811 - 12 Movies in a Month, Badges from MOOCs, Farewell Pete Seeger

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 28, 2014.
#811 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,354 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning Symposium & LAB - learningmoocs.com

1. 12 Movies in 1 Month? MoviePass Experiment.
2. Badges from Corporate MOOCS?
3. Pete Seeger Farewell!

1. 12 Movies in 1 Month? MoviePass Experiment. Yesterday was the 12th time I went to a movie theater in January! Why? I’m experimenting with a new and fascinating service called MoviePass. In a nutshell, it is the equivalent of Hulu or Netflix - but with movies that are in the theater.

I pay about $30 a month and I can see one movie, free of charge at almost any theater, anywhere in the US. I have to be in the lobby of the theater, use my smartphone to select the movie, and then go to the window or a kiosk and my MoviePass card acts like a Discover Credit Card, buying me a ticket free of charge. Interestingly, the theater owner gets the full price from MoviePass. There are a few restrictions, such as no 3D films and a firm waiting period of 24 hours before my app is live again. But, it really works and I have used it in several cities.

Now, you have to be a movie geek and love to watch big screens. But, I have gone in the evening, on weekends and once left work at 2 pm for an afternoon flick. If you want to try it, go to www.moviepass.com and check it out. But, remember popcorn is full price!

2. Badges from Corporate MOOCS? Will corporate learners someday earn “Badges” as a result of taking a MOOC (Massive, Open, Online Course) and demonstrating competency or readiness? Check out our new blog: LearningMOOCs - http://www.learningmoocs.com/index.php/blog/item/badges-from-moocs

3. Peter Seeger Farewell. Yesterday, one of the wonderful and powerful folk singers and social change advocates of our time, Pete Seeger, passed away. I met him several time in my life, including on an overnight stay on his “Save the Hudson River” boat, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. His songs “Turn Turn Turn” and “If I Had a Hammer” became a part of both folk music and social change history. 

On a personal note, I remember sitting on the deck of the Clearwater while he played his banjo on his lap as he told stories about why a river should be clean enough to eat the fish safely. He blended storytelling, listening, music and passion for change in a way that moved people, history and me.  Farewell, Pete Seeger - You Made a Difference!

Story and music about Pete Seeger at: http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/28/showbiz/pete-seeger-death/

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

MOOCs and Corporate Learning: An Invitation

TO: Corporate Learning, Training and Higher Education Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, Editor - Learning TRENDS
DATE: January 23, 2014
RE: Invite: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB

Dear Colleagues:

What will Corporate Learning do with the emerging model of MOOCs: Massive, Open, Online, Courses/Certificates/Content?

MOOCs are a disruptive and interesting innovation under experiment in Higher Education and starting to be adapted and leveraged by Learning, Training and Development groups in the workplace. 

The MASIE Center and The Learning CONSORTIUM are pleased to invite you and your colleagues to a new, drill-down, vendor-neutral, evidence-based exploration of the roles of MOOCs for employee learning:

MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab.
April 2, 3 and 4, 2014.
Hosted by Elliott Masie.
MASIE Center Learning LAB.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866  USA.
Info: http://www.learningmoocs.com

We will be exploring, examining, dialoguing and even designing the formats for a variety of MOOCs aimed at the workplace.  It is exciting to think about 10,000 employees taking a high engagement program - without traditional faculty/trainer involvement!  It is scary to think about 80% drop out rates! Together, we will examine the opportunities, adaptions, HYPE, technologies and learning behavior shifts in the world of MOOCs - implemented at work.

Our issues and questions include:

- Current MOOC Use: What’s Working? What’s Hype? What’s Changing?
- Designing MOOCs in a Corporate Setting.
- Why MOOCs?
- Playing with the MOOC Letters:
* Massive: How wide can a corporate MOOC extend?  To a half million workers?  What support needs does a Massive MOOC require?
* Open: How Open is a corporate MOOC?  Is access Open?  Is content from Open sources?  Is MOOC content placed in an Open Format?  Can we bill or charge for an Open program?
* Online:  MOOCs that are 100% asynchronous? MOOCs that include real-time live collaboration?  MOOCs blended with Face to Face?  MOOCs on a global basis in many languages?
* Course/Credentials:  What does the C stand for? Course, Content, Credit, Credential, Certificate?  How accountable is the MOOC user?
* MOOCs and Certification?
* Using External MOOCs for a Workplace Learning Activity.
* Mini-MOOCs:  Creating a Behind-the-Firewall Subset of a MOOC.
* Learning Systems (LMS/LCMS) & MOOCs:  Friends, Foes or Cousins?
* Completion & Attrition Rates for MOOCs.
* MOOCs and Compliance/Regulation?
* MOOCs and Assessment Models: Credits, Courses, Certificates?
* MOOCs and Learning Preferences/Personalization?
* MOOCs:  Fans and Opponents – Evidence For and Against MOOCs.
* Design Skills for MOOCs.
* Branding Issues:  Do We Call it a MOOC?
* MOOC Partners and Providers:  From MIT to Coursera to edX to FutureLearn.
* Corporate MOOCs in Action:  From Yahoo to Bank of America to New Hire Orientation MOOCs.
* Your Questions about and Issues with MOOCs.

I will lead this program, with perspectives from corporate MOOC implementers, technology platforms and Higher Education partners. 

Space is limited and we encourage Early Registration with a time limited discount.  The program includes a 2 1/2 day Face-to-Face Program and a series of MOOCs and Design MOOCs you can utilize before and after your visit to Saratoga Springs.

Details and online registration at http://www.learningmoocs.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott
Elliott Masie

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 26 - 29, 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Video for Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, 2014 - Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning Directions: New York City, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.
* MOOCs & Corporate Learning: April 2, 3 and 4, 2014 - Saratoga Springs, NY
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

810 - 12 Years a Slave from Saratoga; My New Learning Thermostat

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 20, 2014.
#810 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,344 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

1. 12 Years a Slave - From Saratoga on Martin Luther King Day.
2. My Learning Thermostat - Google Buys Nest.
3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.

1. 12 Years a Slave - From Saratoga on Martin Luther King Day.  Yesterday, I went to see “12 Years a Slave,” a powerful and provocative movie about a freeman who lived in my hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY, who is kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery in the Louisiana.  I wanted to honor Martin Luther King Day by seeing this movie and reflecting about the broad history of civil rights and slavery.  If you can, please go see this movie.  Here is a clip: http://youtu.be/pA-vxW3d3Fw

2. My Learning Thermostat - Google Buys Nest: Last week, I ordered the Nest Learning Thermostat. A few days later, Nest was acquired by Google for $3.2 Billion dollars. It was random timing rather than inside knowledge. I spent an hour yesterday replacing the thermostat in my home with a new “Learning” thermostat.

I was fascinated at the usability that went into the design and user experience of Nest.  I had ordered it online from Amazon.  There was a sealed sticker that told me to do the pre-install checkout, before opening the sticker, in case I had to return it.  So, here is what I did, as per instructions:

* Went to the Nest website and called up very visual and performance support graphics.
* I opened up the old thermostat and indicated which color wires it was using.
* It suggested I take a picture of the wires and thermostat and send by email to Nest for guidance.
* In less than 30 minutes, it verified that I could simply make the switch and installation.
* I mounted the new Nest with 2 screws, pushed the 2 wires into marked slots and it went LIVE.
* It asked for my Wi-Fi connection, zip code and a few other items.
* And, it WORKED!
* The thermostat is now learning my heating choices and building a personalized schedule.
* I can monitor temperature and change if from a smartphone or web.
* And, it senses presence in the room for adjustment.
* A great approach for installation and usability.

Some might be worried about how Google will “invade” the home automation market and use our big data.  I am more on the curious side and a learner about the learning thermostat.  Every month, I will receive an email with detailed use information.  And, soon our local energy companies will provide advantaged pricing for folks with this type of thermostat.

It was a cool learning hour for me, from unwrapping the product to having a fully active new thermostat.  Information is available at http://www.nest.com

3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley! We are excited to announce a new series of blended learning events that I will be leading in 2014:

Learning Directions!
NYC (3/21), Chicago (3/25), Silicon Valley (4/16) & Houston (4/29).
Info: http://masie.com/ld2014

Several hundred learning colleagues participated in this series last year.  We will focus on Learning Trends, Directions and Challenges.  Our topics this year will include:

* Learning Personalization!
* Mobility - Learning Everywhere!
* “Big” Learning Data!
* Social - Learning Together!
* Beyond “e”Learning!
* Rethinking Compliance Training!
* The Connected Classroom & Expertise!
* The Learner as Co-Designer!

We will combine a one-day, interactive briefing with a blend of virtual and asynchronous learning activities.  Space in each city is limited and group rates are available.  Info and online registration are available at: http://masie.com/ld2014

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

809 - Learning Directions, Learning Hackathon, White House Education Datapalooza

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 10, 2014.
#809 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,342 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

1. Your Learning Hackathon - Ideas Pleas.
2. White House Education Datapalooza on Wednesday.
3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.

1. Your Learning Hackathon - Ideas Pleas: We are excited to announce that the Learning Hackathon, launched at Learning 2013, will happen at MIT on the weekend of February 21st and 22nd. In a nutshell, we will ask small teams of MIT and other engineering/design students to engage in a Hackathon that will create agile and rapid learning apps, solutions and approaches. For example, what would be a cool tool for a learner, a teacher, a designer or a subject matter expert? Imagine 2 days of ideas, invention, brainstorming and creation. There will be a prize for the winning team. And, we hope it will be sharable with learning colleagues around the world.

So, help us out in our planning process. Can you send an email to me at emasie@masie.com with a few ideas of challenges or problems that you would like these Hackathon teams to tackle? Our planning meeting is on Monday afternoon, so send them along and it will help dramatically. Thanks to Ken Zolot and John Abele for leading this effort. Together, we will all benefit from the Learning Hackathon.

2. White House Education Datapalooza: Talking about Hackathons, next Wednesday I am honored to be attending the White House and US Dept. of Education’s second annual “Education Datapalooza”. These follow two Data Jams at which more than 200 entrepreneurs and developers, college and university leaders, researchers and policymakers, along with students and others, came together to brainstorm ideas for new products, services, tools and apps to help students. At the Datapalooza, we will explore and celebrate these innovations and new venture ideas.
 
President Obama has called for encouraging innovation in several key areas related to learning:

* Increasing the quality of teaching and learning, including through technological approaches to learning and student support.
* Finding ways to stimulate further innovation, including by encouraging competency-based education, dual enrollment, and facilitating students gaining credit for prior learning.
* Empowering students with more information to help them make more informed decisions about college value, including deciding on where to go to college and how to pay for it.

Info at http://tinyurl.com/ap9tduv  I will curate and send a blast from this gathering next week.

3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley! We are excited to announce a new series of blended learning events that I will be leading in 2014:

Learning Directions!
NYC (3/21), Chicago (3/25), Silicon Valley (4/16) & Houston (4/29).
Info: http://masie.com/ld2014

Several hundred learning colleagues participated in this series last year. We will focus on Learning Trends, Directions and Challenges. Our topics this year will include:

* Learning Personalization!
* Mobility - Learning Everywhere!
* “Big” Learning Data!
* Social - Learning Together!
* Beyond “e”Learning!
* Rethinking Compliance Training!
* The Connected Classroom & Expertise!
* The Learner as Co-Designer!

We will combine a one-day, interactive briefing with a blend of virtual and asynchronous learning activities. Space in each city is limited and group rates are available. Info and online registration at: http://masie.com/ld2014

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

808 - Schoolhouse Rock, CES Nuggets, Video Grows Radically

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 8, 2014.
#808 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,339 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

1. Schoolhouse Rock - 41 Years Old & Powerful!
2. CES Nuggets Curated from Vegas - Shifts in Tech Market.
3. Video Grows Radically for Learning.

1. Schoolhouse Rock - 41 Years Old & Powerful! Yesterday, I read a great Twitter message from Billy Porter, the star of Kinky Boots (one of our Broadway production investments). Billy was highlighting that it was the 41st birthday of the start of Schoolhouse Rock. I immediately got a huge smile - remembering the short videos that combined music, learning, animation and spirit to teach kids (and adults) cool things.  Schoolhouse Rock was one of my introductions to what media and learning could do to make learning fun and engaging.  Here are two of my favorite Schoolhouse Rock videos:

* I am Just a Bill! A lesson in the way that Congress operates (at least in those days): http://youtu.be/tyeJ55o3El0 .
* Conjunction Junction! A grammar lesson that still vibrates in my brain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPoBE-E8VOc .

Happy Birthday Schoolhouse Rock!  And, thanks to Billy Porter for the reminder. Say Yeah!!

2. CES Nuggets Curated from Vegas - Shifts in Tech Market. Every January, I either attend or remotely curate tech announcements and nuggets coming from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  This year, I have been chatting with several colleagues and reporters at CES and here are some early impressions:

* Gadget Spending Dropping. There is a $13 Billion drop in technology gadget spending … even though interest in mobile and apps are going up.  Why?  Most analysts see that folks now have a very high tech smart phone that can take video, photos, GPS readings and a range of options. Consumers are not saying, “Give me a new gadget to buy.” They want better and faster and more personalized functionality - on existing devices.

* 4X Video and Cloud, Cloud, Cloud. Personally, I am intrigued by two themes. In the video world, 4X is now going to be highly affordable. A major jump in resolution and definition will be available in a corporate video device that is only $1,400 (which was previously in the $90,000 range). We will explore the ways that 4X might be useful in simulations and other high def learning moments.  And, the conversations about Cloud, Cloud and Cloud are intriguing, especially as we see the ability to easily integrate software as a service from multiple vendors in the cloud.

* Wearables. As one of Google’s Explorers, I have been fascinated and, in some ways, underwhelmed with wearables. I don’t use my digital watch (too heavy, awkward and not overly helpful). I am intrigued with health and wellness wearables.  I am waiting for the next generation of both Google Glass and other wearable glasses, contact lens inventions and more. There may be ways in which wearables will quite helpful with work learning, OJT and coaching. The idea of a work Performance Support system embedded in a wearable is intriguing.  Yet, there are Big Data issues and privacy concerns to watch.  I am monitoring a few of the announcements this week on wearables and will send an update at the end of the week.

3. Video Grows Radically for Learning.  We are tracking significant growth in the offering and use of video for learning at the workplace.  We are filling up my upcoming Video and Learning LAB that will be offered in Saratoga Springs in February. Here are the details:

Video and Learning LAB.
Elliott Masie, Facilitator and Host.
MASIE Center - Saratoga Springs, NY, USA.
February 10 to 12, 2014.

Spend 3 intense days in our Video and Learning LAB exploring how organizations are adding a wide range of video resources for learning in the workplace.  Together, we will explore video content segments, User Content, video in the Classroom, chat/video conferencing for access to expertise, video storage and search, and a wide range of topics. Come to Saratoga Springs for 3 days in February and roll up your sleeves to explore the changing world of Video and Learning! Details and registration (space is limited) at: http://www.masie.com/videolab

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie