980 - TED Idea Accelerator, Tech for Girls in War-Torn Areas, xAPI Book

Elliott Masie’s Learning TRENDS - September 19, 2017.
#980 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology Since 1997.
57,714  Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2017 - Oct 22 to 25 - Orlando - 1,458 Registered Already 

1. TED Idea Accelerator: New Learning Program!
2. Technology for Girls in War-Torn Countries.
3. xAPI Book: Investigating Performance.
4. Brain Scans with MIT Learning Experiment. 

 1. TED Idea Accelerator: New Learning Program! We are honored to announce a MASIE Center grant to TED for a new learning program: TED Idea Accelerator. They will be featured at a Keynote and several LAB sessions at Learning 2017. Here is a blurb from Logan Smalley, the TED-Ed Director, about this program: 

“Be among the first to experience an exciting new learning program being developed by TED. The TED Idea Accelerator aims to spark and celebrate the best ideas in companies and schools around the world. You’ll get a sneak peek of the program in a Learning 2017 General Session, and later you’ll be able to experience the TED Idea Accelerator in person with the TED-Ed team.” 

Info at: http://www.learning2017.com 

2. Technology for Girls in War-Torn Countries: Another wonderful resource is Metra Mehran from Afghanistan.  She is a Fulbright Scholar and very focused on how Technology can Enable & Empower Girls in War-Torn Countries.  Metra will be presenting at Learning 2017 about this critical issue.  Details at: http://tinyurl.com/metra2017 

3. xAPI Book: Investigating Performance: I just finished reading a book about xAPI, “Investigating Performance - Design and Outcomes with xAPI” by Janet Laane Effron and Sean Putman.  

For those of you who are not familiar with xAPI, here is the Wikipedia Definition: The Experience API (xAPI), is an e-learning software specification that allows learning content and learning systems to speak to each other in a manner that records and tracks all types of learning experiences. 

It is a growing project and experiment and I wanted to dive deeper to better understand both the Technical Aspects of xAPI and how it could impact the use of learning content/activities/experiences to drive workplace performance. 

The book dives deep and also gives good perspectives on the changing world of xAPI.  It is a valuable resource: http://tinyurl.com/ybmd8vag 

4. Brain Scans with MIT Learning Experiment: In a few days, I will be heading over to MIT’s Digital Learning group and have a planning session about a joint experiment focused on Brain Scans during Micro Learning activities. 

We will be monitoring brain scans of over 100 learners while they take a set of micro-learning lessons via video.  Yes, they will be wearing brain wave monitoring headsets, which will track the brain science reaction to content segments of various lengths. 

On Friday, we will conduct a test trial with students at the University in planning for two days of learner testing in a Brain Wave LAB that will be set up by MIT at Learning 2017.  Dozens of learners will take segments of learning and the MIT scientists will correlate the length of micro learning video programs with brain reaction.  And, we will publish the first wave of results at the end of the conference.  Details at: http://tinyurl.com/masiemitlab 

Yours in learning, 

Elliott Masie
Email: emasie@masie.com
Twitter: @emasie 

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:

- Learning 2017 - October 22 to 25  Orlando, Florida USA - Over 1,458 Colleagues Registered Already!
- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM 

Details and Online Registration: http://www.masie.com 

Learning TRENDS is produced by The MASIE Center.  95 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

979 - After the Hurricane TRENDS Note

Elliott Masie’s Learning TRENDS - September 13, 2017.
#979 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology Since 1997.
57,704  Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2017 - Oct 22 to 25 - Orlando - 1,314 Registered Already 

1. A Note After the Hurricane - Talent and Learning Responses.
2. Disney and Orlando Check In.
3. Learning 2017 Updates: TED Ed, Watson Robot and Learning Theme 

1. A Note After the Hurricane - Talent and Learning Responses: Our heart goes out to colleagues and others recently impacted by Hurricane Irma.  I have been in dialogues with Talent, HR and Learning leaders from organizations that are either directly hit by the hurricane or are offering support and supplies for others. 

Some of the immediate responses include: 

* Advance Payroll Deposits:  Organizations are advancing two weeks or more payroll to impacted employees’ bank accounts to provide some resources for immediate reactions and relocations.
* Extension of Vacation and Leave in Impacted Areas.
* Shifting of Roles, Schedules and Training Events.
* Creating Volunteer Relocations for Employees to House Impacted Colleagues.
* Building Buddy Systems: Connecting Every Team Member to Others
* Rolling in HR and Support Services.
* Retail Stores Shipping Suppliers and Transportation to Impacted Areas. 

We have been highlighting the need for Talent, HR and Learning leaders to build Emergency Readiness programs to prepare for Weather, Terror, Cyber and Other Disruptions.  It would be good for our teams to take these events, including recent Hurricanes in Florida, Caribbean, Texas and beyond, to build a Readiness Strategy, working with security, IT and other expert resources in and outside of our organizations. 

2. Disney and Orlando Check In: While the storms went through Orlando, there was no significant disruption to operations at Disney.  We have been in touch with our hosts at the Coronado Springs Hotel and all is up and running.  The Parks closed down during the Hurricane and hotels hosted inbound emergency power crews from other parts of the country that are working in the Florida region.  Now, the parks and hotels are open and we took several dozen new registrations for Learning 2017 yesterday. 

3. Learning 2017 Updates - TED Ed, Watson Robot and Learning Theme: Here are quick updates from Learning 2017 - as we are still adding additional speakers and experiences to the over 190 sessions scheduled for Oct 22 to 25 in Orlando: 

* TED is creating a new Professional Learning offering and we are excited to give the Learning 2017 colleagues a sneak preview of this exciting program.  The MASIE Center is providing a $10,000 grant to TED for this innovation.
* IBM Watson’s Robot is coming to Learning 2017.  Guillermo Miranda, the IBM Chief Learning Officer, will bring along a Watson Robot to give a glance into the expanding world of Machine Learning and AI.
* Val Vigoda, an amazing songwriter and performer, is building a Learning Theme that you will hear played at the Opening Session of Learning 2017.  The key phrases will focus on how learning is changing in 2017.  Stay tuned! 

We now have 1,314 colleagues registered for Learning 2017.  Info at http://www.learning2017.com 

Yours in learning, 

Elliott Masie
Email: emasie@masie.com
Twitter: @emasie 

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:

- Learning 2017 - October 22 to 25  Orlando, Florida USA - Over 1,314 Colleagues Registered Already!
- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM 

Details and Online Registration: http://www.masie.com 

Learning TRENDS is produced by The MASIE Center.  95 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

978 - Daily Checklists, Diversity & Inclusion, Character Day

Elliott Masie’s Learning TRENDS - September 6, 2017.
#978 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology Since 1997.
57,704  Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2017 - Oct 22 to 25 - Orlando - 1,219 Registered Already 

1. Daily Checklists - Change Happens Over Time.
2. Diversity & Inclusion: Jayzen Patria Keynotes.
3. Character Day - September 13th.
4. More Emergencies & Readiness: Texas, Florida and South Korea. 

1. Daily Checklists - Change Happens Over Time.  I am an amazing fan of Daily Checklists for changes that one wants to make.  The reality of checking a box or adding a number EVERY DAY, creates a continual process of self-checking.  And, if you can have a colleague or coach lightly monitor your checklist, it adds even greater accountability. 

These can be focused on personal health, delegation habits, planning methods or even cleaning a machine at the workplace. 

On a personal level, I started a weight loss plan on New Years Day, which we often do.  This time, I made a commitment to add the details of what I ate at every meal, the exercise and walking that I did every day, and my weight in the morning.  And, I asked a nutrition coach to lightly monitor it. 

Good news is that I went from 229 pounds to 194 pounds as of this morning.  But, more importantly, it has changed my cholesterol and other health findings. 

Checklists are an intriguing model - and keeping them going for a very long time (or maybe longer) works! 

2. Diversity & Inclusion - Jayzen Patria Keynotes: I am honored to add Jayzen Patria as a keynoter on Diversity & Inclusion at Learning 2017.  I have known Jayzen for many years as a colleague and learning thought leader.  Now, as an energizing and pragmatic speaker and change agent, Jayzen will share key perspectives at our event.  Go to his bio at: http://tinyurl.com/jayzenlearning 

3. Character Day - September 13th! Tiffany Shlain, one of my favorite thinkers and videographers sponsors, a global broadcast on September 13th.  Check it out at http://www.characterday.org 

4. More Emergencies & Readiness - Texas, Florida and South Korea: What a year for emergencies.  As you have read, Emergency Readiness should be an added focus for the Learning and Development Field.  From the floods in Texas to the coming Hurricane headed to Florida to our colleagues in South Korea having bombing simulations, it is clear that we have to extend the reach of Learning and Development to the Emergency Readiness arena and partner with internal and external subject matter partners.  

Our thoughts and prayers go to those regions facing these emergencies.  And, thanks to the Responders and Volunteers who bravely respond. 

Yours in learning, 

Elliott Masie
Email: emasie@masie.com
Twitter: @emasie 

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:

- Learning 2017 - October 22 to 25  Orlando, Florida USA - Over 1,219 Colleagues Registered Already!
- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM 

Details and Online Registration: http://www.masie.com 

Learning TRENDS is produced by The MASIE Center.  95 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

977 - Labor Day, Work and Learning

Elliott Masie’s Learning TRENDS - September 2, 2017.
#977 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology Since 1997.
57,704  Readers - www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host of Learning 2017 - Oct 22 to 25 - Orlando - 1,124 Registered Already 

1. Labor Day, Work & Learning.
2. Big & Small Data for Teachers & Trainers.
3. Countdown to Learning. 

1. Labor Day, Work & Learning: Labor Day in the United States has always been an intense mixture of thoughts, emotions and anticipations for me.  When I was growing up, Labor Day meant: 

- The end of summer.
- The start of school in just a few days (which I loved).
- Buying new school supplies (especially a new notebook and looseleaf reinforcements).
- The leaves starting to change as Fall approached.
- In other words, it was a time of change and a focus on learning. 

In political terms, Labor Day was a celebration of Labor and the role of organized labor associations and unions.  It was a time to celebrate the role that Work, Workers and Skills played in our society.  There were often parades in Manhattan, where I grew up, of plumbers, transit workers and other craft trade unions. 

As Labor Day approaches this year, these themes re-emerge for me.  Labor Day now means: 

- The start of the “school year”.  I still think of the year starting with the “start” of school.
- A reflection on Learning.  I bought a few new books this week and signed up for an online course.
- Honoring time of work and workers.  Our societies depend on the skills and readiness of the workforce.
- Hope for more efforts on Apprenticeships, Lifelong Learning, Learning Culture and more.
- A time for planning my own development and “stretch” experiences. 

We should more deeply leverage Labor Day to recognize, celebrate and support Work, Workers and Learning in the Workplace.  As the tools of learning extend to our phones, social networks and beyond, ask yourself and your circle of people to think about Labor Day, Work and Learning. 

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Martin Luther King, Jr. 

On this Labor Day, let us also think of and celebrate the work, skills and sense of community that is supporting the residents of Texas. 

2. Big & Small Data for Teachers & Trainers: Much of the conversation about “Big Data” has focused on assessment and improvement of the learning activities and processes we create for our workforce.  

We should extend this conversation to consider the role of Big Data (and small data) on providing feedback, adjustment and optimization of Teachers and Trainers in their roles as leaders and facilitators of learning. 

Most data conversations are focused on looking at the “overall” impact from or reaction to a learning experience.  We may gather some data about how the teacher is presenting, but it usually stays at a macro level. 

I am intrigued to drill down and look at my own teaching skills.  It would be powerful (and perhaps jarring) to understand: 

- Which types of learners learn best or worst from me as a teacher?
- Which type of content do I explain and explore best or worst?
- What length of content delivery is my ideal and where do I waste time or focus?
- When do I “over-teach” or focus on content that is better delivered in a different method?
- What is my reaction to “under-motivated” learners?
- What is the class reaction of my presence as a teacher and how do I use or ignore their early reactions?
- How would my teaching change if I shifted the sequence of learning elements? 

This level of data is never really collected or shared back to the trainer/teacher.  Yet, with deep feedback, Effective Teaching can be optimized.  People who are teaching can be coached and supported to continually align their teaching methods, content, style and process to help their learners get to readiness as effectively as possible. 

3. Countdown to Learning: Labor Day weekend also is our signal moment that we are just 2 months away from hosting thousands of our learning colleagues at Learning 2017 (Oct 22 to 25 - Orlando, Florida USA). 

People often ask me about the process of organizing an event for thousands.  It is a combination of producing a Broadway Show, organizing a huge wedding and helping a single individual learn a new task. 

Labor Day also triggers the Countdown to Learning 2017: 

- On Tuesday, we start to place 180 magnets on a scheduling board, to time what experiences will happen in each of the 9 Activity Blocks.
- We are starting to create a brand new song and dance number that will focus on Learning in this digital and changing time.  Fun to work with artists in Seattle, New York and overseas on this WOW experience that will be at the start of Learning 2017.
- Working with the staff for our keynoters to format their time with conversations and experiences with our participants.
- Designing how to use a massive screen (over 70 feet wide) at our General Sessions with video from 6 cameras and real-time content from the audience to have WOW experiences - even at the back of the room.
- Collaborating with our 30 Under 30 Alumni on Reverse Mentoring, Learning Escape Rooms, Storytelling LABs, Learning TV, Gamification LABs, Innovation Sessions and more. 

We are now at 1,124 registrations and it is growing every day.  We encourage our colleagues to register early, as the hotel rooms at the conference hotel are filling rapidly.  Go to http://www.learning2017.com and check out the content, experiences and excitement.  Hope to learn with you in Orlando in October!

Yours in learning, 

Elliott Masie
Email: emasie@masie.com
Twitter: @emasie 

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:

- Learning 2017 - October 22 to 25  Orlando, Florida USA - Over 1,124 Colleagues Registered Already!
- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM 

Details and Online Registration: http://www.masie.com 

Learning TRENDS is produced by The MASIE Center.  95 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866