406 - Offshore Homework Tutoring; Basketball Shooting - Muscle Memory?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 29, 2006.
#406 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,914 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.
Over 1,304 Global Learning Leaders Registered Already!

1. Tutoring Offshored - Homework Help from India.
2. Tips for Trainers - Wireless Keyboard Changes Control.
3. Dave Hopla: Basketball Shooting Maven at Learning 2006.

1. Tutoring Offshored - Homework Help from India: We have been tracking a sharp rise in the use of private tutors for school-age students via distance learning methods from offshore locations like India.

For example, Reuters recently reported that a California mother, Denise Robison, found a tutor online for $2.50 an hour -- in India. "It's made the biggest difference. My daughter is literally at the top of every single one of her classes and she has never done that before," said Robison, a single mother from Modesto."

Her 13-year-old daughter, Taylor, is one of 1,100 Americans enrolled in Bangalore-based TutorVista, which launched U.S. services last November with a staff of 150 "e-tutors", mostly in India with a fee of $100 a month for unlimited hours. Taylor took two-hour sessions each day for five days a week in Math and English with a cost that tallies to $2.50 an hour: a fraction of the $40 an hour charged by U.S.-based online tutors, such as market leader Tutor.com, that draw on North American teachers, or the usual $100 an hour for face-to-face sessions.

"I like to tell people I did private tutoring every day for the cost of a fast-food meal or a Starbucks' coffee," Robison said. "We did our own form of summer school all summer."

Many of the tutors have masters degrees in their subjects, said Ganesh. On average, they have taught for 10 years. Each undergoes 60 hours of training, including lessons on how to speak in a U.S. accent and how to decipher American slang. They are schooled on U.S. history and state curricula, and work in mini-call centers or from their homes across India. One operates out of Hong Kong, teaching the Chinese language.

A couple of implications and futures for Learning TRENDS readers to
ponder:

* As knowledge is unevenly distributed around the world, will our trainers, teachers and subject matter experts be located globally?
* What might be the growth of similar tutoring services for corporate education and leadership development?
* What is the implication for increased blended learning models incorporating tutoring?
* Can outsourced tutoring be purchased by school districts in order to make the service available to all social classes?

2. Tips for Trainers - Wireless Keyboard Changes Control: This is a simple tip. I use a Logitech Wireless Keyboard in my classroom at The MASIE Center. During a seminar, I can hand the keyboard (with a mouse) to any of the learners, letting them "drive" the session. It also allows the "lectern" be a table on wheels, ready to roll to any part of the room.

3. Basketball Shooting Coach at Learning 2006? Muscle Memory!
Learning 2006 is proud to present a most unusual Thought Leader: World's Best Basketball Foul Shooter - Dave Hopla! He is an amazing speaker and coach. Dave will demonstrate what PRACTICE and "Muscle Memory" can do for learning and performance. He is a personal coach to NBA stars and an incredible teacher.

Dave Hopla is the top US shooting coach and hugely entertaining.
Watching someone put 110 out of 111 shots through the hoop will be astonishing. Even more astonishing is the fact that Dave does his talk as he shoots. What's this got to do with business? Dave's message is pure - learning is about memory, and skills need to be practiced to be learned.

Most of what we learn fades quickly from short-term memory. To push learning from short to long-term memory, you need to practice, regularly and often. The lesson we have to learn is that the 'sheep-dip' experience is wildly unproductive, unless there is follow-through and practice.

Dave will be one of our keynote speakers and will be available throughout Monday to teach YOU how to get basketballs through that tiny hoop --- even if you have NEVER played the game. If you want to watch a video clip of one of his presentations, go to http//www.learning2006.com/hoops/

Upcoming MASIE Center Events & Services:
* Learning 2006 - Nov 5 to 8 - Orlando.
* Membership in our Learning CONSORTIUM.
Information at http://www.masie.com

405 - Stephen M.R. Covey Podcast on Trust, Stumble on Knowledge!

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 27, 2006.
#405 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,902 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.
Over 1,304 Global Learning Leaders Registered Already!

1. Stephen M.R. Covey Podcast: The Speed of Trust.
2. Stumble Upon Knowledge!
3. adlCommunity Opens: Advanced Distributed Learning Resources

1. Stephen MR Covey Podcast - "The Speed of Trust": We are pleased to present an interview that I just completed with Stephen M.R. Covey:

The Speed of Trust.
Approaching Trust as a Competency.
Stephen M.R. Covey.
16 Minute PodCast, Audio Stream and Transcript.
http://www.learning2006.com/university/

This is based on Covey's new book, "The Speed of Trust", and highlights the key issues related to Trust as a Competency and Business Success Factor.

2. Stumble Upon Knowledge!: As we leverage Fingertip Knowledge, most of our searches are intentional and targeted approaches. However, sometimes it is fascinating to "stumble" upon related but random sites. I have been experimenting with a cool service: www.stumbleupon.com Once you create a set of interest categories, you can press a button on your browser and explore some new random sites. Check it out.

3. adlCommunity Opens - Advanced Distributed Learning Resources: Talking about interesting sites, check out http://www.adlCommunity.net This is a community resource focused on Advanced Distributed Learning projects, learning standards and other key learning resources. Kudos to our colleague Judy Brown for managing this asset. Interestingly, the site is being run on the Open Source LMS, Moodle.

MASIE Center Events & Resources:
* Learning 2006 - Nov 5 to 8, Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.
Information at http://www.masie.com

404 - NASCAR Pitcrew Training, Shared Learning Services, Case Studies Listed

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 25, 2006.
#404 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,893 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.
Over 1,243 Global Learning Leaders Registered Already!

1. Yale to Post Free Courses to Internet.
2. NASCAR Pitcrew Training at Learning 2006?
3. Shared Learning Services Interest Grows.
4. Learning Case Studies Listed.

1. Yale to Post Free Courses to Internet: Yale University said it will offer digital videos of some courses on the Internet for free, along with transcripts in several languages, in an effort to make the elite private school more accessible.

While Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and others already offer course material online free of charge, Yale is the first to focus on free video lectures. This takes the Open Content movement to a new level, moving beyond course outlines to the actual lectures and presentations.

The 18-month pilot project will provide videos, syllabi and transcripts for seven courses beginning in the 2007 academic year. They include "Introduction to the Old Testament," "Fundamentals of Physics" and "Introduction to Political Philosophy."

The courses cannot be counted towards a Yale degree and educators say they are no substitute for actual teaching.

2. NASCAR Pitcrew Training at Learning 2006? Readers of TRENDS know how excited I am about pushing the design envelope for our annual event. I am pleased to announce a very different component at Learning 2006:

* NASCAR Pit Crew Training: You will have an opportunity to be trained as a Pit Crew at a NASCAR event. We will have a racing car and instructors from PIT Instruction & Training, which trains NASCAR crews on the fine art of pumping gas and fixing cars in seconds. They have started to also train executives from corporations to build cooperation and agility. We were so impressed that I am giving them the Learning 2006 Innovations Award. And, they are painting our logo on a car and bringing it to Orlando along with tools, safety outfits and time clocks to give you a unique learning experience. Check them out at http://www.5off5on.com/ The picture of our car is available at http://www.learning2006.com/pitcrew

3. Shared Learning Services Interest Grows: Our Learning CONSORTIUM recently had one of our most vibrant discussions about the rise of Shared Learning Services as a training and learning organizational model.

Organizations are gravitating to this model, which creates an internal "services" area that provides learning expertise, services and technologies to business units. Shared Learning Services are often organized with a Learning Council for governance with stakeholders from key business units.

We are collecting stories about Shared Learning Services from Learning TRENDS readers. If your organization is considering a Shared Learning Services model, please send me a note to emasie@masie.com Watch for a free report on Shared Learning Services in the coming weeks.

4. Learning Case Studies Listed: Our first wave of Learning Case Studies to be presented at Learning 2006 is now posted. We are organizing over 60 Case Studies, all presented by non-vendors. Here is a small sample:

* Fidelity Investments: Subject Matter Experts (SME) vs. Instructional Designers.
* Bristol-Myers Squibb: Virtual Characters in Learning.
* JCPenney: Training at the Point of Sale.
* Home Depot: Disposable Learning.
* Cincinnati Insurance Company Training Customers.
* Citizen's Bank: Integration and External Hosting of Your LMS.
* Corning: Globalization/Localization.
* CNA: Knowledge Management & Performance.
* Embarq: Digital Video Studio.
* Ericsson: Using a Mentor & Coach for On Boarding.
* General Electric: Talent Management and Leadership Development - The Next Generation.

This is just a small sample of 60 under-the-hood, honest looks at learning success and failure stories. Check out the expanding list at http://www.learning2006.com/cases/

Upcoming MASIE Center Events and Services:
- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.
- Learning 2006 - Nov 5 to 8 - Orlando.
Complete information and registration at http://www.masie.com

403 - Tougher Certifications, Please; Learning in Vietnam; Fun at Learning 2006

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 20, 2006.
#403 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,889 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.
Over 1,214 Global Learning Leaders Registered Already!

1. Tougher Assessments & Certification, Please!
2. Learning in Vietnam.
3. Bowfire and Loretta LaRoche: Fun at Learning 2006!

1. Tougher Assessments & Certification, Please!: This is a "mini-rant"
from Elliott. I am quite concerned about assessments and certifications that are too easy! We have been tracking the rise of certifications that are really just "Certificates of Sitting". And, some corporate assessments are starting to feel like "Everyone Gets a Trophy"
exercises.

I am a big fan of AUTHENTIC certification that is and feels significant.
The learner who gets the certification and future managers who evaluate the credential should have significant confidence in the credential.
Assessment should be challenging and motivating to learners.

Recently, I interviewed a candidate who had 2 certifications on her resume. Each had been earned by sitting in hotel rooms at conferences for a few hours. One-hundred percent of those that paid the fee got the certification and the quiz at the end of the day was an easy short-term recall activity. She didn't have the skills or knowledge that the certification implied, yet she had the pieces of paper and resume notations.

As we move toward more informal learning, the need for authentic assessment is more important than ever. As we move toward competency management, credible certification is even more important.

In the age of increasing compliance, it is tempting to make our assessments quick and easy. But, let's make sure that the overall brand of Certifications is authentic. Ideally, most Certifications should require learners to do real work in real situations and get significant feedback in the process.

In the future, when I interview a learning designer or a financial services advisor, I want to trust their certifications. I hope that some have failed on their way to passing. And, I hope that learners really value the designation...more than just attending a pre-conference session at a trade show.

2. Learning in Vietnam: At the beginning of December, Learning TRENDS hits the road. We are heading to Vietnam to do an exploration of their learning efforts. There are a number of global corporate learning centers in Vietnam, including Nike (which we will visit). In addition, we will be interviewing education and learning leaders in Vietnam. If you are a TRENDS reader from that region, send me a message to emasie@masie.com

2. Bowfire and Loretta LaRoche: Fun at Learning 2006! We are pleased to announce two fun elements at Learning 2006 (November 5 to 8, Orlando):

* Loretta LaRoche - "LIFE IS SHORT - WEAR YOUR PARTY PANTS": We believe in laughter and fun as well as serious learning. Come see Loretta LaRoche, star of PBS, take on the funny and serious issue of Life Balance. Loretta is one of the funniest and most profound presenters around and will be our headliner at the Monday afternoon General Session!

* BOWFIRE!: The finest lineup of classically trained fiddle and violin virtuosos from around the world ever assembled on one stage. Bowfire takes its audiences on a high-energy musical journey that moves seamlessly through Jazz, Classical, Bluegrass, Celtic, Rock, Gypsy, World, Texas Swing and Ottawa Valley and Cape Breton styles and mixes in incredible step and tap dancing in a "Riverdance" type experience.
Bowfire performs at Tuesday night's Learning 2006 Celebration.

Check out their video and information at:

http://www.learning2006.com/fun/

402 - Fingertip Knowledge and Lowered Memorization

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 18, 2006.
#402 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,889 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.

1. Fingertip Knowledge.
2. Lowered Memorization.
3. Hotel Reservations for Learning 2006.

1. Fingertip Knowledge Podcast & Transcript: One of my focus points these days is Fingertip Knowledge. You and I and most of our colleagues are increasingly using search engines, from Google to Corporate Intranets, to "walk" our way to the information or knowledge that we need.

Here is a Podcast (and Transcript) about the implications of Fingertip Knowledge and the Learning Field:

Fingertip Knowledge Podcast, Audio Stream and Transcript.
http://www.learning2006.com/university/
(Duration: 20 Minutes)

2. Lowered Memorization: Have you noticed how we are memorizing less? It is due to a combination of Fingertip Knowledge and an increased confidence that information can be easily accessed from our devices and networks.

For example, several years ago we all knew dozens of telephone numbers "by heart". Today, I know about 6 numbers. They all live on my mobile/cell phone and are easy to access. It is funny to watch me take out my cell phone at home to look at a number that I want to dial on my land line.

There are serious implications for the lowered expectation of memorization in our instructional designs. How do we recognize that our learners may not, and perhaps should not, memorize key information? Rather, we may want them to be able to navigate to the information, which, in some instances, is safer since things may change. In other instances, the information may not be useful until situations arise.

The lowered levels of memorization and the increased use of Fingertip Knowledge have huge implications for how we design and deliver learning activities. I'd love to hear your comments, thoughts and reactions. Send them to me as an email to emasie@masie.com

3. Hotel Reservations for Learning 2006: With over 1,100 people already registered for Learning 2006 (Nov 5 to 8 - Orlando), we want to urge folks to make their hotel reservations and conference registrations as soon as possible. Save money by registering now. Go to http://www.learning2006.com

MASIE Center Services and Events:
* The Learning CONSORTIUM: Join 240 global companies in our year-long collaborative focused on learning innovations. Membership is just $5,000 a year and it includes 2 seats to Learning 2006. Information at http://www.masie.com/consortium/

* Learning 2006: Information and Registration at http://www.learning2006.com

MASIE Center information at http://www.masie.com

401 - LearningWords: Learning Crossword Puzzle

TO: Learning & Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, Learning CONSORTIUM
RE: LearningWords: Learning Crossword Puzzle

Gaming for Learning is emerging as a trend in a "flatter" world. We have put together a simple example for your to explore:

LearningWords!
A Learning Crossword Puzzle.

Play it On-Line: http://www.learning2006.com/learningwords/

The interactive crossword puzzle will test your knowledge of the learning field and concepts. There are a few clues in the Learning 2006 program.

Have fun and send me a note with your comments to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie.
Host: Learning 2006.
November 5 to 8, 2006.
www.learning2006.com.

400th Edition of Learning TRENDS 1997 - 2006 from Elliott Masie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 13, 2006.
#400 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,876 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.

400th Edition of Learning TRENDS 1997 - 2006

Read or Download at http://www.learning2006.com/trends400/

Dear Learning TRENDS Readers:

I am pleased to send you a special 37-page edition of Learning TRENDS 400.

This anniversary issue of TRENDS was written by over 60 readers and colleagues from around the world.

It includes:

- My 10 Learning TRENDS for 2006-2007.
- Learning Perspectives from TRENDS Readers.
- Articles and Case Studies from learning Colleagues.

You can read or download the small PDF file at:

http://www.learning2006.com/trends400/

It is an honor and pleasure to write this personal newsletter about learning. What started as a simple idea in 1997 continues to be a simple idea in 2006:

"An occasional email note to learning colleagues about the changing world of learning - non-commercial, vendor neutral and personal."

Thanks for your readership and colleagueship. I look forward to the next 400 issues of Learning TRENDS.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
The MASIE Center's Learning CONSORTIUM

399.6 - Perspectives from 2001

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 11, 2006.
#399.6 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,814 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.

Five years ago, right after 9/11, we reached out to our business leader colleagues for a series of interviews on how to help their employees cope with the crisis.

The interviews with Tom Peters, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Diane Hessen, Gary Heil and others are intriguing to listen to five years later:

http://www.masie.com/perspectives/

These early "podcasts" were listened to by over a hundred thousand people world wide in the days right after 9/11.

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie.
emasie@masie.com

399.5 - Back to School Mindset? Learning Delivery Survey Results

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 5, 2006.
#399.5 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,716 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.

1. Back to School Mindset?
2. Learning Delivery Methods Survey Results.
3. Learning 2006 Advanced Discount Ends Sept. 10.

1. Back to School Mindset? I woke up this morning, the day after Labor Day in the U.S., and had this strange feeling. It brought me back to my childhood when Sept 5th or 6th was the First Day of School.

I was one of those geeky kids who really wanted the summer vacation to finish by the end of August. I had bought a new batch of school supplies, even put sticky retainers on my 3 hole paper. And, I would jump up on this day and head off to the adventure of learning. I would even dance around a street light pole singing, "School Days, School Days."

I don't know if any of you feel this, but my year really does begin again today. I woke up with a list of projects to launch, people to email and books to read. I even purchased a new set of office supplies this morning, including a fresh notebook.

Many Learning Departments also focus on September as the start of their "mental" year. RFPs are sent out, new courses are planned and everyone seems to refocus on this day.

Of course, one of my favorite activities was the prolonged Show and Tell of "What I Did on My Summer Vacation". We would bring artifacts from home, camp or visits to relatives and write or tell stories of our adventures.
(Note: My horse Dorothy's Destiny WON this summer at Saratoga!)

If you are on the Back to School mindset cycle, I would love to hear from you. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com

2. Learning Delivery Methods Survey Results. Our Learning CONSORTIUM recently completed a survey of Learning Methods deployed in our 240 organizations. Here is an Executive Summary of the results:

Average Percentage of Learning Delivery Methods:
- 46% Classroom.
- 27% e-Learning.
- 19% Blended.
- 10% Other Methods.

Classroom Delivery is primarily being used for:
- Leadership/Supervision.
- Sales/Customer Service.
- Orientation/OnBoarding.

E-Learning Delivery is being primarily being used for:
- HR Compliance.
- Safety.
- IT Systems/Software.

To participate in our Learning CONSORTIUM's monthly in-depth benchmarking, see membership information at http://www.masie.com/consortium/

3. Learning 2006 Advanced Discount Ends Sept. 10: Save hundreds of dollars by registering early for our Learning 2006 event to be held in Orlando, Florida from November 5th through the 8th. There are almost 1,100 colleagues registered for this unique learning experience for learning professionals:

http://www.learning2006.com

Advanced Registration Discount Ends in 10 Days

Quick Note to Learning Colleagues:

The Advanced Registration Discount for Elliott Masie's Learning 2006 is available for 10 more days. Go to:

http://www.learning2006.com/

for discount fees, on-line registration and a copy of our most recent brochure. The Advanced Registration Discount expires on Sept 10th. We can invoice you for payment.

If you have any questions, please send me an email to amh@masie.com

Registrar
Learning 2006
November 5 to 8th - Orlando, Florida

Co-Hosts: MASIE Center's Learning CONSORTIUM & ASTD