277 - Innovations from Telecom Industry May Impact Learning

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 23, 2004
#277 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,245 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Innovations from Telecom Industry May Impact Learning
2. Learning Quotation: Deming
3. MASIE Center Lab Session in Spring

There is a lot of interesting news coming from the CTIA Show in Atlanta,
focusing on innovations in the Telecom Industry and most specifically on
changes in the Voice Over IP (Internet) market. These may have some
interesting implications for learning, training and knowledge management
projects. Here are some of the announcements and predictions from that
event:

* Microsoft, Sprint and Bell Mobility are working on efforts to leverage
the ability of the system to determine the exact location of every cell
phone. Linked with knowledge databases, this would allow businesses to
either track and/or delivery CONTEXT rich CONTENT to employees or
customers, or to determine patterns of work and affiliation.

* Sun, Cisco, Verizon and Nextel are all loudly talking about Voice Over
the Internet protocols. The aim? Eliminate the hard wired, separate
network of black telephones on your desk. Instead, leverage a rich wired
and wireless internet based telephony solution. As these visions and
investments harvest, a natural application is collaboration and learning.

* Best Buy, Radio Shack and and convenience stores will start to sell Ring
Tones for cell phones, including popular songs, directly to customers,
bypassing phone companies. For example, put $1 in a vending machine at
one of these stores and you get a card that will allow a download of
entertainment content to a mobile phone. Watch for this to expand into
learning or knowledge content as well. While visiting an area, you could
buy for a few dollars a complete tour and context rich history, linked to
the location/GPS element of the cell phone.

We are tracking innovations from the Telecom field as one of the
innovation centers where future learning changes may arise. If you would
like more info on these stories, go to:
http://zdnet.com.com/2251-1110-5176684.html

2. Learning Quotation: This is one of my favorites...

"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival!"
- W. Edwards Deming (1900 - 1993)

3. MASIE Center e-Learning Skills Lab Announced: Each season we host a
small group of learning professionals at our 10,000 square foot lab in
Saratoga Springs, NY. Our next event will be held this Spring.
Information and reservations at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* e-Learning Hispanica (Miami) June 22-23 (e-Learning for Spanish Speaking
Learners)
* e-Learning Briefing (Baltimore) April 19 (1 Day Update)
* e-Learning SKILLS LAB (Saratoga Springs) May 24-26 (Hands-On Seminar and
Skills Retreat at The MASIE Center)
- Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com

276 - Self-Service Trends and Learning; Sarbanes-Oxley Act: e-Learning for Boards

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 17, 2004
#276 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,215 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Self-Service Trends and Learning
2. Sarbanes-Oxley Act: e-Learning for Boards
3. Washington/Baltimore e-Learning Briefing

1. Self-Service Trends and Learning: Everyday, the reach of Self-Service
grows dramatically. Self-Service is not a phrase we hear a lot about in
learning and training circles, but it is a critical change in how many
functions are occurring in both business and personal arenas.

For example, yesterday when I checked into the airport in Dallas, I was
greeted by a bank of Self-Service kiosks. Swiped my credit card and
within seconds was offered the ability to fly on an earlier flight, for
the slight fee of $25 dollars. (Which I took). A few seconds later, I was
offered an upgrade to first class for $125 (Which I declined). I was
checked-in, upsold and processed and I loved it!

Self-Service interactions are expanding within organizations as employees
are using the web for almost every HR interaction. Self-Service
interactions are expanding in the retail world, from do-it-yourself
scanning at the grocery stores to on-line ordering of books. And, with
the growth of RFID radio tags, we will see a whole new wave of
Self-Service expand in the years ahead.

Self-Service acceptance also has huge implications for the role of
e-Learning. We will see mini-modules built into Self-Service to deliver
just-in-time content and context. (eg. Explain to Elliott the rules for
changing flights for a minimal fee). It also conditions the workforce
towards the web as a knowledge, collaboration and transactional vehicle.

Start a dialogue within your own organization about the extent and
intensity of Self-Service. It is a great launching pad for a rich
discussion about e-Learning.

2. Sarbanes-Oxley Act - e-Learning for Boards: As a member of several
Boards of Directors, I have become all to familiar with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, which defines new rules for governance, transparency and
accountability. In the past few months, The MASIE Center is hearing from
more and more corporations who are deploying e-Learning tools and programs
to address Sarbanes-Oxley related topics:

* Corporate Board of Directors are being briefing and "tested" on
governance issues using virtual classroom tools.
* e-Learning Briefings on Provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley are being developed
by internal and third party content providers to teach Board and Executive
staff the new provisions.
* Board meetings are being documented and logged at a much richer level,
often using collaborative tools.
* Ethics courses and seminars are popping up in Board training.
* Communities of Practice for Board Members in industries are growing to
provide peer coaching on these issues.

It is the first time in my career that I have seen widespread educational
efforts aimed at Board Members and a great opportunity to give them
personal experiences with the tools of e-Learning. I would love to hear
about similar programs from TRENDS readers. Send me a note to
emasie@masie.com

3. Washington/Baltimore e-Learning Briefing: I am pleased to offer one of
our popular One Day Briefings on e-Learning in Baltimore, Maryland on
Monday, April 19th. There are still spaces available and special
discounts for our government colleagues in the D.C. area. Information and
registration at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events: http://www.masie.com

e-Learning Hispanica (Miami) June 22-23 (e-Learning for Spanish Speaking
Learners)
* e-Learning Briefing (Baltimore) April 19 (1 Day Update)
* VidCon 2004 Update (Baltimore) April 20 (1 Day Briefing on Video
Conferencing)
* e-Learning SKILLS LAB (Saratoga Springs) May 24-26 (Hands-On Seminar and
Skills Retreat at The MASIE Center)

Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com