554 - Quick List

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Nov 26, 2008.
#554 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,461 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

Quick Note Before Thanksgiving:

As I pack up for the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday, here is a short TRENDS note with random items:

* Book To Read: Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. Takes a look at the broader context of success patterns. Also makes the case for in-depth training investments.

* Newest Gadget: Handheld Projector from 3M. A several-ounce LCD type projector. Battery operated and can play a movie or slide presentation. Imagine when that is built into a phone.

* Provocative Article: Becoming Screen Literate, by Kevin Kelly (Learning 2008 Keynoter and Wired Founding Editor - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/magazine/23wwln-future-t.html?_r=1)

* Phrase on My Mind: “The Pause Button” - Throughout the training/learning industry, many leaders are being asked to press the “Pause” button on major learning projects and systems. Not stop. Not Cancel. But Pause. And, that Pause button might give an opportunity to do some exciting and radical process redesign.

* Tools More Than Systems: I hope we can start to create small, simple learning tools that learners and/or designers can access to facilitate a specific learning need.

* Game to Play: Spore, Will Wright’s latest SIM-Game. It creates a huge canvas to work with.

* Trend to Watch: Lately, many organizations are reporting that workers scheduled to retire at the end of 2008 have withdrawn their exit papers.

* Remembered and Honored: Zenas Block, who died this week at 92 - author of “Corporate Venturing – Creating New Businesses within the Firm”, teacher, athlete, thinker, husband of my dear friend Janet and a model of living fully.

* Thanksgiving Thanks: To family, friends and the worldwide community of Learning Trends readers and colleagues, may we celebrate our blessings and prepare for uncertain times ahead. We are sustained by the people in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs.
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

553 - Task Force on Learning Layoffs and Learning Content Posted

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Nov 18, 2008.
#553 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,454 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. 15 Hours of Video from Learning 2008 Online.
2. Teletrust: Free Game for Teleworking.
3. When Learning Folks Get Laid Off!

1. 15 Hours of Video from Learning 2008 Online: We have just posted over 15 hours of high quality video from the General Sessions and other activities from our Learning 2008 event. Segments with Kevin Kelly (founding editor of Wired Magazine), Sue Gardner (Wikipedia), Second City Communications and many more hours of learning content are now available for free at http://www.learningwiki.com We also have a wealth of text and audio resources at that site as well.

2. Teletrust - Free Game for Teleworking: One of the exciting outcomes from Learning 2008 was a free game called Teletrust that was developed by students from Champlain College in 3 days (with input from over 500 learning professionals). We have placed it online and also are giving the source code to anyone who wants it. Check it out at: http://www.masieweb.com/teletrust/

3. When Learning Folks Get Laid Off! Unfortunately, almost every day I am receiving a note in my mailbox from someone in the learning field who has been laid off or who is worried about losing their job. As we see layoffs in the news, the learning function is being hit pretty significantly, in both headcounts and budget. The MASIE Center is organizing a Task Force to create a set of resources for Learning Professionals who are in this crisis. We will be building a Support Group and other resources to help our colleagues through a tough time. If you would like to volunteer to help with this effort, please send me a note to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs.
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com