1. 15 Years Ago Today - Windows 95 Released.
2. 30 Under 30 Learning Leaders Organized.

1. 15 Years Ago Today - Windows 95 Released: Yes, it was 15 years ago today that Microsoft launched Windows 95. It was quite a moment in PC history and had loads of lead-up, hype and celebration. Here are a few personal memories from the Windows 95 Launch:

* There were over 140 beta versions. Every few days, for several months, I would receive a FedEx package with 30 3 1/2 inch diskettes.  There was no way one could download it via the very, very slow Internet.
* I was the host of Microsoft TV, a monthly show that ran from January to the launch in August. Each month, I would fly to Redmond and host this 2 hour show that went by Satellite to cable stations around the world. There were interviews with the technical team and dial-in questions from techies. I remember a very complex question about how many concurrent IP addresses a Win 95 PC could have with multiple network cards. I was the industry neutral host that got to grill the Microsoft team. And, the May episode fell during my honeymoon - so Microsoft pre-taped the content and showed me on a virtual beach set - with uplink, bathing suit and drink (thank goodness there are no copies on the net).
* The Rolling Stones licensed the song “Start Me Up” for Jay Leno to use at the Microsoft launch party, along with a Ferris wheel on the campus.
* The Learning side of the story was also interesting as Microsoft rolled out a virtual university and the first series of web-delivered technical seminars. And, corporations around the world had to decide if they would be “Early Adopters” or “Cautious Followers”.

So, what are some of your memories of the Windows 95 release? Send them to emasie@masie.com

2. 30 Under 30 Learning Leaders Organized: I will balance that short trip down memory lane with an exciting view towards the future. We have completed the assembly of the 30 Under 30 Learning Leadership Team for Learning 2010. We are proud to announce these high energy learning leaders (all under the age of 30) that will be leading sessions and helping to articulate a view of the future of learning. They include colleagues from Google, Verizon Wireless, Disney, Volkswagen, Farmers Insurance, General Mills, FM Global, IBM, Westinghouse and many more.  Check out their aspirations about learning at: http://tinyurl.com/32oujpv

Registration is going strong and you can take advantage of the Advance Discount Rate - Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27, Orlando, Florida: http://www.learning2010.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. “Griots” e-Graduating to Fight Malaria!
2. Magic Trackpad Arrives - “Affordances” for Gestures?
3. Video for Learning LAB - September Section Open.

1. “Griots” e-Graduating to Fight Malaria! This Sunday, The MASIE Center is proud to be part of a unique Graduation Ceremony. Over the past year, we have been working with the ONE Campaign (started by Bono) and Malaria No More, to create a new approach for building senior level spokespeople to advocate on the key global issue of Malaria. Last summer, we hosted a development lab here in Saratoga and designed a very intensive online program to select and develop the skills of a group of two dozen volunteers around the world. We donated our services, Blackboard kicked in an LMS and the staff of ONE and Malaria No More worked diligently to educate, challenge and certify skills of these participants. This Sunday, we will have an online graduation, where they will be awarded the title of “Griot”, a term based on an African Tribal Story Teller - a key force for learning and change. It is inspiring to see the tools of eLearning used in this focused and intensive fashion. The Griots will be major spokespeople and advocates for public policy changes related to fighting Malaria.

2. Magic Trackpad Arrives - “Affordances” for Gestures? Today, a new, small, shiny metal pad arrived at my computer. It is Apple’s new Magic Trackpad. It replaces or supplements the mouse, allowing for a larger surface to do gesture-based computing, including scaling, sizing and navigation. I am curious to see what its key “Affordances” may be for learning. While it seems ideal for folks working with images, might we see a new set of gesture commands, either on this type of pad or even detectable by a camera? Stay tuned and share your own experiences with the Trackpad by sending a note to emasie@masie.com

3. Video for Learning LAB - September Section Open: Our most popular Seminar, the Video for Learning LAB, has been selling out each time that it is offered. We have added another section, to be offered in Saratoga Springs, NY from September 15th - 17th. The LAB includes a FlipCam and High Def Webcam for each participant. Join us for a hands-on, 3-day deep dive into On-Demand Video Stories and Live/Presence Video. Details and registration at http://www.masie.com  Space is limited - please register early.

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - Saratoga Springs, NY
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. Wanted: MASIE Learning Research Fellow for Fall 2010.
2. FaceTime Experiments with iPhone Handheld Video Chat.
3. Learning Leadership Academy - 3 Seats Left.

1. Wanted: MASIE Learning Research Fellow for Fall 2010: We are looking for our next MASIE Learning Research Fellow for Fall 2010. If you are doing Graduate Level research, consider living and working in Saratoga Springs for several months this Fall. Work with Elliott Masie and Jonathan Kayes from The MASIE Center on a research topic that will be of value to the learning field. We will provide a monthly stipend, living allowance and intense interaction with our staff and Learning CONSORTIUM members. In previous years, we have had Fellows from Korea, Brazil, South Africa and various parts of North America. If you are interested, please send a note/resume to research@masie.com 

2. FaceTime Experiments with iPhone Handheld Video Chat: Over the past week, we have been conducting a series of experiments at our Learning LAB with the FaceTime video chat functionality of the new iPhone 4. It is fascinating to see how high quality video conferencing from a mobile device - with capabilities of showing ourselves or objects/systems - enhances communication. I am interested in extending our experiments.  If you would like to participate and already have an iPhone, please send a note to emasie@masie.com with your number and we will be back in touch soon.

3. Learning Leadership Academy - 3 Seats Left. Next week, we will start our Learning Leadership Academy focusing on the challenges of learning organizations in changing times. Complete details at http://www.masie.com  There are 3 seats left for last minute registration.

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. Speech Therapy by Video - Expanding Services.
2. Leadership Impressions - Admiral Thad Allen.
3. LMS & Learning Systems Forum - Last Minute Registration.

1. Speech Therapy by Video - Expanding Services: Few people know this about Elliott: I was born with a major speech defect that required 5 years of intensive speech therapy.  So, I have been a huge fan of the work of speech therapists.  Mine had to travel to PS 173 three times a week and in the summer I had to travel to a hospital in downtown Manhattan.  Therefore, my eyes went wide when I head about a company, Presence Telecare, which is bringing speech therapists and students/clients together over video chat. The ability to extend the reach of speech therapy to people living in remote areas and to eventually use video feedback as part of the learning process is amazing. I spent hours practicing mouth and tongue shaping to compensate for my defect - speaking into a hand held mirror.  This is another example of how we are rapidly leveraging the “affordances” of low end video for learning and more. Their website is http://presencetelecare.com/

2. Leadership Impressions: Admiral Thad Allen. You probably have seen coverage of Admiral Thad Allen from the Gulf Coast, where he is coordinating the response to the oil disaster as head of the Coast Guard. I had the opportunity to spend a morning with Admiral Allen in May 2007, when he asked me to keynote his annual “Flag Officers Conference”. He gathered the top leaders in the Coast Guard as well as their spouses for a deep dive on technology, changing generational styles and the role of learning. I was impressed in 2007 and continue to be impressed when I watch him on television about his style as a leader and communicator. Here are some impressions from my time with Admiral Allen:

* Accessible and Continuous Communication: His style and message to other leaders is “make yourself continually available and make communication continuous.” He shared with the team that the Coast Guard was often going to be responding to events that had an uncertain ending and unknown timing (as is so clear now in the oil spill). He models as a leader that you make yourself highly accessible, with media and with partners, over multiple instances.

* Don’t Avoid Details or Technical Elements: He stated that it was important for the leader to understand the detail level and the technical level of a situation and to be fluent in the problem. Even if you are not an expert, your expertise must be in communicating the technical elements to people with a wide range of background. I remember him talking about this when he said, “Don’t dumb down the complexity”.

* Leaders Lead with Support from their Families: I was surprised at first that spouses were in the room for the non-classified elements of this leadership conference. When I asked him why, he said that it was very important for leaders to be able to talk about the key elements of change in our society with their partners and that context for content about change usually flowed from these conversations. Some of the most relevant questions during our morning session about evolving technology came from the wives and husbands of the Flag Staff.

No one can envy the role that Admiral Thad Allen is playing right now; however, we can all learn about leadership styles and communication from watching his presence. I am glad he is on the job! His bio and background is available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thad_Allen

3. LMS & Learning Systems Forum - Last Minute Registration: Next week, we will host learning colleagues from global companies at the LMS & Learning Systems Forum in Chicago (June 10 and 11). There are a few more seats available and there are several additional hotels with rooms close to the conference center.  Details and last minute registration at http://www.masie.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. Google Launches Cloud Based, Open Source Learning Platform.
2. Outsourcing Grading of Papers and Assessment.
3. 3D Video Camera for Organizations Announced.
4. Learning Systems Supplier PodCasts Online.

1. Google Launches Cloud Based, Open Source Learning Platform: Google has created an interesting application experiment called CloudCourse. This is an open source learning platform, running under AppEngine, their Cloud Based environment.  CloudCourse is being used internally at Google for several LMS type functions - from registration to classroom management. It It is available as an Open Source codeset and will be evolved as developers experiment and extend the functionality. We will be conducting a test at The MASIE Center Learning LAB and are intrigued by the ability of both learning departments and learners to create and launch learning activities in the “cloud”. Code and descriptions are downloadable at http://tinyurl.com/3yqpqrs

2. Outsourcing Grading of Papers and Assessment: A number of colleges are now outsourcing the grading of student papers to a company called Virtual-TA that uses both offshore and U.S. resources to provide students with very detailed and rapid feedback on their work. Needless to say, the practice is controversial. One interesting impact seems to be that these graders often provide much more detailed and extensive feedback to learners - and the firm claims that it increases retention and completion in online courses. Info at: http://www.virtual-ta.com/

3. 3D Video Camera for Organizations Announced: 3D is a major force in video as films like “Avatar” have shown a user appetite for the immersion experience of wearing glasses and having objects come right to our eyeballs. Yet, the cost of equipment has been huge. Panasonic announced a new camera for organizations that will be in the $20,000 range and weigh only 7 pounds - capable of shooting high def, 3D content. Take a peek at: http://tinyurl.com/2849c5x

4. Learning Systems Supplier PodCasts Online: I recently recorded PodCasts with the CEOs of several Learning Systems companies about the future of LMS and LCMS. Listen to these short interviews at http://www.masie.com/Learning-Systems-10/suppliers.htm

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. Sleep Disruption from iPad Reading Light?
2. Learning 2010 Keynote - Apolo Ohno on Dancing Tonight :).
3. Learner Portfolios Emerging - Win for Instructors & Learners.
4. 3 Seats Open in Video for Learning LAB Next Week.

1. Sleep Disruption from iPad Reading Light? Several articles have appeared in the last 2 weeks about possible sleep disruption from the backlight impact of reading on an iPad right before going to sleep. I actually noticed that after reading for an hour, which usually makes me quite ready for sleep, I was wide awake. Yet, reading from the Kindle, which is NOT backlit, did not have that effect on me. Here is a quote and link with some views on the topic:

“Light-emitting devices, including cell phones and the iPad, tell the brain to stay alert. Because users hold those devices so close to their face, staring directly into the light, the effect is amplified compared with, say, a TV across the room or a bedside lamp, said Frisca Yan-Go, director of the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center in Santa Monica.” More at http://tinyurl.com/38kmsl2

I will tell you one risk - when I drop off to sleep and drop my paperback, there is no risk of damage. But, a dropped iPad is a different matter.

2. Learning 2010 Keynote - Apolo Ohno on Dancing Tonight :). As you may know, Apolo Ohno is a keynoter at our Learning 2010 event. Tonight, he dances again on “Dancing with the Stars”. I’ll be asking Apolo about his training and learning process for both his Olympic medals and his winning stint on “Dancing”.

3. Learner Portfolios Emerging - Win for Instructors & Learners: I have been tracking an increase in interest by corporate learning leaders to experiment with the use of e-Portfolios for their learners. These are used in universities, creating a sharable file for each student with an updated resume, personal statement, examples of work and other assets that would be of interest to future employers and current teachers. A few companies are now conducting experiments with e-Portfolios, allowing learners to build a profile that is of high value when they enroll for internal corporate training programs.  Imagine being able to see profiles of each learner in a leadership development program, with their backgrounds, perspectives, work samples and more. Some LMS systems are adding e-portfolio options and there are a number of robust open source projects detailed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_portfolio.

4. 3 Seats Open in Video for Learning LAB Next Week: We only have 3 seats left in our popular Video for Learning LAB & Seminar that starts next week in Saratoga Springs. The program does a deep dive on the use of On-Demand Video for stories and content as well as Live Video for a wide range of learning options. Info and registration at http://www.masie.com.

And, thanks for the over 1,200 Happy Birthday messages! It was fun to celebrate my 60th with so many greetings from colleagues around the world.

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

Personal Note: Turning 60 Tomorrow

I am celebrating an interesting birthday tomorrow.  May 13th will be my 60th Birthday!

I feel very blessed on my 60th Birthday.  Learning is at the core of what I do every day.  I have the unique opportunity to be in communication with tens of thousands of colleagues around the world - jointly exploring how learning, knowledge and technology are evolving and stretching the way we work and collaborate.

I bought myself a cool gift for my birthday - an old Switchboard.  The type where an operator plugged two lines together with long cords. Why? Because I love the artifacts of our evolving technology - and because the switchboard is a great metaphor for how I approach work and life.

Thanks to everyone who reads TRENDS, sends fun notes and shares stories from the wide world of learning.

We will have fun learning together as this kid “of the sixites” heads into his sixties. Stay tuned!

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

Special Report: Learning Lessons from Times Square Car Bomb Incident

Yesterday, I interviewed several of the people involved in the spotting of the attempted car bomb in New York City’s Time Square - to look for “Lessons Learned About Learning.”  Duane Jackson is one of the vendors in Times Square who reported the suspicious car to the police.  We spent a half hour chatting about the incident as it relates to skills, collaboration and expectations:

* The Police in Times Square have a constant level of communication with the licensed vendors on the street corners.  They regularly check in with him about situations he has observed and also keep him feeling connected to the comings and goings in the busiest intersection in America.  He feels that the vendors are a sort of “first responder function”.  It is key to him that the police on the local beat know his (and other vendor’s) names and that they grow a bond of trust.

* Skills from a Former Career: Duane Jackson is a former Vietnam Veteran, who learned observation skills and the importance of awareness for suspicious activity.  He will often tell one of the cops on the Times Square beat about a person or activity that looks strange - understanding that it is better to err on the cautious side.

* He is a married father of two who lives in Westchester County. Jackson moved to New York soon after graduating from Boston University in 1976.  He also worked with the city’s Housing Preservation and Development Program - and then got a vendor’s license in what he thought would be a short term gig.  He says that his time in City Government, gave him a sense of the importance of supporting public servants and the need for various agencies (and citizens) to work together.

* He believes that the relationships between the vendors and the police is a deliberate and important model of collaboration and rapid intelligence/response.

* His picture is at http://www.masieweb.com/vendor

Speaking with several of the cops from area precinct. it became clear how things really worked as planned in their first response reactions.  They noted that it rapid sequence the vendors pointed the horse mounted police to the car with the bomb, several different types of cops immediately cleared the area, the fire department responded from 3 blocks away and the combination of human and photographic intelligence came together rapidly and in a well coordinated fashion.  They said there was a “low ego” feel for how people were reacting and that extended to the City, State and Federal agencies - including the Intelligence Community and private industry.

Take aways for me, that may be applicable to other organizational settings are:

* Engage the widest “community” in collaboration and first level response.  Suppliers and customers are active parts of the processes in your organization.  How do we train them to be our assets and critical part of both a knowledge base and solution providers.

* First level workers are the key in the line of observation and response.  At Disney, the street cleaners in the park are trained to be an active part of first response, customer assistance and safety perspectives.  The greeters at Walmart play roles from security to customer assistance.  Chambermaids at Ritz Carlton are provided with the ability to spend money to resolve a guest crisis.  We need to invest in the training and communication connections with our first level workers, for both everyday and emergencies.

* Partnerships with training are critically important.  The boat captains and crew on the ferry that rescued the passengers on Capt. Sully’s jet when it landed in the Hudson (about 6 blocks from Duane’s stand) were trained to react immediately.  They didn’t ask for permission but just carried out a trained emergency response to the jet that was floating (and starting to sink) in the water.  They became the most important first responders.

* Recognition is key.  Duane received a call from the President plus loads of folks stopping by his stand on 45th Street to buy handbags and get autographs.  The police on the corner were clearly deeply appreciative of the way in which the vendors are part of their “extended team”.

Clearly, incidents like the car bombing attempt are part of the strange times that we live in.  Some would say we got very lucky this time and that future attempts might succeed.  But, the real lessons and kudos go to the people on the street corner (vendors, cops and engaged citizens), as well as the coordinated response of the government agencies involved.

Finally, it was clearly important to the officials that I interviewed that Times Square stay open, busy and filled with life.  As Duane Jackson said, “I am back at my stand, people are lining up to go to Broadway shows and we carry on.  New York works because we all have our roles to make this an awesome City!”

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

Announcing: Learning Leadership Academy in July!

Leading Learning in a Changing World!
July 19 to 21 - Saratoga Springs, NY
Led by Nigel Paine, Elliott Masie & Jonathan Kayes

The Learning Leadership Academy is a unique, intensive learning experience and workout for current and rising Learning Leaders. Facilitated by Nigel Paine, Jonathan Kayes and Elliott Masie - with a range of video visits from senior CLOs around the world - the Learning Leadership Academy will provide you with a deep and rich exploration of the changing landscape of learning leadership.
 
The Academy is built around 4 Key Themes for successful learning leadership:

- Leading the Learning Team!
- Enabling Learning in your Organization
- Aligning Changing Technology
- Driving Business Performance 

We will present you with a range of relevant case studies - that you will work on (MBA style) - bringing to light both the main issues with which learning leaders are confronted today and those that will challenge us tomorrow. Learning is changing and shifting to be Social and Mobile, and to include Performance Support and UserContent. There are also increasing and evolving competencies for leading distributed teams. You and a small team of global colleagues will dive deep into these topics and challenges. 

Space is Limited. Complete details at http://www.masie.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning Leadership Academy.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. LMS Systems Getting “Stretched” By Changing Learning Modes.
2. A Virtual Global Work Day for Elliott Today - Sign of the Times?
3. Learning 2010 Website Open - 5 Keynoters Announced.

1. LMS Systems Getting “Stretched” By Changing Learning Modes: Many organizations are celebrating their 10th Anniversary with their Learning Management Systems (or even longer).  While these systems have been updated and customized over the years, in recent months we have been hearing a lot of concern, frustration and focus from CLOs about the emerging “gaps” between their current LMS and the rapidly evolving content and delivery modes. For example, one financial service firm has had their current LMS for 11 years. It has done great on delivering, tracking and helping to manage e-Learning, compliance and training initiatives. But, their CLO expressed these rapidly emerging needs and concerns:

* Video: They are moving towards widespread use of video, both in the form of stored, on-demand video as well as User Content Videos. The LMS (and its companion LCMS) are really being stretched by the use of video.
* Mobile: They are deploying a range of mobile devices from Blackberries to even the new iPad. The content formats of learning for these devices is changing and the LMS “portal” pages are not really adaptable to the smaller screen.
* Performance Support Orientation: This firm is also deploying a significant amount of Performance Support instead of learning modules. And, the LMS is once again sort of out of synch with the Knowledge Elements of the “just-in-time” content/resources.
* SharePoint and Social Collaboration Platform Connectivity????
* Changing Tracking and Search Capabilities for Federated Content.
* Readiness for eReaders?

The CLO feels the LMS is a workhorse but pretty “tired”. In these tight budget moments, they are not inclined to procure a replacement. So, they are using a combination of work-arounds, customization and looking for Web Services. This is not unusual. The need for a fresh look at Learning Systems (LMS, LCMS and more) is at the heart of our LMS & Learning Systems Forum in Chicago on June 10 and 11th. Registration is now open at http://www.masie.com

2. A Virtual Global Work Day for Elliott Today - Sign of the Times? When I looked at my Schedule today, I smiled thinking about what a “Virtual” day it will be. Here is a slice of where I will “be”, while working from The MASIE Center LAB in Saratoga Springs:

* Video Taping a 20 Minute Dialogue Provocation for a Learning Meeting in London. (sending it over as a Flash video)
* Design Meeting with a Health Care Company for a 60 minute ISDN/IP Video Keynote and Interview next week.
* Briefing Insurance Training Professionals all around the US for a Lunchtime Conversation via Webinar.
* Skype Coaching Calls to a CLO in London and a CEO in Hong Kong.
* Hosting an Evening Worldwide Online Debrief of Bono’s ONE Campaign GRIOT Program for Malaria Spokespeople (participants from Africa to North America)
* Testing iPad Screen Sharing with a Colleague in New Mexico, who is working with High School Tutors.

I counted 7 different modes of virtual collaboration technology being deployed: IP Video Conferencing, ISDN Video Conferencing, Skype, Conference Call, Webinar Software and Screen Sharing. It is interesting to see how seamlessly we start to reach for the connective tech that fits the moment and is compatible with our collaborators at the “other end”. It was funny to respond to my gang of breakfast colleagues at the coffee shop this morning when they asked, “are you traveling today”? Yes, to several continents, but staying in the same zipcode.

3. Check Out New Learning 2010 Site - 5 Keynoters Announced - http://www.learning2010.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. Netflix Founder Invests in Online Learning Venture.
2. Video Conferencing Surge after Volcanic Impacts.
3. Instructor Agility with Synchronous Delivery Blends.

1. Netflix Founder Invests in Online Learning Venture: I am intrigued by this clip from The New York Times: “Reed Hastings, the founder and chief executive of Netflix, used the Web to make it easier for us to rent movies. Now Mr. Hastings, who is also a former high school math teacher, is using the Web for a less entertaining, more educational cause — teaching math to kids. On Tuesday, Mr. Hastings will announce that he has financed the acquisition of DreamBox Learning, a start-up that uses online games to teach math, by Charter School Growth Fund, a non-profit investment fund for charter schools.

Mr. Hastings said that he thinks netbooks will be ubiquitous in schools in a few years, creating huge opportunities for online learning software. “I think we’re on the edge of a real inflection point where the hardware becomes so cheap that Web learning is really throughout the schools,” he said. “But what I noticed is there’s really not that many people working on the software.” DreamBox was started last year and creates personalized lesson plans, hidden in games, based on which concepts children understand or need to work on.”

The recognition of the role of online learning assets as viable investments by entrepreneurs like the Netflix founder are intriguing indicators of the growth and expansion of this part of the education marketplace.

2. Video Conferencing Surge after Volcano Impacts: There has been a marked spike in the use of high definition and Skype-level video conferencing in the past week, triggered by the Volcanic ash disruption of air travel from and to Europe. Several of our Learning CONSORTIUM members have reported dramatic increases in the use of and demand for video-based meetings, including video embedded in webinar systems. One group changed their IT policy to allow for Skype video calls (which had been blocked on the network) in order to allow for sales and service meetings to proceed after travel was restricted.

Just as SARS and 9/11 were inflection points for the growth of business video conferencing, this may be another key moment. We encourage TRENDS readers to investigate enterprise readiness to leverage a wide range of video presence and connection technologies across the organization.  FYI - there are a few spaces open in our Video for Learning LAB & Seminar in May - http://www.masie.com

3. Instructor Agility with Synchronous Delivery Blends: Speaking of video, we are also tracking an increased use of blended modes of classroom instruction that include bringing subject matter experts into the room via video and also allowing several students to participate from a remote site. While this is a wonderful design challenge, it also requires instructors to dramatically increase their agility and manage both the technology and process. Some organizations are starting to use Teaching Assistants (TAs) in classes with these hybrid blends to support the trainers, remote experts and distributed students.  It is also time to look at better trainer “cockpits” that allow wireless control of multiple resources and a back-channel for remote students.

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Learning & Government Briefing.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com

1. Learning Touches and Gestures.
2  Storing Learning Videos?
3. FIRST Robotics in Atlanta - Meet Elliott.

1. Learning Gestures: There are 3 powerful gestures in the new iPAD. I can stretch or shrink a picture and easily turn a page in an iBook. But, we are just starting to think about gestures/touches that would support learning. Check out a dialogue and brainstorm at  http://bit.ly/bptYsY

2. Storing Learning Videos?: Organizations are rapidly growing their collections of short video clips that can be used by employees for learning and support. The big question is where to store these videos for access, tracking and contextualization. Will the corporate “YouTube” be your LMS, LCMS, Sharepoint or a point solution? This is one of the key questions we will explore at our annual LMS and Learning Systems Forum to be held in Chicago in June. Information at http://www.masie.com

3. FIRST Robotics Championship - Meet Elliott in Atlanta: Friday and Saturday of this week, I will be in Atlanta for the National Championship of the FIRST Robotics Competition. Imagine thousands of high-energy high school students and their mentors competing with their problem solving robots. For learning professionals, it is an incredible experience to witness. I am honored to be on the Board of Directors of FIRST, which was started by inventor Dean Kamen. If you are in Atlanta and would like to meet up and see the competition, send me an email to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Virtual Leadership: Skills for Leading Distributed Teams.
* LMS & Learning Systems Forum.
* Learning and Government Briefing.
* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.
* Learning 2010 - Oct 24 to 27 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com