313 - Emulation vs. Simulation; Searching for Searching Skills; Tip for Trainer - A comfortable Stool

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 26, 2005.
#313 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,234 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Emulation vs. Simulation.
2. Searching for Searching Skills.
3. Criusing After Learning 2005.
4. Tip for Trainer: A Comfortable Stool

Here are four quick items for Learning TRENDS Readers...

1. Emulation and Simulation: These are two parallel terms but they are starting to be used in a confusing fashion. What some organizations call simulations seem to me to be more like "emulations." If the learner sees re-creation of an application screen, for example, but can only make one or two limited function choices, this might be closer to an "emulation." The ability to explore widely and even to get at the right "answer" in an unpredicted fashion is missing. Emulations are very powerful and often affordable approaches to learning design.

Simulations are often more robust and have a more realistic opportunity for success or failure. The learner can navigate more widely and the sense of accomplishment is often more intense, as the range of options are more authentic.

I know that these are just words, but it is important for the Learning field to start using language that allows us to better communicate our practices with each other and with learners.

2. Searching for Searching Skills: We had a number of requests from readers for examples of how organizations are improving the Google and Yahoo searching skills of their employees. I would love to hear about any courses or learning programs aimed at increasing the searching skills of workers. I'll quickly share a summary in a future TRENDS.

3. Cruising After Learning 2005: We are pleased to announce a 3 day Learning cruise after our Learning 2005 event in Orlando at the end of October. Join me and other faculty from Learning 2005 on a relaxing, networking and affordable cruise. Information at http://www.learning2005.com/cruise/

4. Tip for Trainer: A Comfortable Stool - The other day I was on the phone with Bob Pike, one of the leaders in the world of trainer development. He was picking up a new stool for his classroom. We chatted for a while about how wonderful a great stool was for a high energy trainer. Once I found my favorite stool, which is soft, has a back and a footrest, I discovered way more energy in the day. There are those times when sitting down, while still being in control of the classroom setting, adds great value to the both the trainer and the learners.

Upcoming MASIE Center Events and Services:
- Extreme Learning LAB: Gaming & Simulation: June 2005 - Saratoga, NY.
- Learning 2005 - Orlando, Florida - October 30 - November 2.
- Membership in Elliott Masie's e-Learning CONSORTIUM.
Information and registration: http://www.masie.com

312 - Bill Gates: High Schools Are "Obsolete"; Who Owns Collaboration?; Streaming Video: Tips and Tricks

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 13, 2005.
#312 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,212 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. Bill Gates: High Schools Are "Obsolete"
2. Who Owns Collaboration?
3. Streaming Video: Tips and Tricks
4. Learning 2005: Update

1. Bill Gates Says High Schools Are "Obsolete": Bill Gates, the Chairman of Microsoft recently gave an incredibly powerful speech about the shortcomings and challenges of United States high schools. Here are a few of his key points and worries:

* "By obsolete, I don't just mean that our high schools are broken, flawed and under-funded - though a case could be made for everyone of those points. By obsolete, I mean that our high schools - even when they are working as designed - cannot teach our kids what they need to know today."
* "Training the workforce of tomorrow with the high schools of today is like trying to teach kids about today's computers on a 50 year old mainframe."
* "Only 1/3 of our students graduate from high school ready for college, work and citizenship."
* Gates suggests 3 new "R"'s for redesigned high schools: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships (with mentoring adults).
* Gates is urging, and backing these perspectives with grants from his foundation of $1 Billion, focusing on smaller schools, different forms of measurement and greater commitment to getting ALL students across the finish line in terms of readiness for college, work and citizenship.

It is worth reading the full text:

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/MediaCenter/Speeches/BillgSpeeches/BGSpeechNGA-050226.htm


2. Who Owns Collaboration?: A key decision point is arising in corporations about the "ownership" or leadership of collaboration. This includes the tools of collaboration (web conferencing, instant messaging, email, CRM and other systems) as well as the methodology and effectiveness measures. We would love to hear from Learning TRENDS readers about how the ownership of Collaboration is evolving in their organizations. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com and i will summarize in a future edition.

3. Streaming Video - Tips and Tricks: Here are a few tips and tricks that we have assembled about getting the highest and best use for streaming video:

* Always indicate the length of the video. When people don't know the length, they either fail to launch or end soon.
* Chunk and label. Create small chunks (6 minutes or less) if possible, and let people know what each chunk is with a clear label.
* Provide subtitles for rapid fast forwarding. Pop up a subtitle or graphic that allows the user to scroll forward to the key point, without having to watch everything.
* Emailable links. Create the ability for people to send links to fellow employees with a simple email.
* Consider text translation. Some learners would love to see the written transcript for a video clip.

4. Learning 2005 Update: We have added new content, a listing of the Learning Communities and a new short video update about Learning 2005, our new event to be held in Orlando from October 30 to November 2. We have almost 600 registrations already! Go to: http://www.learning2005.com

311 - CLO & Learning Executives Perspectives; Teachers Honored with Spa & Renewal by Oprah; More on Memorization vs. Familiarization

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 6, 2005.
#311 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,199 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

1. CLO & Learning Executives Perspectives.
2. Teachers Honored with Spa & Renewal by Oprah.
3. More on Memorization vs. Familiarization.

1. CLO & Learning Executives Perspectives: I am at the CLO and the Intellinex events in Tuscon, Arizona. Over the past two days I have been chatting with key Chief Learning Officers from around the world, focusing on the key pressures on learning strategies and delivery. Here are a few snipets of these conversations:

* Compliance Intensity: Incredible pressure from corporate and legal to grow compliance focused learning and certifications.
* Speed to Talent: Strong pressure to find more rapid paths to competency.
* Retirement Bubbles Approaching: A number of verticals are facing huge exits from retirement eligible older workers. A few CLO's are forecasting 40% to 70% of key talent in the next three years.
* Deconstruction of Courses: Learners and business units are asking for deconstruction of courses and classes into smaller chunks, performance support and mini-options.
* Lack of Learning Leadership Succession: Some of my CLO's who are approaching their own retirement stage expressed concern about the lack of a next layer of leadership in the learning and training arena.
* Partnered Metrics: Learning organizations are looking to business units for "partnered metrics" to use measures that are more focused on the impact of learning on operations and outcomes of the organization.

These issues are deeply resonant with the issues that I will be raising for dialogue and conversations at Learning 2005 (Oct 30 - Nov 2). Join the over 500 early registrants for our brand new and provocative event.
Info at http://www.learning2005.com

2. Teachers Honored with Spa & Renewal by Oprah: Teachers were relaxing and renewing at the Miraval Spa (www.miravalresort.com) that I visited this weekend in Arizona, thanks to a major gift from Oprah Winfrey. She presented a surprise get of gifts to great teachers from all around the United States which included a laptop and a visit to this luxury spa for a once in a lifetime week of relaxation, renewal, nutrition and exercise coaching and a sense of appreciation.

I had the pleasure of walking on a sunrise hike with a few of these teachers and it was a powerful experience. Some of the resources and tools that we take for granted in the world of corporate training are often missing from their world. Kudo's to Oprah for her tribute to the honorable profession of teaching. Watch for a new free Digital Book that we are about to start called My Favorite Teacher.

3. More on Memorization vs. Familiarization: This is one of my key "rants" these days. I am increasingly convinced of the need for instructional designers and trainers to be more EXPLICIT in defining the difference between content which learners should master at the level of:

* Memorization.
* Familiarization.
* Reference Access.

Several TRENDS readers have written about these 3 levels and are experimenting with approaches ranging from "color coding" of content to adding "search for answers" coaching to lessons.

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning 2005 - October 30 - November 2, 2005 - Orlando, Florida
* Membership in The MASIE Center e-Learning CONSORTIUM Info at http://www.masie.com