182 - Tom Peters' View of the New World of Work

1. Tom Peters' View of the New World of Work: Here is a thought provoking
article by Tom Peters on the changing world of work. Tom will weave these
trends through his presentation on Reinventing Learning and Training at
TechLearn 2000 in November. The article can be read at this URL:
http://www.tompeters.com/tom_observations_47.htm

2. Join Elliott Masie for a Drink in Prague on September 12th: I would love
to buy a drink for TechLearn TRENDS readers located in or near Prague, Czech
Republic on the afternoon of September 12th. We will be traveling to Prague
with Cathy's 89 year old grandfather and also doing a bit of work. Meet us
at 5 PM in the lobby of the Renaissance Prague Hotel. If you are planning
to join us, please send an email to prague@masie.com Directions to the
hotel at: http://www.renaissancehotels.com/PRGRN/areainfo/default.asp

3. Does Your Mental Work Year Start After Labor Day?: Do any of you (other than folks in
higher education) still feel like the year "starts" after Labor Day? I still feel like I should get my
school supplies ready during the last week of August, buy 3 hole paper, and set my mind into a
different mode when the calendar is about to flip to September. Comments? Send a note to
emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
TechLearn 2000 + The World e-Learning CONGRESS - Nov. 12 and 15th - Orlando, Florida - www.techlearn.com

Last Call for Applications for MASIE e-Learning CONSORTIUM. Acceptances to be emailed in the next 3 days. Details at http://www.masie.com/consortium/

181 - 2 Way Satellite Internet Access to Launch in 60 Days; Organizational Issues Impact e-Learning Success; e-Learning Launched from Calendar?

1. 2 Way Satellite Internet Access to Launch in 60 Days: Starting in
October, Microsoft and AOL will be each offering a new solution for
broadband satellite internet access. Reports indicate that both Microsoft
and AOL, with key partners, will offer the ability to access the net using
the same format satellite dish as DirectTV. This 18" dish will provide two
way internet access, rather than the one way access currently available by
satellite, which requires the user to use a telephone line for URL requests
and then receive the file from the sky. Bandwidth would be equal or faster
than DSL and priced in the $99 to $50 per month basis and would be bundled
with TV and music services on the same dish. This will add another element
bringing broadband to the home...adding increased opportunities for digital
collaboration and e-Learning.

2. ISPI to Co-Host TechLearn 2000 + World e-Learning CONGRESS: We are
pleased to announce that the International Society for Performance
Improvement (ISPI) will Co-Host our TechLearn 2000 Conference and play a
key role in the World e-Learning CONGRESS at the event. ISPI will provide
resources focusing on the role of performance improvement in the e-Learning
world and will add to the research agenda that our field needs in the coming
decade. ISPI joins a distinguished group of Co-Hosting Associations
including CEdMA, ISA, ITTA, ASTD, ADL and The National Association of
Manufacturers. If you are an ISPI member, you can receive a discount on
TechLearn Registration. Act quickly, as we are already at 1,407 paid
registrations and the brochure hasn't even been mailed. TechLearn will be
held in Orlando, Florida from November 12 to 15 and complete information is
on-line at http://www.techlearn.com

3. Organizational Issues Impact e-Learning Success: In the past few months,
the organizational issues involved with implementing e-Learning have been
surfaced by major organizations. Here are a few of the key issues that
have been raised by senior training managers in dialogues with The MASIECenter:

* Do we have the same level of organizational positive reinforcement for a
worker that attends an e-Learning course, compared to classroom training?

* If learners have the ability to browse courses and take segments of
courses, how do we evaluate the effectiveness of a training program...is it
a success because they left early or a failure?

* How do organizations charge back of e-Learning assets, if all other
intranet resources are bundled into an organizational chargeback by headcount?

* How do we attract great classroom trainers to join our organizations if
the entire training conversation is moving to e-Learning?

* Where should e-Learning be positioned in organization? Should it be in
the traditional training department or in a special unit?

We will be writing a number of articles on these issues, as well as tackling
them in our Case Studies at TechLearn. I would love to hear from TRENDS
readers that have comments or opinions about any of these topics. Just send
them to issues@masie.com and you will see them summarized in the next few
TRENDS. Thanks!

4. e-Learning Launched from Calendar? One of the things that I fear is that
learners will not return to their e-Learning sites. Why can't we integrate
e-Learning into Outlook or other Organizational Calendar? Learners would
contract for their learning and it would show up as an appointment, task or
special element of the application that I look at all day long. Let's have
e-Learning come to the learner rather than the other way around!
MASIE Center Services and Events:

* TechLearn 2000 + World e-Learning CONGRESS: Nov 12 to 15, Orlando, FL
www.techlearn.com

* Learning Decisions Interactive Newsletter: Only $195 for 12 issues www.learningdecisions.com

180 - Experiment in Mobile e-Learning; Monitor the e-HR Trends for e-Learning Support; Self-Administered Testing for Job Applicants

1. Experiment in Mobile e-Learning: Over the past few days, I have been
building a personal prototype of a handheld, multi-media rich e-Learning
model. Having just received a new handheld, a color Cassiopeia, with a
color screen, audio record and playback and video player, it seemed like an
ideal time to experiment with what e-Learning might evolve towards in the
months and years ahead. After loading up some HTML learning content, adding
small video segments and providing a capability for the learner to record
and send audio comments, my handheld e-Learning device was ready to roll.

The form factor of a small high powered media rich learning tool has great
potential. Assuming that the field will develop content synchronization
capacity, mobile performance support tools and wireless connectivity, this
model would be high on my choice list. I could use it when I had time,
carry it with me and use it at my leisure. I added a small ear based
microphone and earphone for privacy and concentration. This will be an
exciting arena for development in the e-Learning arena. Watch for handheld
simulations, coaching and learning programs to hit the market in 2001.

2. Monitor the e-HR Trends for e-Learning Support: If you think the
e-Learning arena is hot, look over the cube wall and see how rapidly the
Human Resources field is adding the letter "e" to the their function. e-HR
is being driven by these forces:

* Self-service HR support for workers: This includes the ability to conduct
on-line the bulk of HR transactions from changes to 401K plans to vacation
requests. e-HR recognizes the desire of many families to be involved in HR
decisions and connect to HR from home during off hours. Web based HR
services are exploding.

* On-line recruitment and hiring: Hiring times and cycles are changing dramatically.

* Team deployment: The use of virtual teams and multi-location teams
Unfortunately, in most companies the e-HR effort is not being strategically
mapped to the e-Learning efforts. This is an ideal time to build the
bridges between these two efforts. Information on HR issues can be found
at http://www.shrm.org

3. Self-Administered Testing for Job Applicants: Talking about e-HR, I had
a chance to experience what applicant testing might look like in e-world.
Alan Epstein, CEO of TeckChek, gave me a walk-through of their new
self-administered tests for IT applicants. As an potential employer of an
IT applicant, I could go on-line trigger a quick or intensive assessment
test that the applicant can complete from their location. While the test
is not "proctored", it does give a very rapid assessment of an applicant on
a range of IT skill sets. The results are instantly posted back to the
employer. With the rise of e-Hiring and e-Interviewing, it is good to see
the rise of e-Testing. Check it out at http://www.teckchek.com

4. TechLearn 2000 "Orientation" Led by Beth Thomas from The Limited: We
are pleased to announce that Beth Thomas, a senior training manager with The
Limited and the winner of the TechLearn '99 Pioneer Award, has agreed to
host the TechLearn 2000 Orientation. She will be leading a short welcome
session for every attendee at TechLearn on Sunday, November 12th. Beth will
start your TechLearn experience by focusing on the key issues that we face
in implementing new models of learning. Beth will bring her unique flavor
of leadership (as featured in Fast Company) to this key role at TechLearn.
And, you will see Beth throughout the event, as we re-formatting orientation
from a one time event to an on-going process that will even extend after
your departure. Thanks Beth! Go to http://www.techlearn.com to register
for this exciting event.

MASIE Center's Learning Decisions Interactive Newsletter: Only $195 for 1
Year Subscription --- http://www.learningdecisions.com

3 Minute Survey - Take-Aways from e-Learning OR When Does My On-Line Content Disappear?

Please take 3 minutes to complete our latest TechLearn Trends Survey:

Take-Aways from e-Learning OR When Does My On-Line Content Disappear?

A learner takes a class on-line! It is now complete!. What resources or materials do
they have access to after the end of the class?

This survey is aimed at looking at learner preferences and requirements for
continuing access to e-Learning materials.

Just go to http://www.masie.com/survey/ and fill out our 3 minute survey.

Executive summary of results will be posted in TechLearn TRENDS in a few weeks.

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie

179 - New Views of Tomorrow's IT Workers; Results of Survey on Pricing of e-Learning

1. New Views of Tomorrow's IT Workers: Notes from San Juan: I had the honor
of addressing the Summit on Information Technology sponsored by the
Government of Puerto Rico. The conversation focused on the changing nature
of the IT Worker of the future. Here were a few of the key concepts that
were presented:

* The IT Worker will need excellent business skills as well as technical skills
* The IT Worker will require cross-platform and multi-vendor skills sets,
combining vendor certifications with portfolios of experience
* The IT Worker will need a high "learning capability" - their ability to rapidly and
continuously learn new skills and technologies
* The IT Worker will more likely work in a business unit rather than an IT Group.
* The IT Worker will definitely NOT be called an IT Worker
* The IT Worker will more likely work with media objects (e.g.. audio and video)
rather than just database text and numbers
* The IT Worker will get the majority of their IT Skills from a source other than a
university or college.

We will have a MEGA Session at TechLearn 2000 (www.techlearn.com) focusing
on the IT Worker of the future. If you have any thoughts on this issue, send me an email
to emasie@masie.com

2. Results of Survey on Pricing of e-Learning: Learning Decisions July survey addressed
expectations and perceptions surrounding the price of e-learning offerings. Nearly 1200
learning and training professionals provided benchmarking data from July 20-25, 2000.
We asked respondents to assume that there is an excellent, trainer-led course called Project
Management. It lasts 3 days and the tuition is $925 per student. It is delivered in a classroom
environment. Here are some highlights:

1. If the classroom version of the course is $925, I would expect the e-learning version to cost:

* Less than the classroom version: Less than $925........ 79.0%
* The same as the classroom version: $925................ 16.5%
* More than the classroom version: Greater than $925...... 4.5%

Average Price Indicated........ $785
Median Price indicated......... $595

2. How do the following components impact the price that you are willing to pay?

An instructor that gives live (synchronous) seminars delivered on-line
Significant..... 57.7% Moderate........ 32.9% None............. 9.4%

Simulation
Significant..... 52.6% Moderate........ 39.0% None............. 8.4%

Immediate access to an instructor via email for questions and clarifications (less than 2 hour turn around)
Significant..... 49.1% Moderate........ 41.9% None............ 9.0%

Technical support
Significant..... 45.3% Moderate........ 34.5% None............ 20.2%

An instructor to monitor progress and prompt students along
Significant..... 42.9% Moderate........ 41.6% None............ 15.5%

Telephone access to an instructor
Significant..... 41.8% Moderate........ 43.5% None............ 14.7%

Testing and assessment capabilities
Significant..... 39.7% Moderate........ 42.4% None............ 17.9%

Streamed audio or video segments
Significant..... 39.0% Moderate........ 39.4% None............ 21.6%

Access to an instructor for questions and clarifications (1 day turnaround)
Significant..... 28.3% Moderate........ 52.8% None............ 18.9%

Threaded discussions and chat
Significant..... 20.6% Moderate........ 48.2% None............ 31.2%

Printed text book
Significant..... 20.4% Moderate........ 43.5% None............ 36.1%

Complete analysis of these results are available to Learning Decisions Subscribers
(subscribe at www.learningdecisions.com)

3. Air Rage is Often Consumer Rights! A Personal Rant: I was a perfect example of what
the media has labeled "air rage" on our flight from Puerto Rico to New York yesterday.
First, the plane's departure was a hour late, due to a crew timing issue. Not a word of apology,
not a word of how it might impact our ability to get back to New York and not a bit of
information disseminated at the gate. When we landed in Philadelphia, there
was only 15 minutes until our departure. We ran the blocks to the gate and when we arrived,
were told that the plane was "closed". No checking of the computer to see that 2 passengers
were running from a plane that has just arrived. No apology. Hmm...and I had paid $1,800 for a
round trip ticket.
So, I threw my ticket on the counter and demanded... "But, has it left?"
The counter person said no, it's at the gate, but it is closed. So, I ran to the door... bellowing..
"Stop the plane!". Well, perhaps due to my emotional state or perhaps when he saw my mileage
level, he came down and let me on the plane. Hey, we all know the air system is overloaded and
that air traffic and weather delays will happen. But, let's use the I in IT, the INFORMATION
component to honor the passenger side of the contract.
Place kiosks throughout the airport and allow us to see the real situation with our flights
and our options on other airlines. Let us use IT as a tool to even the game in the airline industry.
Imagine an e-BAY at an airport where an airline company can't fly 50 people to a destination
....allow a local charter company the ability to bid on that and use the value of their tickets.
Imagine the ability to go on-line from our hotel rooms or even our cell-phones and see what our choices are for routing. As long as airlines constrict information, reduce choice and never apologize, consumers will
seethe. Sorry about the rant ... but I do spend 150 days a year on airplanes and yesterday, I just decided
to not take it! Thanks for listening!

4. New TechLearn Site Up and Running! Our webmaster, Jeremy Little designed
a new website for TechLearn 2000, check it out at www.techlearn.com There
are now 1,256 folks registered for the event to be held in Orlando from November 12 to 15th.

178 - Do Generation X'ers Learn Differently Than Baby Boomers?; Will Lieberman Choice Highlight Days of Rest?; Learning Napster Responses; Teachers Union Take Stand on e-Learning Degrees

1. Do Generation X'ers Learn Differently Than Baby Boomers? At three
meetings in the last month the issue of generational learning styles have
been discussed. The question/curiosity centers around the differences (if
any) in how Generation X (or younger and much younger) workers learn and
will want to learn. And, how it is different from the learning styles of
the Baby Boomers?

On first glance the X'ers are perceived as internet ready --- able and
desiring of learning informally from the on-line resources. How they
develop...from gaining leadership skills to mastering new technology skills
is perceived as different than the approaches used by folks from the Baby
Boomer generation.

I went out to search for some research or informal studies on this issue and
came up blank. So, we will use TRENDS and TechLearn 2000 to drill down on
these generational learning profiles. We would welcome your comments or
even "articles" on this topic, to be submitted to me at emasie@masie.com.
We will also sponsor a Mega-Session at TechLearn 2000 (Nov 12 to 15, 2000)
to include a focus group with people from multiple "generations" in the
workforce. (Go to www.techlearn.com to register for TechLearn.)

2. Will Lieberman Choice Highlight Days of Rest? Digital Balance? Without
regard to who will or should win the U.S. Presidential race in November, it
was interesting to reflect on one aspect of Gore selecting Senator Lieberman
as his Vice Presidential candidate. As a practicing Orthodox Jew, Lieberman
overtly takes the Sabbath as a day of rest. I have already have a dozen
conversations about what that might mean to raise the issue of Digital
Balance in our lives.

The Skills Gap may only be over passed by the Time Gap. As our technology
and organizations ramp up for continuous 24 x 7 communications and work,
what does it mean for our health and "balance". I am looking forward to the
dialogue about our views of the need and value of a "day of rest" in our
lives, whether driven by religious values or personal preference.

3. Learning Napster Responses: We have been bombarded with responses to the
query that I raised about the impact of a Learning Napster on the training
marketplace and field. The responses have come in by the hundreds and are
the strongest set of reactions to any topic we have raised in Trends over
the past few years. They range from a reaction that it would illegal and
immoral to those that told me they are within a few months of releasing such
a product in the marketplace (4 of those). We will take another week to
summarize and edit the responses and you will see them in a future Trends.

4. Teachers Union Take Stand on e-Learning Degrees: The American Federation
of Teachers passed a resolution that opposes undergraduate degrees that are
earned entirely online. The union also called for faculty members to
maintain control of Web-based courses. The resolution, passed during the
group's biennial convention, lists 14 standards for a quality
distance-education program.

Passed without objection, the resolution states that an undergraduate degree
earned entirely from a distance is not of the same quality as a degree that
was earned in a classroom. The resolution states that online undergraduate
degrees should have at least some face-to-face elements in them, "with
exceptions permitted on a case-by-case basis for students truly unable to
participate in classroom education."

"At a certain point you have to say: No, it's not a real undergraduate
degree if it doesn't include people getting together," said Lawrence N.
Gold, higher-education director for the federation. For a complete copy of
their press release on this issue go to: http://www.aft.org/convention/onlinepr.html

5. TechLearn 2000 Rooms Filling at Disney: Make your reservations at
Disney's Coronado Springs Hotel soon! We have over 1,250 colleagues
registered for TechLearn 2000 + The World e-Learning Congress (Orlando -
November 12 to 15th). The hotel tells us that they have been taking loads
of TechLearn reservations....and the spaces will fill at the Conference
property. If you are planning on attending TechLearn, go to www.techlearn.com
and register for the conference (and make a call to Disney
to reserve a room). We really look forward to hosting you in Orlando in November.

177 - Learning NAPSTER & What Do I Own After The e-Learning Experience?

On a wonderful summer day in Saratoga Springs here are 2 "thinking"
questions and a request for help:

1. Learning NAPSTER: Next? What If? OK, imagine the day when you hear
that NAPSTER had created a division called Learning NAPSTER. Anyone could
share Learning Content and Courses that were on their PC's or CD's with
anyone else in the world. No charges. No royalty payments to the
developers. What would happen? Would it be seen as a great way to
increase the exposure of larger populations to Learning Options? Would it
be seen as the death of the current learning business models. I would
love to hear your comments on the idea/excitement/fear of a Learning
NAPSTER. Just send me a note to elliott@masie.com. Before you make your
call to the Appeals Court, there is not a Learning NAPSTER on the market or
coming to market...at least as far as I know.

2. What Do I Own After The e-Learning Experience? One question that came
up in a conversation last night with several area University Presidents was
the ownership of learning content. As e-Learning content grows and as the
model of paying for access rather than ownership develops, what happens to
the learner when the license expires. I tend to learn differently when I
know that the resources will "always be there", as opposed to evaporating
after a few months. Will learners demand that they have a perpetual
license to some set of the content. What happens to the college textbooks
that I still use from time to time...if they become digital, do I still
have access 20 years later? Once again, send your comments to me on this
topic at elliott@masie.com I will post a summary of these two questions
in a few weeks.

3. HELP! Excellent Examples of e-Learning Needed for White House Committee
As you may know, I am serving on President Clinton's White House Advisory
Task Force on Expanding Training Opportunities. My fellow appointees are
interested in taking a self-guided tour of a wide range of e-Learning
samples...from higher education to business to core skills. If you are a
provider or developer of e-Learning content and would be willing to provide
16 copies or 16 passwords to actual e-Learning activities (not demo's) for
the use of the committee, please send an email to Jennifer Roberts,
at jennifer@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
TechLearn 2000 + e-Learning CONGRESS - November 12 to 15, 2000
Over 1,100 Registered Already....TechLearn Looks at the Reality vs. Hype of e-Learning!
Tom Peters, Kevin Kelly, Elliott Masie, Lisa Napoli, Benjamin Zander and CEO Panel on Learning
Information and Registration at http://www.techlearn.com