RE: Flash Drives for Learning: Text, Audio and PodCast Segment.

Take one of those small USB Flash Drives and think about how it can be leveraged as a part of your Learning Delivery. I have just finished a 9 minute content segment on the potential for using these inexpensive Flash Drives in a very different way to extend the reach of organizational learning programs.

Listen to, Download or Read the Segment:

Flash Drives & Learning.
http://www.learning2005.com/university/

Note: You can subscribe to these free regular content segments delivered right to your desktop or iPOD with our software: LearningFeeds iPodder
(free):

http://www.learning2005.com/learningfeeds/

Note: There is still room available at our new event, Learning 2005, to be held in Orlando from October 30 to November 2. There are over 1,500 of your colleagues already registered for this very different type of industry event. Information at http://www.learning2005.com

353 - Breaking News: Saba Buys Centra

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 6, 2005.
#353 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,296 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

FLASH: Saba Buys Centra - Report and PodCast Interview

Saba has agreed to purchase Centra. This is the latest in the combinations of e-Learning and Learning Systems companies in our changing space.

I just finished interviewing the heads of Saba and Centra, Bobby Yazdani and Leon Navitikas. The Audio and Podcast (and Text Transcript shortly) is located at:

http://www.masie.com/sabacentra/

Here is a summary of their comments:

* The combined assets of the companies bring them to $100 million in sales per year and serve 1,100 customers with a combined staff of 500 people.

* They will be supporting both products as separate lines of business combined under Saba.

* They see opportunities to use Centra as more than just a web conferencing tool, extending into more rapid and "citizen level" content creation.

This merger follows other recent combinations in the learning space.
Details on the Saba - Centra deal can be found on the www.saba.com or www.centra.com sites.

Once again, listen to the audio or PodCast at:

http://www.masie.com/sabacentra/

I am also interested in Learning TRENDS readers' comments and questions.
Please send them to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie

How to Podcast for Learning; Interview with Frances Hesselbein

TO: Learning and Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, Learning 2005

Here are two content segments in Audio, Text and PodCast Format:

* Podcast on How to Podcast: Listen to or read a 10 minute, step by step content segment on how to simply and inexpensively create learning-focused podcasts. I explain how to do this with no budget, no special equipment and with speed and ease. We are getting tens of thousands of listens (and
views) of our PodCasts.

* Interview with Frances Hesselbein, Leader to Leader Institute: Frances is one of my heros. She is the Chair of the Leader to Leader Institute, winner of the Presidential Medal of Honor and the former CEO of the Girl Scouts of America. Her models of leadership are pragmatic and value based and have a great deal of wisdom for corporate learning departments. I just finished a 15 minute interview with Frances. (She is also a keynote thought leader at Learning 2005).

Listen to, read or download these short content segments:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

Learning 2005 Update: We have just added a segment with Michael Cohen, the head of Achieve, a national organization working on the alignment of high school outcomes with work competencies. We will be providing Achieve with feedback on this alignment.

Info and registration at: http://www.learning2005.com

352 - Goodbye DOC, Hello XML? and Interview with John Abele - Founder Chairman, Boston Scientific

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 3, 2005.
#352 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,241 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Interview with John Abele, Founder Chairman, Boston Scientific on Learning.
2. Flash Poll Results: What do We Call Learning?
3. Microsoft Office "12" to Leverage XML & PDF: Implications for Learning.

Update: 175 Learning Sessions & Activities Posted for Learning 2005:
http://www.learning2005.com/options/

1. Interview with John Abele, Founder Chairman, Boston Scientific on
Learning: John Abele is the Founder Chairman of Boston Scientific, one of the world's leading medical device companies (eg. heart stents). He is a strong advocate for the role of learning in the success of a corporation and is focused on how we can address the role of learning in the world's health care fields. John is a pioneering Corporate Leader and a good friend and colleague (as well as a co-host at Learning 2005). Here is a compelling 10-minute Audio, PodCast and Text Transcript with John Abele on Learning Perspectives of the Chairman and Health/Learning Issues:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

2. Flash Poll Results: What do We Call Learning? Here are the results of last week's Learning Flash Polls:

What do you call the participants in your learning programs?
Learners: 33.9%
Students: 15.9%
Colleagues: 0.9%
Participants: 36.1%
Workers: 0.6%
Associates: 1.8%
Customers: 1.2%
Others: 9.5%

Which is the PRIMARY word you use to describe your work?
Training: 36.3%
Learning: 27.1%
Development: 14.0%
Education: 10.1%
Performance: 4.0%
Other: 8.5%

3. Microsoft Office "12" to Leverage XML & PDF: Implications for Learning.
As part of our VistaLearn project, The MASIE Center has been tracking Microsoft's plans for its new Operating System and next version of Office. I am intrigued by two major announcements about Office:

* XML Instead of DOC, XLS and PPT Files? Microsoft will provide an alternative to file formats such as .Doc for Word, .XLS for Excel and .PPT for PowerPoint. They will be implementing an open standard of XML as an option for all Office users. This may will allow for broader document management and enterprise reuse of content.

* Yesterday, Microsoft announced that the next version of Word will be able to save a file as a PDF format as well.

There will be a VistaLearn series of discussions and sessions at Learning 2005, exploring the learning implications of these new systems from Microsoft. We are also launching an open community of learning professionals to develop collaborative resources and strategies for Vista.

Upcoming MASIE Center Events & Services:
* Learning CONSORTIUM Membership.
* Learning 2005 - Oct 30 to Nov 2, Orlando, Florida.
Information and Registration: http://www.masie.com

352 - Goodbye DOC, Hello XML? and Interview with John Abele - Founder Chairman, Boston Scientific

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 3, 2005.
#352 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,241 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Interview with John Abele, Founder Chairman, Boston Scientific on Learning.
2. Flash Poll Results: What do We Call Learning?
3. Microsoft Office "12" to Leverage XML & PDF: Implications for Learning.

Update: 175 Learning Sessions & Activities Posted for Learning 2005:
http://www.learning2005.com/options/

1. Interview with John Abele, Founder Chairman, Boston Scientific on
Learning: John Abele is the Founder Chairman of Boston Scientific, one of the world's leading medical device companies (eg. heart stents). He is a strong advocate of the role of learning in the success of a corporation and is focused on how we can address the role of learning in the world's health care fields. John is a pioneering Corporate Leader and a good friend and colleague (as well as a co-host at Learning 2005). Here is a compelling 10 minute Audio, PodCast and Text Transcript with John Abele on Learning Perspectives of the Chairman and Health/Learning Issues:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

2. Flash Poll Results: What do We Call Learning? Here are the results of last week's Learning Flash Polls:

What do you call the participants in your learning programs?
Learners: 33.9%
Students: 15.9%
Colleagues: 0.9%
Participants: 36.1%
Workers: 0.6%
Associates: 1.8%
Customers: 1.2%
Others: 9.5%

Which is the PRIMARY word you use to describe your work?
Training: 36.3%
Learning: 27.1%
Development: 14.0%
Education: 10.1%
Performance: 4.0%
Other: 8.5%

3. Microsoft Office "12" to Leverage XML & PDF: Implications for Learning.
As part of our VistaLearn project, The MASIE Center has been tracking Microsoft's plans for their new Operating System and next version of Office. I am intrigued by two major announcements about Office:

* XML Instead of DOC, XLS and PPT Files? Microsoft will provide an alternative to file formats such as .Doc for Word, .XLS for Excel and .PPT for PowerPoint. They will be implementing an open standard of XML as an option for all Office users. This may will allow for broader document management and enterprise reuse of content.

* Yesterday, Microsoft announced that the next version of Word will be able to save a file as a PDF format as well.

There will be a VistaLearn series of discussions and sessions at Learning 2005, exploring the learning implications of these new systems from Microsoft. We are also launching an open community of learning professionals to develop collaborative resources and strategies for Vista.

Upcoming MASIE Center Events & Services:
* Learning CONSORTIUM Membership.
* Learning 2005 - Oct 30 to Nov 2, Orlando, Florida.
Information and Registration: http://www.masie.com

351 - Chief Learning Officer Report; Learning 2005 Activity Listing

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 29, 2005.
#351 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,129 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Report from Chief Learning Officer Conference.
2. Learning 2005 Activity Listing.

1. Report from Chief Learning Officer Conference: Here is a recorded (and text transcript) report from the CLO Conference, now underway in California. I summarized some of the trends discussed in the sessions and hallways. Topics include Speed, Alignment, Competencies, Outsourcing and less buzz about Technology Systems. Click below for the Audio Stream/Podcast or Text Transcript:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

2. Learning 2005 Activity Listing: My design team for Learning 2005 has been having a blast putting together almost 150 Case Studies, Conversations, Task Forces and Working Sessions for the event. Each session is led by a senior learning professional from a major corporation or government agency. We have just posted the first sample of over 75 interactive activity session options for participants. Check it out at http://www.learning2005.com/options/

More to follow each week until Learning 2005. Over 1,500 of your colleagues are already registered and we're starting to use up our room block at the Coronado Springs Hotel. Register soon and start your learning process!

MASIE Center Services and Events:
* Learning CONSORTIUM Membership
* Learning 2005 - Oct 30 to Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida Information at http://www.masie.com

350 - Learning Cafes, Dentistry School Goes Extreme, What do We Call Learning?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 28, 2005.
#350 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,129 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Learning Cafes - Corporate Places.
2. Dentistry Students Experience Extreme Learning.
3. Flash Poll: What Do We Call Learning?
4. Learning 2005 Update: Reading Circles.

Hi! I have just arrived in California to give the keynote at the Chief Learning Officer's Conference. There is a great collection of the top folks in the Learning field and we will be having a dialgoue about the rapidly changing opportunities in the field. I'll file a report on this
event later tonite. Elliott

1. Learning Cafes - Corporate Places: Take the concept of an internet cafe and evolve it for your corporate learning goals. Consider setting up a few pods with terminals, perhaps near or in the company cafe, to foster self-service learning, but with a twist. Construct these internet machines in a way that they encourage 2 or 3 people at a seat. Some companies have even put 3 sets of earpieces on each set and raised the monitor higher. These cafes can be created very easily and will be used for your staff for a wide range of learning and collaboration uses. In fact, in one company, we have seen folks go to the Cafe when they need to write something that requires concentration and coffee.

2. Dentistry Students Experience Extreme Learning: A TRENDS reader, Melanie Abston from Detroit, sent this note to us about the Extreme Learning underway in Dentistry School:

"It started with a simple question -- first-year dental student Jared Van Ittersum wanted to know why all the lectures he attended weren't available electronically. Now, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Apple Computer Inc. are collaborating on a project that uses ITunes technology for academics. U-M Dentistry offers audio of large lecture classes posted online for download by registered U-M dental students, and uses RSS, a Web syndication method, to send instructional content to students automatically. John Couch, Apple's vice president for education, visited the School of Dentistry this month for a celebration of the program. Lynn Johnson, director of dentistry informatics and information technology, said the partnership represents a major shift in how technology is used in teaching. A demonstration showed a custom ITunes site for the dental school, offering lectures in a "music store" listing.

Students who log in using a U-M identity can preview audio of a lecture, download an individual lecture or subscribe to the downloads for automated delivery to their computers and MP3 players."

3. Flash Poll: What Do We Call Learning? Here are two quick Flash Polls:

* What do you call the participants in your learning activites? (eg.
Learners, Students, Associates, etc.)
* What do you call our field? (eg. Learning, Training, Education, Development, etc.)

Go to http://www.learning2005.com/survey2 to take this 1-minute poll.
Results posted next week.

4. Learning 2005 Update: Reading Circles: Imagine spending an hour with 20 colleagues talking about the relationship between a book that you just read and our world of Learning. We will have a number of Reading Circle Activities at Learning 2005 (Oct 30 - Nov 2) in Orlando. These will be facilitated book club conversations about key titles related to the world of Learning and Business. Here is just a sample:

* Reading Circle: "Blink" and Learning.
* Reading Circle: "Tipping Point" and Learning.
* Reading Circle: "The Wisdom of Crowds" and Learning.
* Reading Circle: "The World is Flat" and Learning.
* Reading Circle: "Harry Potter" and Learning.
* Reading Circle: "Eveything Bad is Good for You" and Learning.

If you would like to suggest or lead one of these Reading Circle sessions, please send me an email to emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events and Services:
* Learning 2005
* Learning CONSORTIUM
Information at: http://www.learning2005.com

349 - Organizational Change and Learning, Development Time Poll Results

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 26, 2005.
#349 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,129 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Organizational Change & Learning: Interview with Beth Thomas, CLO.
2. Learning Rant: The New Social Contract - Interview with Murry Christensen.
3. Results of Flash Poll: Development Time & Speed Satisfaction.
4. Learning 2005 Update: ERP & Learning Focus.

1. Organizational Change & Learning: Interview with Beth Thomas, CLO:
Mergers, globalization, outsourcing, shifts in sales strategy and other major organizational changes require a strong role for the Learning Leader. I just finished interviewing Beth Thomas, a Chief Learning Officer, about this key topic. She addressed the ways in which Learning can play a role in Organizational Change. And, the ways in which Organizational Change perspectives are needed for major Learning projects.
The audio, PodCast and text transcript are available at:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

2. The New Social Contract & Learning: Murry Christensen, the Dean of Learning 2005, has written a great chapter in Learning: Rants, Raves and Reflections on the changing nature of the social contract with employees.
The audio, PodCast and text transcript are available at:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

3. Results of Flash Poll - Development Time & Speed Satisfaction: Here are the results of our recent Flash Poll on e-Learning Development times and satisfaction: (Based on 659 responders)

What is the average time in your organization to develop an e-Learning course?
1 to 2 Days 26%
3 to 6 Days 5%
1 to 2 Weeks 4%
3 to 6 weeks 25%
7 to 12 Weeks 20%
13 to 18 Weeks 9%
> 18 Weeks 11%

Satisfaction with your organization's time to develop an e-Learning course?
Very Satisfied with Development Time 9%
Satisfied with Development Time 26%
It needs to be Somewhat Faster 28%
It needs to be Much Faster 37%

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning 2005 - Oct 30 to Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida Information and registration at http://www.learning2005.com

348 - Wikis in the CIA? Learning in the Lobby.

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 23, 2005.
#348 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
51,123 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Wikis and Blogs in the CIA?
2. Design the Lobby for Learning.
3. Learning 2005 Update: "Informal Learning" Conversation

1. Wikis and Blogs in the CIA? I recently met with learning colleagues from various intelligence agencies from various countries to dialogue about Extreme Learning. The conversation quickly turned to the use of Wiki's, Blogs and other "community-based" learning and knowledge models.

I wanted to share an article by the Central Intelligence Agency about the experimental use of a wiki or blog in secure settings. This is an unclassified PDF document under the Creative Commons License:

http://www.learning2005.com/wikiblog/

2. Design the Lobby for Learning: A simple plea to organizations that are designing new classroom and conference centers: Make the Lobby a Learning Space! Make the space outside the classroom ready for today's and tomorrow's learning in these ways:

* Add spaces where people can sit and carry on private conversations before and after classes.
* Consider adding video displays that allow someone to leave the class and continue to watch the proceedings.
* Build in some whiteboards or flipcharts that allow for capture of those great thoughts in lobby conversations.
* Construct some book racks to let people browse titles while on breaks.
* Name spaces in the lobby to let facilitators point learners to sub-groups for targeted conversations.

3. Learning 2005 Update: "Informal Learning" Conversations - The theme of today's Learning TRENDS seems to be informal modes of learning. That will be one of the strands of conversations at Learning 2005, to be held in Orlando from Oct 30 to Nov 2. We just added a Conversation about Informal Learning by Jay Cross, a colleague and collaborator with a passion for the topic. Join the over 1,400 learning colleagues already headed to Learning 2005. Register at http://www.learning2005.com

347 - JetBlue Training Soars, Design Perspectives, Community Engagement Devices

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 22, 2005.
#347 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,955 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Emergency Landing: JetBlue Training Soars!
2. Design Perspectives - Audio/PodCast with Brent Schlenker.
3. ASTD Relocates Spring Conference to Dallas.
4. Community Engagement Devices for Everyone.

1. Emergency Landing: JetBlue Training Soars! Last night, my wife and I held our breath as we watched a broadcast of the live emergency landing of a JetBlue plane in Los Angeles. It was an amazing and perfect landing.
It highlighted the competency and great training of both JetBlue and the pilot, Scott Burke.

Hundreds of hours of learning, simulation, assessment, teamwork and dedication to excellence create that level of competency. It saves lives and is a tribute to the great work of our colleagues at JetBlue!

2. Design Perspectives - Audio/PodCast with Brent Schlenker: We are expanding our audio/podcast/text transcript series with interviews of passionate learning colleagues participating at Learning 2005. Today's interview is all about Design Perspectives for Learning. Brent Schlenker is a learning professional with a high-tech company with strong opinions and views about the role of design, visuals and engagement. A 9-minute interview can be found at:

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

3. ASTD Relocates Spring Conference to Dallas: Our colleagues at ASTD were impacted by the disaster in New Orleans, the site of their 2006 international conference. However, there is good news. Tony Bingham, ASTD's President and CEO, asked me to pass along the information that they have relocated the ASTD Conference to Dallas, Texas from May 7th to 10th.

4. Community Engagement Devices for Everyone: What if every person at an event had a small engagement device that could help them interact with speakers and colleagues, and help steer the activities in real time? Well, the future is here. Each of the participants in Learning 2005 will have a two-ounce RF device that they will use thoughout the event. See the picture at:

http://www.learning2005.com/device/

So, imagine more than 1,500 people with the ability to vote, choose, react to and locate colleagues interactively. Here are some of the new ways in which we will be using these devices:

* Community Driven Keynotes: A few of our speakers will be creating their content in segments and the sequence and focus will be shaped in real time by the participants.
* Send Me a PDF: Anyone can request follow-up materials at sessions and poster stations by just pressing a button. (Each device is mapped to the participant's profile).
* In the Hallways Polls: There will be polling screens throughout Learning 2005 where you can indicate your passionate views on topics with these devices.
* Let's Discuss THAT: Go to one of our community spaces and define some short discussion topics with colleagues located near you.
* Task Force Sign-Up's: Join a working group of Learning Colleagues working on a key issue that is raised at one of our sessions. Just press the button to volunteer.
* Iron Learning Designer: Vote on the results of the Iron Learning Design Competition.
* Even for Fun: The group will define the Learning 2005 Theme Song and we will even take deploy them for our party at MGM.

MASIE Center Events and Services:
* Membership in the Learning CONSORTIUM - A coalition of 200 large companies working together to benchmark and innovate in the learning field.
* Learning 2005: October 30 - November 2 - Orlando, Florida.
Information at http://www.masie.com

346 - Learning Sandboxes, Spending Poll Results, Music Themes for Classes

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 20, 2005.
#346 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,934 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Learning Sandbox: Tool for Innovation - Free Audio/PodCast.
2. Flash Poll Results - Spending on Learning Per Employee.
3. Time to Develop a Course - Flash Poll.
3. Tips for Trainers: Class Music Theme.

1. Learning Sandbox: Tool for Innovation - Free Audio/PodCast: Innovation often requires the ability to experiment on a small scale, without consequences or huge costs. Here is a nine-minute segment on how to create a Learning Sandbox in your department to innovate with new models of e-Learning and Classroom training.

http://www.learning2005.com/university/

2. Flash Poll Results - Spending on Learning Per Employee: Here are the results of last week's Learning TRENDS Flash Poll on Annual Spending Per
Employee:

What is the average annual training expenditure for employees in your organization (in U.S. Dollars)?
0 - 500 37%.
501-1000 24%.
1001-1500 14%.
1501-2000 10%.
2000-3000 9%.
More than 3000 6%.

What is the average annual training expenditure for employees in your IT organization (in U.S. Dollars)?
0-500 27%.
501-1000 25%.
1001-1500 15%.
1501-2000 13%.
2000-3000 12%.
More than 3000 8%.

Based on 731 responses in September 2005.

3. Time to Develop a Course - Flash Poll: Here is our next poll.

What is the average time to develop an e-Learning course? Go to:

http://www.learning2005.com/survey2/

4. Tips for Trainers - Class Music Theme: Ask your class, particularly a multiple day class, to choose a musical theme for the program. It takes just a few minutes and you can purchase one on-line at iTunes. I have done this with groups as small as 8 and as large as 3,000 at one of my conferences. They will pick something that energizes the group and also serves as a theme song. I play it after breaks and people will remember it for years.

Learning 2005 Update: We are sending a free book to every registered participant in Learning 2005. You should receive your hardcover edition of "Learning Rants, Raves and Reflections" via UPS in the coming week.
International attendees will pick theirs up at the event. There are over 1,400 of your colleagues attending. For more information and on-line
registration: http://www.learning.com

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie