Entries from March 1, 2008 - April 1, 2008
Learning Design: Seminar and Lab
TO: Learning & Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center
RE: Learning Design: Seminar & Lab
We are pleased to announce a new offering at The MASIE Center:
Learning Design: Seminar & Lab
Taught by: Tomás Ramírez with Elliott Masie
June 23-25, 2008 - Saratoga Springs, NY
http://www.masie.com
We have had many requests for an in-depth, hands-on seminar 100% focused on Learning Design. Tomás and I have designed this program together and I will lead several segments.
Here is the content outline:
* What Learning Designs work most effectively in organizations?
* How can we blend traditional Learning Design models (eg. ADDIE) with newer approaches to design and development?
* How do adult learning methods apply in the age of Social Networking?
* Models to be used in assessing learners.
* Explore content development strategies.
* Is Rapid Design sloppy design?
* When Design is Outsourced: Managing Vendor and Supplier Quality.
* What methods of Content Delivery are right for our learners? Let’s talk about Context, Styles, Globalization and Roles.
* From Content Design to Delivery to Metrics: a look at learning technologies and standards.
* What design models apply to Formal (Classroom and e-Learning) vs. Informal (MySpace and Blogs) Learning?
* Learning Design for Managers: Even if you don’t design Learning yourself, how can you manage these processes?
* The Future of Design: Collaborative, Social, Reusable and Dynamically Updated.
Tomás Ramírez is one of my most valued colleagues and a very experienced instructional designer, faculty member and corporate learning manager.
Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. Complete information at http://www.masie.com
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
Elliott Masie - The MASIE Center
512 - Covert LMS? Retiring Employees in Learning!
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 29, 2008.
#512 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,164 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning Systems ‘08 - http://www.masie.com.
1. Covert/Secondary Learning Systems?
2. Retiring Employees Perfect as Learning Resources.
3. LearningTown - Social Network Up to 1,600 Colleagues.
1. Covert/Secondary Learning Systems? We have been tracking an interesting trend, as some organizations are adding a second or even “covert” Learning Management System to stretch their functionality beyond the capabilities of the enterprise system already in place. Some of these “added” LMS installs have been in business units that want to rapidly expand functionality for targeted learning undertakings.
For example, one Fortune 20’s Sales Training group wanted a more collaborative approach to their onboarding, so they leased an instance of a hosted system, but called it an Onboarding System rather than a LMS. They transfer the data in batches back to the corporate LMS. We are seeing secondary LMS systems implemented by other divisions or regions of the world, with unique needs that can’t be rapidly met by the current LMS.
2. Retiring Employees Perfect as Learning Resources. Please consider a plan in your organization to leverage retiring employees as learning resources. I am shocked at how few organizations even have a process for asking retirees if they are willing/able to be part-time contract instructors, subject matter experts or coaches. If you have a plan in place, I’d love to hear about it. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com
3. LearningTown - Social Network Up to 1,600 Colleagues: In the past four days, we have had over 1,600 of your colleagues beta testing our new, free network - LearningTown. This network is now open for use by any learning colleague from around the world. There are key conversations underway and over 17 focused groups and blogs started by dozens of learning professionals. Find new and past colleagues in our field. Join today (or refer your colleagues to):
Join LearningTown: Social Network for Learning Professionals - http://www.learningtown.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Systems ‘08: April 9-11 - Las Vegas
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com
Contact Elliott Masie: emasie@masie.com
Help Us Test LearningTown Community
TO: Learning TRENDS Readers & Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie
I would like to ask you a favor, as a reader of Learning TRENDS.
We are about to start an experiment in Social Networking called LearningTown. This will be a new, free, vendor-neutral Social Network for Learning Professionals around the world.
As we begin this experiment, we need some people to be our beta testers. Could you take a few minutes to go to the following URL and create a profile for yourself?
http://learningtown.ning.com/?xgi=2n6QnUB
This URL will get you access to the site as a Beta Tester. The URL will only work for the next 7 days. Direct access to the site can be found at http://learningtown.ning.com
If you have any difficulties accessing this site, please send a note to lara@masie.com
Thanks so much!
Yours in learning,
Elliott
511 - Silence About Iraq in the Workplace?
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 24, 2008.
#511 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,159 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning Systems ‘08 - http://www.masie.com.
1. 4,000th Death: Silence in the Workplace.
2. Learning Maps? Visualizing Content/Competencies.
3. Learning 2008: All About Learning!
1. 4,000th Death: Silence in the Workplace? Today marks the 4,000th U.S. soldier’s death in Iraq. Regardless of your political position on the current conflict, it is significant to sense the silence about this anniversary in our workplaces. I recently went to an exhibit on workplace “posters” from World War I and II, where there was a direct attempt to focus our attention and to support families of soldiers who were serving. The silence today is palpable. There are important elements that do and will impact our Learning Field directly, from the re-integration of veterans into our organizations to the possible use of “Lessons Learned” in our leadership classes.
If we are to have silence today, let’s take a moment of intentional silence to honor ALL those people who have lost lives, been injured or displaced by this conflict. And, may world leaders be authentic learners to find a way to a resolution.
2. Learning Maps? Visualizing Content/Competencies. Is anyone providing a Visual Map to each learner with a graphic display of the content/competencies needed in their current or future role? I would love to provide TRENDS readers with a sample of these maps. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com
3. Learning 2008 Site Opens: We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Learning 2008 website. The theme this year is “All About Learning!” Check out the website to see our new video, “Voices of Learning”, with highlights from Dan Pink, Bobby Flay, Ken Blanchard, Doug Lynch and many more. Information and Early Registration Discounts at: http://www.learning2008.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Systems ‘08: April 9-11 - Las Vegas
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com
Learning Systems Under Stress
TO: Learning & Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center
DATE: March 20, 2008
RE: Learning Systems Under Stress?
Learning Systems (LMS, LCMS and Collaborative Systems) are feeling a bit stretched these days.
Content is changing rapidly:
- Rapid Development of Content
- UserContent (eg. PodCasts and Video Segments)
- Performance Support Tools
- Collaborative Tools
Learners are evolving dramatically:
- Older, Retiring (or Not Retiring) Workers
- Newer, Next Generation Workforce
- More Global Learners
Learning Systems Are Stretched:
- Legacy Systems Optimized for Just e-Learning
- No Content Management Capability
- Pre-Compliance Requirements
- Ready to Leverage Web 2.0 and Social Networking?
Budgets for Learning Are Tighter!
- Many LMS Contracts are Stalled
- Doing More for Less
- Assessment and Metrics Needed
Join 300 + global learning executives at our Vendor-Neutral special event:
Learning Systems 2008
April 9-11, Las Vegas, NV
http://www.learningsystems08.com
This is a unique User Group meeting that I personally host and facilitate. I hope that you will join us.
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
510 - LMS CEOs Interviewed on Changes
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 19, 2008.
#510 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
Host, Learning Systems ‘08 - http://www.masie.com
Interviews with LMS CEOs
We are interviewing the CEOs of the major Learning Management Systems and LCMS companies focused on 4 key questions:
1. What is changing in the world of learning?
2. What is changing in Learning Systems?
3. What are the plans for your future developments/focus?
4. How is a tougher economy impacting the learning field?
Elliott Masie interviewed each of the CEOs, including executives from Saba, SAP, Meridian, Net Dimensions, Blackboard and many more. Each audio interview is approximately 6 minutes long.
LMS CEO Interviews:
http://www.masieweb.com/lmspodcasts
It is interesting to hear their diverse perspectives on the dramatic changes in learning and how learning management systems are (and must) change. We will also be interviewing these companies live at Learning Systems ‘08, in Las Vegas, NV, April 9 to 11th. There are a few seats and hotel spaces still available.
http://www.learningsystems08.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Systems ‘08: April 9-11 - Las Vegas
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com
509 - Learning Challenge, Get 2 Scouts, St. Patrick's Day!
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 17, 2008.
#509 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
Host, Learning Systems ‘08 - http://www.masie.com
1. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
2. Learning as an Engineering Great Challenge.
3. Get 2 Scouts for Learning.
1. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Ever since I lived in Dublin for 2 years after graduating from college, I’ve felt a bit Irish. So, we have green at The MASIE Center today and send greetings to our real and honorary Irish colleagues from around the world.
2. Learning as an Engineering Great Challenge: The National Academy of Engineering of NSF has released 14 “Great Challenges”, which includes a focus on “Advancing Personalized Learning”. This is so exciting! Take a look at the video and challenge documents at:
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/
3. Get 2 Scouts for Learning: Find two people who are quite different from you to serve as “scouts”. One might be a person of a different generation who will give you insight into how others approach learning and collaboration. One might be very technical, or not technical at all, to provide on-going perspectives. I have about 20 scouts with whom I have regular email contact. They keep me fresh and challenged. Add a few scouts to your landscape.
Register for Learning Systems ‘08 - April 10 and 11 - Las Vegas - http://www.learningsystems08.com
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
emasie@masie.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Systems ‘08: April 9-11 - Las Vegas
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com
508 - Multimodal Learning: Trainers Sit Down?
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 13, 2008.
#508 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
Host, Learning Systems ‘08 - http://www.masie.com
1. Multimodal Learning Research.
2. Language Learning by iPod.
3. Trainer’s Tip: Sitting Down Changes the Room.
4. Learning Systems For Learners (Not Just Administrators).
1. Multimodal Learning Research: Cisco recently released a provocative paper entitled “MultiModal Learning Through Media: What The Research Says”. Last week, I was at a symposium with Charles Fadel, the Cisco global lead on Education, and he shared this research. It tackles a number of widely-held myths and assumptions about how people learn and the role of media in the education process. I would strongly urge you to download this PDF and read it:
http://www.masieweb.com/multimode
Send me a few comments and reactions to this paper and I will share them with TRENDS readers.
2) Language Learning by iPod: We are pleased to attach a recent paper by Learning CONSORTIUM Member Jonathan Kayes, the CLO of the CIA, focused on his experience using PodCasts for language training. He wrote this with Hank Horkoff of Praxis Language. I am deeply impressed with the emerging practice of using PodCasts for deep language training and learning. Check it out at:
http://www.masieweb.com/languagepods3. Trainer’s Tip - Sitting Down Changes the Room. I just spent three days teaching our Learning Leadership Academy and sat down for most of the program. While most trainers usually spend the day on their feet to project energy and presence, it is interesting to experiment with sitting down. The discussions and tone of the sessions changed dramatically as myself and co-presenter Nigel Paine sat WITH the group rather than standing in front of them. Try it!
4. Learning Systems For Learners (Not Just Administrators): Imagine if you asked 100 of your learners to design a LMS or LCMS from scratch! What would they request as features, functions or “feel”? We are conducting this experiment in the four weeks leading up to our Learning Systems ‘08 event in Las Vegas in April. In our interviews, learners have been way more focused on these factors:
* Offer of Learning: How learners are offered learning opportunities.
* Ratings of Learning Choices: Not all learning content is equally great.
* Social Dimensions to Content: Linking authored content and real social learning.
* Style-Driven Content: Can the LMS know my style and preferences as a learner?
* Notes Derived From Content: Learners want some e-content to linger.
* Search-Based Learning: Adding Search functions to the LMS and LCMS.
We will expand this list at Learning Systems ‘08. Information and registration at http://www.learningsystems08.com
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
emasie@masie.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Systems ‘08: April 9-11 - Las Vegas
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com
507 - Chumby - Viewable Info and Support Device
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 5, 2008.
#507 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,145 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.Learning Systems ‘08 - April 10 & 11 - Las Vegas, NV.
LAB Video: Chumby - Viewable Web Device for Info and Support
We just tested a very cool and provocative device in our lab, The Chumby. This is small, squishy, wireless device with a color touchscreen. Information, news, video, lessons and other viewable content scrolls. I made a 3-minute video of the Chumby:
http://www.masieweb.com/chumby
It is an intriguing model of “watching” targeted performance knowledge, information and even mini-lessons in your office, but not on your computer screen. I have selected a short lesson in Japanese, key news feeds, a webcam, informational videos, reviews and updates to my personal email accounts.
Every 15 seconds, a new set of information appears on my Chumby, which I can drill down with a simple touch. Content is selected from a set of wizards on the Chumby website. I could imagine it also driven by a blend of user choice and objectives from a LMS/LCMS.
The device is about $180 and uses wireless internet access. More info at http://www.chumby.com
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
emasie@masie.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Leaders Academy (For Future CLOs)
* Learning Systems ‘08: User Groups for LMS and LCMS System
* Learning 2008
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com
506 - Politics, Learning and Technology
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 3, 2008.
#506 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,142 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.Learning Systems ‘08 - April 10 & 11 - Las Vegas, NV.
1. Distributed Learning in Primary Campaign.
2. Huge Number of Views for Starbucks Video.
1. Emerging Technology in Primary Campaign: I just returned from Ohio, where I spent the weekend doing door-to-door canvassing in the upcoming Presidential Primary. As we look at the intense levels of activity in these primary contests in the U.S., it is interesting to note the use of technology in all of the campaigns. These include:
* Distributed Volunteers: Websites for several campaigns allow citizens to log in, receive briefings and scripts and then make telephone calls to voters in other states around the country. Between the Obama and Clinton campaigns, there have been several million calls made citizen-to-citizen in this fashion.
* Geo Voter Data: As we went into unfamiliar neighborhoods in Cleveland, we were given very precise mapping of every potential voter’s residence, plotted on a Google Map and referenced with previous history as an active voter. In addition, our routes were mapped for ease of coverage.
* Text Messaging and Social Networks: The use of text messaging and Social Networking has had a huge impact on voter turn-out at caucuses and polling places. Targeted SMS text messages and Facebook-like Web 2.0 efforts are causing significant changes in organizing assumptions.
There are also projects underway to create Online Courses for various campaigns. I would love to hear from TRENDS readers that are involved in any of the campaigns or would like to be networked with others applying technology and learning innovations to the political process. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com
2. Huge Number of Views for Starbucks Video: We have had tens of thousands of views of the 8-minute video on the Starbucks Training Project, where they closed all stores for 3 hours last week. Folks have called our office looking for the URL for the video. Just go to: http://www.masieweb.com/starbucks
Register Now for Learning Systems 08 - LMS/LCMS User Group - Las Vegas, NV - April 10/11 - http://www.learningsystems08.com
Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
emasie@masie.com
Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* Learning Leaders Academy (For Future CLOs)
* Learning Systems ‘08: User Groups for LMS and LCMS System
* Learning 2008
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com