306 - A SPECIAL POLL: What Keeps You Up At Night?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 25, 2005.
#306 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
50,180 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida.

A SPECIAL POLL: What Keeps You Up At Night?

Dear Learning & Training Colleague:

I am putting together a QUICK ESSAY for TRENDS Readers on a simple
question:

As a Learning & Training Professional, What Keeps You Up at Night?

Can you take 2 minutes to respond to this question by going to:

http://www.masie.com/upatnight/

We will compile this list from thousands of our colleagues and rapidly post it for TRENDS readers. You can use your name and organization or answer it without attribution.

Can't wait to hear your responses.

Yours in Learning,

Elliott

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
- Learning 2005 - (www.learning2005.com)
- IT & Systems Learning - (www.masie.com)
- e-Learning ASIA HongKong - (www.masie.com/asia)

305 - Memorization vs. Familiarization vs. Referenced Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 20, 2005
#305 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology
50,157 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida

1. Memorization vs. Familiarization vs. Referenced Learning
2. "Iron Learning Designer" Competition @ Learning 2005

1. Memorization vs. Familiarization vs. Referenced Learning: I have pondering the need for us as designers and implementers of Learning to be much more explicit about how we expect learners to acquire and store new content. In addition to traditional Instructional Design, we might add a new dimension that distinguishes between these three types of knowledge "storage":

a) Memorization: We expect the learners to understand and to "memorize" the information or process. This information is so essential or seminal that the learner needs to know this "by heart". For example, I want people to know the difference between the brake and accelerator pedal in a car; to understand what the core functions of a spreadsheet are; or to know what their job description at a memory level. It should be embedded in their brains and can be tested in a "closed book" exam, if necessary.

b) Familiarization: There is other knowledge that we want learners to know at a familiar level but not necessary at a memory level. This usually means that the learner needs to know as aspect of the information, but not all of it at a memory level. They can go on-line or to a reference text to get the rest of the information if and when they require it. At familiarization, we might hope that the learner understands the vocabulary or concept level of the new content, but not need to know the step by step function. At new employee orientation, I might teach people the concept of a leave of absence, but not teach the steps for actually applying or taking one. We can test these learners at the conceptual level or give them a task to see if they can combine their familiarization with reference material to master the content.

c) Referenced Learning: There is also a large set of content, where the learner doesn't even need to be very familiar with the knowledge, IF they can access it if and when they need it. As a trainer, all I might do is to highlight and teach the tools of referencing, such as Google, a specific corporate intranet or an on-line help system. It might even be the ability to access a knowledge management process that would highlight a person in the organization that they could reference. Once again, we could test their competency at REFERENCING the knowledge.

I am focusing on these three levels because we generally don't distinguish between them in our designs or instruction. Learners often are confused about where to allocate their study or learning energy. If we could be more specific, even at the level of color coding the knowledge, the learner could be much more efficient in their efforts. In school or certification classes, the closest thing to this is the "Will it be on the exam?" question from students. But, we can do much better. The growth of e-Learning and other Performance assets, gives us a chance to incorporate these levels into our design, our materials and our instruction. Any reactions? Send me a note to emasie@masie.com

2. "Iron Learning Designer" Competition @ Learning 2005: We are very excited to announce a fun and serious component of Learning 2005:

"Iron Learner Designer" Competition
in the x-Learn Design Stadium

Based on the "Iron Chef" Television Show, the "Iron Learning Designer" competition will give teams of participants the chance to do a Rapid Learning design, in competition with other groups, focused on a "secret ingredient" such as Diversity, Compliance, Leadership, System Synchronization or other topic. Imagine creativity, speed, divergent design and even "off-shore" development of some of these designs. If you would like to volunteer to help structure "Iron Learning Designer" at Learning 2005, please send me an email to emasie@masie.com Information about Learning 2005 (Oct 30 to Nov 2 - Orlando) is available at http://www.learning2005.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
- e-Learning ASIA - Hong Kong
- IT & Systems Learning - Philadelphia
Information and registration at http://www.masie.com

304 - Compliance Major Driver of Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 15, 2005
#304 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology
50,123 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida

1. Compliance Major Driver of Learning.
2. IT & Systems Learning Event Announced.

1. Compliance Major Driver of Learning: Implications: A recent scan by The MASIE Center pointed out a major new trend: Compliance Driven Learning and Training.

Organizations are reporting increases from 10% to 48% in the amount of training and learning that is being delivered due to Compliance requirements. These range from HIPPA (in the health care arena) to Oxley Sarbanes (board and financial compliance) to OSHA (manufacturing) and other arenas.

In fact, in some organizations over 80% of new learning expenditures are linked to Compliance Driven topics. A number of learning directors have mentioned a concern that a good portion of Compliance Training can be seen (and actually can be) more of a ritual to show focus on compliance rather than triggering new skills, knowledge or procedures. As a member of Boards, I can tell you from personal experience that some Oxley Sarbanes training has been more about documenting that the issue was addressed.

I would love to get a clearer reading from Learning TRENDS readers about how Compliance is impacting your organization's learning offerings. Can you send me a note with your experience. I will share these as a roll up summary, without specific company references in a future issue of TRENDS.

2. IT & Systems Learning Event Announced: I am pleased to announce a new, focused event that The MASIE Center will be presenting:

IT & Systems Learning: Perspectives & Conversations.
Philadelphia, PA - April 25 to 26, 2005.
Host: Elliott Masie.

This is a unique small event focused on these four topics:
* Learning & Training for IT Professionals
* Learning & Training for ERP Implementations
* Learning & Training for Corporate Systems
* Learning & Training for Computer End Users

We will dialogue on the full range of learning approaches, including Classroom Delivery, e-Learning, Blended Learning, Mentoring, Certification and Performance Support.

Registration is limited. Information and registration at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* e-Learning ASIA - http://www.masie.com
* Early Info on Learning 2005 at http://www.learning 2005.com

303 - Consulting/Coaching by Video Conference & "Archaic" Textbooks Into Digital Age

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 9, 2005
#303 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology
50,117 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida

1. Consulting/Coaching by Video Conference.
2. "Archaic" Textbooks Into Digital Age.
3. Learning 2005 Global & Local Associations.

1. Consulting/Coaching by Video Conference: Monday started quite early for me in Saratoga Springs, NY. Up at 5:30 am, over to the bagel and coffee shop for wake up food and then in a flash I was in Saudi Arabia.

Well, at least digitally. Elliott in the conference room at The MASIE Center and 35 of the top HR and Learning/Training leaders from Saudi Aramco in their room in Dhahran. We were having a high intensity sixty minute consulting/coaching session on the topic of Learning in a global context. My opening words were: 'Sabah al-hayn, tasharrafna.' (Good morning, nice to meet you!)

Consulting in one hour chunks, across thousands of miles, with high interactivity and connecting with $2,500 video conference devices. I've been doing these sessions frequently and we are seeing the process gaining strength globally. Some consulting organizations are pretty threatened by the concept... if it means renting a one hour chunk of expertise rather than a full day. And, there are clearly times when a face to face is better or even essential. But, let's take a collective look at how we can deploy video conferencing in our organizations for internal and external coaching. It works. Glad to share our logistics and process with any Learning TRENDS readers.

2. "Archaic" Textbooks Into Digital Age: The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) is urging governmental and school officials to take a new look at the process of approving and purchasing textbooks as we move into the digital age. In many U.S. regions, there is a very political and complicated model for approving school textbooks. But, the model does not work when you start to have continually updated content. Only about 45% of the states have even begun to add digital content resources into their approval process. There are also tricky pricing issues with digital books. Yet, we are seeing a shift towards the buying of digital vs. paper based textbooks in our schools. There is an interesting technical report available at: http://www.siia.net/govt/docs/pub/SIIAAdoptionLtrBrf.pdf

3. Learning 2005 Global and Local Associations: As we organize our new event, Learning 2005, to be held in Orlando, Florida (Oct 30 - Nov 2), we are seeking local and international learning, training, Human Resource and related groups to be regional contacts. There will be delegations from over 45 countries participating in Learning 2005 and many will be coming with colleagues from their local associations. We will also have a network of local groups assisting in the design and ramp up to Learning 2005. There will be a satellite delivered global pre-event for Learning 2005 in early Fall. If you are with a local organization that would like to be involved, send me an email to emasie@masie.com. If you would like to get early info on Learning 2005, go to www.learning2005.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events and Services:
- e-Learning Briefing: Minneapolis - Feb 14
- Rapid e-Learning Development: Chicago - Feb 16-17
- e-Learning ASIA Update: Hong Kong - March 16-17
- The e-Learinng CONSORTIUM (190 Organizations) Information and registration available at http://www.masie.com

302 - Design Once for Multiple Uses of Learning Content; Battle Learning Lessons from Iraq

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 6, 2005
#302 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology
50,028 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida

1. Design Once for Multiple Uses of Learning Content
2. Battle Learning Lessons from Iraq
3. Learning 2005 Updates: Neighborhoods & Design

1. Design Once for Multiple Uses of Learning Content: Several members of our e-Learning CONSORTIUM have shifted their learning design process significantly recently. We are noticing a "design once - use many" approach for the creation and deployment of on-line learning assets.

Here is an example of this from HP. Content that is created for use as step by step on-line learning is then re-formatted to allow techs and other users to access the same "modules" as just-in-time performance support. We are seeing a trend of deploying the same content first as a course format, with objectives, learning pathways and remediation/branches. Then, the content is reformatted, stripping out the "instructional" language and activities, to provide the workforce or customer with on-line performance resources.

Some authoring models are evolving that allow for the content to be deployed in both modes at the same time through multiple outputs from an authoring system or via a learner preference choice of how they want to access the material.

2. Battle Learning Lessons from Iraq: A few Learning TRENDS readers sent us a recent article about shifting styles of learning amongst U.S. officers deployed in Iraq. It includes details of how the internet has spawned a number of unofficial on-line communities of learning that have become quite active. It is fascinating reading: http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?050117fa_fact

3. Learning 2005 Updates: Hundreds of colleagues have emailed me since our pre-announcement about our new event, Learning 2005, which will be held in Orlando from Oct 30 - Nov 2. We will have the formal announcement in a 2 weeks, but here are a few early details about content at Learning 2005:

- A Fresh Look at Orientation, On-Boarding & Executive Development: It is time to rethink our models for how we add new employees (or contractors) and what exective, leadership and high-potential development is really all about. What is the right mix of e-Learning, classroom and on-the-job learning/coaching. Learning 2005 will engage you in re-designing prototypes for these key elements.

- Health-Med*Learn: This "neighborhood" will look at how medical/health professionals learn and re-learn their content and roles. It will also tackle the issue of how consumers need to learn health /medical information. We will tackle evolving models of simluation and content feeds.

- Manufacturing & Learning: Working with the National Association of Manufacturing, we will be building a "neighborhood" to explore how learning is different in a manufacturing or shop floor setting.

- xLearn LAB: We are building a non-commercial environment called the x-Learn LAB, to provide hands-on experiences with gaming, simulation, e-Learning, collaboration and other forms of cutting edge models. The "x" in xLearn stands for extreme approaches to Learning!

- Salesforce Learning: How we we train the salesforce? What are new models for continuous salesforce learning?

- The New Classroom: Time to take a fresh and radical look at refreshing and evolving the physcial and methodological elements of the classroom.

- Profiles in Learning: I am proud to announce that Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the former Lt. Governor of Maryland, will be leading a process of looking at how key leaders learn. We will profile, interview and meet with some of key world leaders as we build a Learning equivalent of "Profiles in Courage".

- Mili*Learn: There will be a significant "neighborhood" focused on the role of learning in the military, law enforcement and intelligence world.

- Learning Studio 2005: Learning designers, producers and architects will gather in our Learning Studio 2005 to share and execute real time examples of learning design and content creation. This will be a cool place for both participation, creation and feedback. It will include the Iron Chef competition for Learning Designers.

- Learning Decisions: The creation and implemention of Learning Decisions & Strategies for organizations will be the focus of this neighborhood at Learning 2005. CEO's, CFO's and others executives will give us a frank executive perspective.

These are just a few of the strands of Learning 2005. I bet you can tell how excited I am about the creation of this new event. If you would like to have an early announcement about the event or to join our Design Squad, just send me an email to emasie@masie.com or go to www.learning2005.com Meanwhile, save the dates and tell your team members!

301 - Learning TRENDS - Our New Name & More LMS Consolidation Coming

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 1, 2005
#301 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology
50,014 Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2005: Oct 30 - Nov 2 - Orlando, Florida

1. Learning TRENDS - Our New Name
2 More LMS Consolidation Coming

1. Learning TRENDS - Our New Name: As we reach 50,014 readers of this informal newsletter, I have evolved the name to Learning TRENDS!. This reflects the evolution of both the field and The MASIE Center. We are focusing on the broader topics of Learning rather than just "e-Learning".

In addition, the renaming of TRENDS also maps to our new global conference, Learning 2005, which we will formally announce in the next two weeks. Save the dates of October 30 - November 2 in Orlando, Florida, USA. Reply to this note or send an email to emasie@masie.com if you want an early note about Elliott Masie's Learning 2005!

2. More LMS Consolidation Coming: There are a number of mergers and changes around the corner in the Learning Management Systems arena. Deep discussions are underway that may lead to the sale or merger of at least five of the current LMS companies. This is a sign of on-going consolidation in this marketplace. It also parallels some major changes that have been triggered by the increased role of large technology companies and ERP companies in the learning space.

For example, a ripple in the industry was caused by Oracle's purchase of PeopleSoft. Watch for announcements in the coming six weeks of some of these managers. Buyers should increase their due diligence about the "what if's" of possible mergers and also build in contractual language that would protect their options (eg. ownership of legacy code or exit abilities).

3. Upcoming Seminars by Elliott Masie: We have a few seats available in some of our upcoming events:

- Rapid e-Learning Development: Chicago - Feb 16-17
- e-Learning Briefing: Minneapolis - Feb 14
- e-Learning ASIA - Hong Kong - March 16-17

Info and registration at www.masie.com