741 - Webinar on Social Hype and Collaborative Learning, MD Anderson Cancer Center Honored

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 29, 2012.
#741 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,807 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Video Webinar: Social “Hype” & Collaborative Learning:
2. 100 Learning Sessions Announced.
3. MD Anderson Cancer Center Honored.

1. Video Webinar: Social “Hype” & Collaborative Learning: I am pleased to produce a free, one hour - online webinar on the opportunities, challenges, realities and “hype” of Social and Collaborative Learning.  There are many exciting innovations and design models for increasing collaborative learning. We must also add curriculum and learning design for effective “Working Together” approaches.And, there is an incredible amount of “Hype” - often confusing social media and social learning. Join me for a one hour, video webinar on this topic:

Video Webinar Title: Social “Hype” & Collaborative Learning
Facilitator: Elliott Masie
When: September 12 at 1 PM (Eastern Time) for One Hour
Topics:
* What are the real innovations in social and collaborative learning?
* What are the “hype” elements?
* What are the key trends and challenges for social and collaborative learning in 2012?
* What are the differences and distinctions between social learning and collaborative learning design?
* When does social and collaborative learning work, and when is it over-hyped?
* How do we engage all generations and respect the introverts in our workplace?

There is no charge, but space is limited.  Reserve at: http://www.masie.com/socialwebinar

2. 100 Learning Sessions Announced: Our Design Team is busy creating and curating content from learning colleagues around the world.  We are pleased to announce that a major chunk of the 200 Learning Sessions at Learning 2012 are now posted on our website.  In addition, this year 15% of the sessions and activities will be “Real-Time Content” - designed, formatted and delivered onsite by participants responding to Real-Time interests, concerns and benchmarking needs.  Here are the latest updates:

Learning Sessions: http://www.learning2012.com/sessions   .
Learning in 2012 Newsletter - Articles + Content: http://www.learning2012.com/newsletter   .

3. MD Anderson Cancer Center Honored: We are pleased to announce The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will receive the Learning Spotlight Award for excellence in education and training at our Learning 2012 conference, to be held October 21-24, in Orlando, Florida.  The Learning CONSORTIUM is honoring MD Anderson for its innovation developing new models for providing learning, knowledge and skills to its employees, collaborators, patients and their families. MD Anderson has pioneered new approaches to using video, eLearning and other media in its efforts to impact the cancer problem.

 “Achieving our mission to eliminate cancer requires new knowledge, so education is our mission area that enables the other three – patient care, research and prevention,” says Oliver Bogler, Ph.D., senior vice president for academic affairs and vice president for global academic programs at MD Anderson. “We continually work to employ the latest approaches to enhance our educational effectiveness, and we’re pleased to be recognized for these efforts.”

“MD Anderson truly innovates and pushes the boundaries of organizational learning to improve not only employee learning and performance, but also the quality of care and life for its patients. Learning 2012 is pleased to honor MD Anderson, spotlighting its leadership in the learning and performance field.” - Elliott Masie, Host & Curator.

Details at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/md-anderson-cancer-center.html

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning in 2012 Newsletter: View Online

TO: Learning, Training & Performance Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, The Learning CONSORTIUM

RE: Learning Newsletter - 14 Pages of Content

We just finished our new Learning in 2012 Newsletter. This is a free, 14 page collection of articles, perspectives, content and context focused on Learning in 2012 and beyond.

View or Download at: http://www.learning2012.com/newsletter

Articles Include:

* Learners Want Personalization.
* Learning Together: Social & Collaborative Learning.
* Susan Cain on Introverts
* What is the “e” in e-Learning?
* Video Expands Learning.
* Otello, Leadership & Learning by Nigel Paine.
* General Colin Powell’s Leadership Perspectives.
* LMS: More Learning Options, Please!
* Charles Duhigg on Habits.
* Performance Support Perspectives

View our Newsletter: http://www.learning2012.com/newsletter

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

740 - Comcast University Honored; Part 2 of Keynote Anatomy

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 24, 2012.
#740 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,799 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Comcast Learning & University Honored!
2. Part 2 - Anatomy of a Keynote Speech - Design, Bathrooms & Headsets!

1. Comcast Learning & University Honored! We are honored to announce that Comcast will receive a Learning Spotlight Award at Learning 2012, October 21-24, in Orlando, FL.

This award recognizes Comcast’s  commitment to employee engagement while continuing to grow its business. Comcast leverages an internal National Executive Learning Council that includes members of the C-suite and other senior leaders to ensure alignment between the business and learning. This includes setting new expectations and strategy. Comcast University has established a business imperative team to connect daily with the enterprise project management office to clarify what learning solutions are needed and drive product trials, betas and pilots. Also, they have successfully redesigned new hire training for their almost 26 thousand call center employees.
 
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Learning CONSORTIUM,” said Martha Soehren, Ph.D., senior vice president and CLO for Comcast University. “Comcast is bringing new products to customers faster than ever, and the 500 learning and development professionals across Comcast University are passionate about making sure our employees have access to training that will help them provide the best service for our customers.”

“Comcast’s ability to regularly engage senior leaders in the evolution of its learning strategy ensures that, through continual experimentation and innovation, learning is improved to directly support the business. Learning 2012 is pleased to honor Comcast and its leadership in the learning and performance field.” - Elliott Masie, Host & Curator, Learning 2012

Details at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/comcast.html

2. Part 2 - Anatomy of a Keynote Speech - Design, Bathrooms & Headsets!: Yesterday, I delivered the keynote address for the Navy in Orlando - following up on the design process described in the last Trends (http://trends.masie.com)

With all of the prep in the world, the design of a keynote address will continue to evolve once on-site.  Here are my notes from yesterday, starting with breakfast at 7 am:

* Day of Design Check: At breakfast, I went over my notes and thoughts - to check if there were any changes or open issues.  I paused as I thought about how to address the leader of this Naval Base, where simulation, learning systems and training technology is developed.  He has sent me a note with his nickname - Capt. Steve “Snak” Nakagawa.  But, would I use Captain, “Snak”, Steve or some other title?  There was no simple answer, so it fell into an open question list.  Other than that, I felt that my design was aligned with their needs - subject to change when I arrived at the theater.

* Face to Face Pickup: While I could have taken a taxi from the hotel to the speech, I had requested that one of their senior leaders might pick me up. So, we had a 15 minute conversation and I was able to fill out a number of key issues and also get a sense that this whole morning was designed to be “fun and community building”.  This had not been articulated in the previous video, but I smiled when I heard that they referred to this meeting as a “Town Hall”, and that music, video clips and other elements would lighten up the morning.  Aha, that led me to do a mental tweak - and put back in a story that would fit the spirit.

* AV Choice: When I got to the theater, there were AV choices to me made.  While I normally opt for a wireless handheld microphone, my options yesterday were for wired podium microphone or a “behind the ear, Madonna like setup”.  I chose the ear piece, tested it out in my voice and made sure that there was not too much slap back sound to me in the theater. And, I opted for a wooden big high stool in the middle of the stage, rather than standing behind the podium.

* Listening and Learning to the Program: There was a great 90 minute segment before the intermission and then my keynote.  During that time, I got a sense of the spirit of the event, the degree to which they were actively using language from Covey’s Habits and Senge’s Learning Organization.  The national anthem was sung vibrantly by four of their teammates and I laughed with the group at the upbeat nature of the content.

* Skipper Was My Choice: Every one of the senior leaders referred to the chief of the unit as “Skipper” and the second in command as “XO” - for Executive Officer. I made a mental and written note to use those terms.

* Bathroom PLEASE: There was only a 10 minute break before my speech and over 600 people were heading to use the restrooms in the theater. I asked for help to find a shorter line - down the hall - and made sure that I could get back in time to be ready to head up on stage 3 minutes before the start time. Whewwww.

* Connecting in 120 Seconds: You only have 2 minutes to make a connection with a large and distributed audience.  I adjusted my comments and got them to do some audience hand raising and laughing in the first 120 seconds. And, I framed up why I felt I was there with a few outcomes for the 45 minutes.

* Get Them Engaged: Several times during the speech, I had them turn to a neighbor and talk about an issue or question.  The first one was in the opening five minutes, when I had them tell a neighbor how they ideally like to learn themselves.  The room buzzed, the energy shifted to the audience and I then got rapid answers from the back and middle of the theater. I looked at Skipper and the XO and asked them for their answers which were: “Through Experience” and “From Peers and Experts”.  This set the tone that my keynote was not a pure download - it also curated some content from the audience and brought the Skipper’s words into the segment as well.

* A Coin at the End: It is always great to feel the audience responses during a keynote and at the end.  One wonderful tradition in the world of military presentations is when the Skipper puts an “Honor Coin”, a medal engraved with their base and name, and shakes your hand - gifting that to you. I have a collection of 50 great coins, including Secretary of Defense, Joint Chief of Staff and CIA Director, but each one feels like an honor.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take our MASIE Center coins, to give in return.  But today, I am sending the Skipper and his team our coins and appreciation for being asked to address their group.

* Design Feedback: I delivered 80% of what I had planned. I dropped one segment, based on comments from one of their leaders before me, that covered the same material.  And, I reorganized the order of the content - based on a sense of the energy and focus of the group.  Got several emails within an hour and a few Tweets from both the audience and leaders, saying thanks for adding stimulation and perspective to their work.  And, today there are several notes with questions and follow-up ideas in my email from new colleagues in Orlando.

The cycle of a keynote takes some time - if you are committed to DESIGN.  I appreciate working with groups that see face to face meetings as special times for broadening the perspectives of their audience - by bringing in outside speakers and authors.  The 45 minutes actually got stretched by me to 47 minutes, but I kept to our joint design and felt honored to be there.  Finally, I learned things. I made a page of notes during and after the morning with ideas that will pop up here in Learning TRENDS and at our Learning 2012 event.

Thanks for listening to the details of how one person approaches keynote addresses.  If you have any questions or comments, send me an email to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

739 - Southwest Airlines Training Honored; Anatomy of a Keynote Design

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 22, 2012.
#739 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,799 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Southwest Airlines Training Honored!
2. The Anatomy of Designing a Keynote Speech.

1. Southwest Airlines Training Honored! We are proud to announce that the Southwest Airlines Training Department will receive a Learning Spotlight Award at Learning 2012, October 21-24, in Orlando, FL.

This award highlights Southwest Airlines’ deep commitment to their Employee training and development programs. Their continuous innovation in learning approaches and their focus on Culture are the main reasons behind their success as a company. During tough times in the airline industry, Southwest maintained their commitment and passion behind training. They did not cut costs in this area but rather continued to invest in their Employees’ development, maintaining that their People are their #1 asset.

“Southwest is honored to be recognized by The MASIE Center for our dedication and passion towards developing our People. We are extremely proud of our Training Department as we redefine how Southwest Employees learn. At Southwest, it’s not just a career; it’s a cause. We will continue to provide innovative learning to inspire our employees to reach their fullest potential. This investment in our People ensures that Southwest’s success will continue for years to come.” – Elizabeth Bryant, Southwest Airlines Training Department, Managing Director

“Southwest is a great example of a corporate commitment to learning and to the evolution of learning. Learning 2012 is pleased to honor the continual innovation of Southwest in the learning, development and performance field.” - Elliott Masie.

Details at http://www.learning2012.com/item/southwest-airlines-honored.html

2. The Anatomy of Designing a Keynote Speech: In a few hours, I will be taking the plane to Orlando to deliver a keynote speech to 600 people at the Naval Air Warfare Center Trainings Systems Division (NAWCTSD). Learning TRENDS readers often ask about the process I use in planning, developing and delivering a major address, so let’s take a closer look at the prep for tomorrow’s speech.

* Learning Targeting & Needs Assessment: Just like developing a class or online module, it all starts with a Needs Assessment and Targeting process. When someone books me to give a keynote, a member of The MASIE Center does a first level assessment focused on the Who, What, When, Where and How questions. In fact, in about 25% of the cases, this first level sort results in a decision to not take the assignment. We are looking to get a clear view of what the group really wants to accomplish and how my content, context and stories would fit into the mix.
* NAWCTSD: In the case of the Navy group that I will be working with tomorrow, it was clear that there is a great fit. They are in the midst of a major change to Learning Organizations and wanted me to address the ways in which changed work processes, learning approaches and culture - along with the right uses of technology - can make a difference.  And, since they are basing some of their process on work that I have done with other organizations (including the VA Administration), I feel like I can help achieve the goals.
* Goals: Talking of goals, many keynotes do not have outcome goals, other than supplying motivation and context. When I design an address, I look for more specific goals, which in this case are linking the “theory” of Learning Organizations with current and emerging practices in both corporate and military settings. They also want me to align the address with key stories and utilize the language of Peter Senge’s models. No problem.
* Logistics: There are many very detailed logistics, including my travel from Albany, when I will be in the program (I usually avoid the tired end and prefer to kick off), and the setting. Once they announced the speech, the attendance grew. The event will take place at a movie location’s IMAX Theater with an overflow crowd in the next room and a feed to distributed sites by Video Conferencing.  Hmmmm.  Design challenges and opportunities. And, the time is 45 minutes.
* Diving Deep: Many speakers take the assignment and run with their outline. But, after 40 years in the field, that would be boring to me. Instead, I love to have a deep dive conversation with the senior leaders. In this case, we scheduled an hour long high quality video conference with their leaders, including their leader Capt. Steve “Snak” Nakagawa! During that video call, we dove deeper on content, looking at current operational changes they are making, listening for their language and actually “negotiating” the themes of my presentation. This conversation yielded about 4 pages of notes and I am delivering a 130 degree different address based on our dialogues. Plus, it builds a shared trust in how the session will go and what their needs are (and the needs of the audience).
* Design and Presentation: I am not going to be using a PowerPoint slide stack in this IMAX Theater. Instead, I put together a one-slide graphic with an infographic, key picture and some note taking space for the participants. This slide will be on throughout the 45 minutes and each person will have the one pager for notes and a short interaction with seat-mates. During the design process, “Less is More” governs my choice of content and stories. I figure I can present about 8 elements - each about 5 minutes long - in a storytelling and dialogue process. And, as I made up my infographic, I dropped one of the items. Less is more.
* Storytelling as the Arc: The core of my design process leads to a story - content, context and field experience-rich, but a story that is made to provoke and extend their learning goals. It needs Beginnings, Middles and Ends.  And, I actually build the story “arc” in my brain and on a small index card.
* Gestation: I use a gestation period - between my design and delivery - and that results in another 10 to 30 percent change.
* On-Site Reality Check: I have a pretty good sense of who the audience is and their levels, but it is key for me, once I get to the theater tomorrow morning at 8:30, to do my own validation.  I’ll have coffee beforehand and make sure that I have an accurate “read” on the audience.
* Last Minute Logistics: Yes, things do change with logistics. I was planning on bringing my USB stick with my one slide, but due to security requirements, their laptops do not allow for USB access. Instead, I am sending a version by email and bringing an extra CD to use if I have to cut an updated version in the next few hours.
* Nervous? Not at all. In fact, designing and delivering a keynote speech is really exciting. It makes me a learner and I always come away with new context, stories and people to get to know. The only time I get nervous is when the group that has hired me for a keynote says, “Don’t worry. Just give one of your great speeches. We don’t care a lot about the content. Just make them laugh and be motivated.” That gets me nervous and, to be honest, annoyed.
* Excitement? Yes! I am honored to be working with this important group. We have both put in the time to make it an effective design and therefore more likely to be an effective learning experience.

Learning DESIGN is everything - from classes to social/collaborative connection and yes, also keynote speeches.
I will write part two of this tomorrow afternoon, after the speech, to share the second half of the process and delivery impressions.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

738 - Agile Classroom Spaces; Day by Day Countdown Blog

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 20, 2012.
#738 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,792 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Agile Classroom & Agile Learning.
2. Day to Day Countdown Blog - Design Visibility.

1. Agile Classroom & Agile Learning: Last week, 42 corporate learning directors from our CONSORTIUM gathered together in Saratoga Springs for a very intensive one day think-tank on the “Future of the Classroom”. We spent 8 hours exploring the ways in which our classrooms could and might change to meet changing learning needs and opportunities. The group came up with a few key points:

* Focus: Create an Agile Classroom for Agile Learning - A space and design mode that allows for rapidly adjusting content, collaboration and learning models as needs evolve.
* Agile Classroom Layout: Fully adjustable (by trainers or learners) furniture and seating for everything from 1 alone, 1 on 1, 1 with 6 and full group collaboration setups.
* Agile Technology: The classroom, with multiple flexible video connections, can be any of these key tech formats:
 - Learning LAB.
 - Learning Studio (with sage on the sides or fronts).
 - Learning Workout Space.
 - Multi-Platform Connectivity with Video Conferencing and Webinar Content.
 - Learning Mentoring and Coaching Environment.
* Agile Teaching and Training Skills.
* Agile Content Design Models.
* Agile Content Capture and Reuse Mix - With On-Demand and Live Blends.
* Agile Learning Personalization Capacity.

At Learning 2012, we will be building and adjusting a series of Agile Learning spaces to demonstrate and investigate the evolving classroom formats.

2. Day to Day Countdown Blog - Design Visibility: Why have a daily blog for two months leading up to an event? Most conferences are designed over the course of a few weeks that take place months before the event in order to get a slick and glossy catalog in the mail or snappy site on the web.

Learning 2012 has a very different DESIGN MODEL. Every day, our design team is “CURATING” new ideas, activities, suggestions and alternatives to make Learning 2012 an exciting and unique learning activity for our thousands of participants. DESIGN is a daily and also a “Countdown” process. In the 9 weeks ahead, we will make dozens of DESIGN additions, changes and alterations. We wanted to share our step by step excitement and activities with you.

This Countdown blog will contain our challenges and key decisions, ranging from session slants to Real-Time Content dimensions to formats for engaging participants before the event.

We will share our logistics decisions, like should we buy a bag for each participant with our logo on the side if most people are not collecting more paper and handouts? What would be a cooler alternative?  Should we have highly adversarial panels and almost knockout debates? And, what does the Introvert want at a highly collaborative learning event?

And, some things will FAIL. Learning 2012 is designed to be an active LAB and some ideas just won’t come to completion or will fail in the building process. As learning colleagues, we will share those with you as well. Have fun with our Day by Day Countdown Blog at http://www.learning2012.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

737 - The Fading "e'" in e-Learning; Good Morning America and Midtown Men

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 15, 2012.
#737 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,788 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Watch The Midtown Men on Good Morning America on Thursday!
2. The “e” in e-Learning, Vanishing?

1. Watch The Midtown Men on Good Morning America on Thursday! Exciting news. Thursday morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, our friends from the original Jersey Boys cast, The Midtown Men, will be performing.  And, The Midtown Men will be entertaining at our Learning 2012 party. Check them out at http://www.learning2012.com/item/midtown-men-good-morning-america.html

2. The “e” in e-Learning, Vanishing? One of my habits it to look for shifts in the language of learning. What terms are organizations using more, using differently or even dropping? 

Lately, The MASIE Center has noticed a marked DECREASE in the use of “e” in e-Learning. Here are some indicators that we are tracking:

* Fewer “e”-Learning positions in organizations. As we analyze several databases of learning professionals in the United States, we are seeing more than a 20% decrease in the number of titles that have e-Learning included.  e-Learning Developers are now more likely to be called Learning Developers or Designers. Even in the world of external consultants or designers, there are fewer pure e-Learning job roles.
* Fewer organizations are labeling their digital learning programs or modules as e-Learning. We see a slight increase in the use of “online”, a decrease in the use of “virtual” and many are just labeling them as Learning or Training programs, with reference to the delivery being via webinar, distributed or on their learning portal.
* Webinars are growing but not referenced as e-Learning. In fact, almost all of the more engaged, social or collaborative learning formats have drifted away from using the term e-Learning as their primary category.
* Video Segments, ala Knowledge You-Tube elements, are growing in popularity and are rarely called e-Learning.
* “User Supplied Content” is rarely called e-Learning, though it is more often than not in digital format.
* Mixed and Blended Learning is also using the phrase e-Leaning less frequently.
* Mobile and Device friendly learning programs are more likely to refer to the mobility platform rather than e-Learning.
* In many organizations, e-Learning has become associated with compliance-based, required “check-off” programs. Some learners may like the time flexibility for the online program but many do not associate e-Learning with performance outcomes.

Interestingly, terms like e-commerce and e-business have morphed as the e is dropped. When I order a book on Amazon, I don’t talk about it as an e-commerce experience. I just order it.

Let’s assume that all learning - as we go forward - will use a MIX of on-demand and live content, context and collaboration. Some will be highly designed and some will be real-time. Some will be digitally connected and some will be face-to-face. At Learning 2012, we will be chatting about the changing language of learning. From career paths to college programs to labeling our learning offerings, it is time to shift the use of the “e” as electronic and instead understand the embedded “e” in Learning to mean:

* Everywhere.
* Everyone.
* Evolving.
* Effective.
* Efficient.
* Every time.
* Embedded.
* Engaging.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

736 - Social Learning Infographic, Josh Bersin at Learning 2012, At-Home Workers

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 9, 2012.
#736 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,788 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Social & Collaborative Learning Designs Infographic.
2. Josh Bersin at Learning 2012 - Cooperating Organization.
3. At-Home Workers & Learning: Are They Different?

1. Social & Collaborative Learning Designs Infographic: The conversation about “Social Learning” is way too fuzzy. Many groups think that Social Learning is about leveraging external Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook) or pointing people to a SharePoint site. We need a richer, broader and more in-depth conversation about this emerging arena.

The MASIE Center has produced a Social & Collaborative Learning Designs infographic, highlighting multiple avenues and pathways organizations are pursuing to reach the goal of “Working Together”.

View and download our Social & Collaborative Learning Design at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/socialcollaborative-learning.html

2. Josh Bersin at Learning 2012 - Cooperating Organization: We are pleased to bring together a rich and diverse set of Thought Leaders at Learning 2012. It has been years since we have worked together and I am looking forward to Josh Bersin joining me in Orlando to discuss key trends and futures in Learning and Talent. 

“This is a very exciting time in the corporate learning industry and I look forward to sharing and collaborating with Elliott Masie at Learning 2012”, said Josh Bersin, who will present a research perspective and join me in a General Session dialogue on key factors our field faces.

Bersin & Associates will be a Cooperating Organization at Learning 2012, along with ASTD, ISPI, MPI and other key groups in our industry. Info at http://www.learning2012.com/item/josh-bersin-elliott-masie-dialgoue.html

3. At-Home Workers and Learning: Are They Different? More or Less Learning Activities? Here is a quick question for Learning TRENDS readers:

In your organization, are “at-home” based workers participating in learning and training differently than “at-office” workers? Do they do more or less eLearning, webinars or classroom? And, do they “need” classroom events more, as it provides face-to-face time? 

Send me a quick note to emasie@masie.com  I’ll print a summary next week.

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

735 - My Dad and Jesse Owens - Olympics; Richard Culatta Keynotes

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 3, 2012.
#735 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,779 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Today in 1936: My Father at Berlin Olympics.
2. Richard Culatta, US Dept. of Education, Keynote on Innovation.
3. Kickstarter - Crowdsourced Investment in Emerging Tech.

1. Today in 1936: My Father at Berlin Olympics. In 1936, my father, Hans Harry Masie, was required to attend the Olympics in Berlin, Germany. As a Jewish professional, my dad had been forced to work as a contractor to the Hitler government, doing the same job (food preservation technology) that he had in the former government, the Weimar Republic. After Hitler took office, his passport was confiscated and he was part of a small group of Jewish professionals asked to continue to work.

One day he got a note that he was required to attend and cheer for Germany at the Summer Olympics. It was August 3, 1936, 76 years ago today. The mandated Jews were put into a section to be filmed waving and cheering for German teams as they won.

Except, on that day, Germany had a surprise. Nazi propaganda promoted concepts of “Aryan racial superiority” and depicted ethnic Africans as inferior. My father watched an American black athlete, James Cleveland Owens, win the Gold Medal in the 100m sprint. My father told me about his excitement at witnessing this historic moment when I was a youngster and the Olympics were on television.

So, on August 3, 2012, as I watch the London Olympics feed, I think about my 33-year-old father in the stands of the Berlin Olympics, watching 23 year old Jesse Owens change history. Details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Owens

2. Richard Culatta - US Dept. of Education, Keynote on Innovation: We are pleased to announce another keynoter, Richard Culatta, for Learning 2012 (Oct 21st to 24th). As Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the US Department of Education, his work focuses on leveraging open data to create personalized learning experiences for all students and promoting increased connectivity to improve access to education. In addition, Richard and Elliott will explore “Learning Shifts: Cool or Hype”. Read details at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/richard-cu.html

3. Kickstarter - Crowdsourced Investment in Emerging Tech: Last night, I made a $500 investment in an emerging technology for virtual headset environments. I did it via Kickstarter, where “crowdsourcing” allows small, private investments, either for early products or to just support a great emerging idea. Here are 2 Kickstarter investments I have made recently:

* Oculus Rift - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1523379957/oculus-rift-step-into-the-game
* 3D Printer - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/b9creations/b9creator-a-high-resolution-3d-printer

My investments will bring early/beta editions of these two technologies and support for agile invention.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

734 - Social, Not Stupid!; A Mobile GPS for Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 2, 2012.
#734 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,774 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Social, Not Stupid!
2. A Mobile “GPS” for Learning.
3. Reminder - “Learning Marketplace Shifts” Conference Call.

1. Social, Not Stupid! My theme this week is “Social, Not Stupid!” Several of my colleagues/friends, in their love of instant and widely published bursts of Tweets, Facebook and More - have done some “Stupid” things that they almost instantly have regretted.

It is so simple to grab that smart phone or tablet and type 140 characters of instant emotion, thought or “aha”. It is so simple to post it to a Twitter account that might resonate with hundreds, thousands or even more readers.

Recently, an actress from a Broadway show saw a preview of a new play. She didn’t like it (totally natural). And, she tweeted her instant reaction (hmmm). It became an instant and viral storm about her “process” rather than her comment. Eventually, she had to issue a press release regretting the timing and format of her comments.

A friend posted a note on Facebook about his reaction to a restaurant he frequented and the chef called him up to ask why he didn’t tell him directly to his face, rather than publish it for the world to read.

And, even this author has been known to write a blog - without checking for typos - only to regret publishing a typo across the web.

As our mobile devices and social networks allow for instant and gut-level publishing, take a second to ask if you are being Social or Stupid? Take an extra moment to see if Twitter or a blog is the best way to provide feedback or if a personal, face-to-face conversation might be more appropriate. Remember, you can’t erase social “stuff”. Perhaps it is time to have a conversation on “Social, Not Stupid” at your organization. Just because we CAN publish something in an instant from our phone, is it really always the best way to communicate and collaborate?

2. A Mobile “GPS” for Learning: We are very excited to be creating a Mobile “GPS” for Learning at our annual event. Our “GPS”, which will work on any mobile device or from any browser, will provide Real-Time content and context for all of the sessions, attendees, sponsors and resources. As we add 15% of our sessions in Real-Time, our “GPS” will provide updates on just-formulated discussions, dialogues or coffee-table-top benchmarking. See a glance at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/mobile-guide.html

3. Reminder - “Learning Marketplace Shifts” Conference Call:

The Learning Marketplace is shifting as organizations are changing the type and style of learning content, systems and services. We have organized a no-charge, 45 minute briefing on Learning Marketplace Shifts for our colleagues who are learning vendors, suppliers or consultants:

The Changing Learning Marketplace: Shifts, Hype and Expectations!
Hosted: Elliott Masie - The Learning CONSORTIUM.
Thursday, August 16, 2012, 11 am (EDT) - 1 hour - No Charge.
To Register for this call, go to: www.masie.com/MarketplaceCall

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie