Can Learning Go Massive?

TO: Corporate Learning, Training and Higher Education Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, Editor - Learning TRENDS
DATE: March 26, 2014
RE: Can Learning Go Massive?

Dear Colleague,

In just 7 days, we invite you to join a unique gathering of 75 global learning professionals exploring the future of truly “Massive” learning programs at:

MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
April 2 to 4, 2014 – Saratoga Springs, NY.
Host & Curator: Elliott Masie.
Info: http://www.learningmoocs.com .

MOOCs are an experimental model, gaining traction, hype and innovation in Higher Education.  We will explore if a workplace can adapt the MOOC to offer a Massive, Open, Online Course (with Collaboration).

We are honored to have participants attending from Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies and countries like the U.S., Canada, Russia, Netherlands, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and others to consider these questions:

M is for MASSIVE: Can we scale learning activities to hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of workers?
O is for OPEN: Can we leverage and adapt Open content from TED, Universities and User-Created Sources?
O is for ONLINE: Can we design and structure Online Delivery, Community and Support for massive programs?
C is for ???: Does the C stand for Credit, Certification, Cost, Competency or Compliance?

I will lead this program and include perspectives from corporate MOOC implementers, technology platforms and Higher Education partners.

Although the event is only a week away, there are still a dozen spaces available.  Space is limited.

Details and online registration are available at http://www.learningmoocs.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
The MASIE Center & Learning CONSORTIUM

818 - Learning Budget Shifts, Melinda Doolittle Again, Global Colleagues Coming to MOOC Lab

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 20, 2014.
#818 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,419 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab.

1. Learning Budget Survey Results - A Shift in 2014.
2. MOOCs Lab Draws Colleagues from US, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, UK and More.
3. Melinda Doolittle - Update from Learning 2007 & American Idol.

1. Learning Budget Survey Results:  Our Learning Pulse survey for 2014 is underway and we already have over 400 responses from organizations throughout the world.  In a few weeks, we will publish the complete results.  But, I wanted to share the responses to a question about the sizing of budgets for Learning in 2014:

Overall Learning Spending/Budget Direction in Your Organization: (Based on 430 Responses)
-  5.5% Increasing Significantly.
- 27.7% Increasing Modestly.
- 37.3% Staying Stable.
- 14.6% Decreasing Modestly.
-  6.3% Decreasing Significantly.
-  8.5% Did Not Respond or Do Not Know.

While there is usually a fairly even “bell curve” of increasing, stable or decreasing, we did notice a real shift this year.  There are more organizations that are increasing their learning budgets modestly (27.7%).  When we sorted by size of organization, this trend was similar from organizations with over a million employees to ones with a workforce under 5,000.  We will continue to gather data and have a full report in several weeks.  There is still time to take our 9 minute confidential survey at:  http://www.masie.com/2014pulsesurvey

2. MOOCs Lab Draws Colleagues from US, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, UK and More:  We are honored to report that our upcoming MOOCs & Corporate Learning event (April 2-4) has drawn learning colleagues from across the globe. Participants from major corporations and government agencies in the US, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Netherlands, UK and other countries are coming to Saratoga Springs, NY for a robust and highly interactive exploration of how MOOCs might be adapted or evolved for use with Corporate Learning.  There is space for about 15 more participants. Registration at http://www.learningmoocs.com

3. Melinda Doolittle - Update from Learning 2007 & American Idol:  Last night, I had an incredible time at 54 Below, a concert club in New York City, where I reconnected with one of my favorite singers, Melinda Doolittle. Many will remember that she was the 3rd finalist on American Idol in 2007 and I then featured her for her first commercial singing gig at Learning 2007.  Melinda has a golden voice, a stage presence and an honest and warm spirit that is incredible.  Last night, I spent time with her before and after her concert and we chatted about Learning 2007 and her father, who works in the learning industry. I brought along a friend who is a Broadway Director and we hope to see Melinda starring in a show before too long. Check out her site and listen to a few of her songs. She sings magically: http://www.melindadoolittle.com/

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Video & Learning LAB.
* On-The-Job Learning LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

817 - Talent and Learning Impressions, Mobile Curiosity, Brainstorming

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 12, 2014.
#817 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,395 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab.

1. Impressions from Talent & HR Conversations.
2. My Curiosity Mobile Device.
3. Stormboard - Online Brainstorming!
4. Massive Learning - Less Instructor Time.

1. Impressions from Talent & HR Conversations:  Hello from Scottsdale, Arizona, where I have been meeting with senior Talent, HR and Performance leaders at the annual i4cp conference.  On Monday, I led a 2 1/2 hour facilitated discussion with 10 senior leaders from companies including Boeing, Yum! Brands, Shell, Agilent and others on Trends in Learning.  Although I was the briefer and facilitator, I came away with several key impressions on trends:

* Global Leadership Requirements:  We need to take a fresh look at the competencies needed by leaders of global organizations.  How do we build global leadership capabilities in candidates who have not lived in multiple countries?
* Talking Talent and Learning at the Same Time:  The languages of “Talent”, “Human Capital” and “Learning” are similar but different dialects that address similar issues with quite different words and phrases.  Learning leaders will need to find ways to be trilingual in these focuses.
* Lazy LMS:  There is widespread frustration with the current agility of Learning Management Systems to meet an ever expanding menu of content models.  Most organizations are looking at using the LMS as more of an underneath enterprise system, adding needed functions as software as service or overlays. The best example is the inability of most LMSs to be agile with video as a content mode.
* Learning Personalization:  There is serious interest in how organizations build Learning Personalization into current and future programs.  The learner is evolving quicker than our designers or learning systems.

If you are interested in exploring these and other Learning Directions, check out my one-day blended program that will soon be offered in New York City, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.  Details at http://www.masie.com

2. My Curiosity Mobile Device:  I just checked how often I do a Google or Bing search on my mobile phone or tablet.  Wow! On average it is between 15 and 30 times a day about thinks like a phrase from a presentation, a name mentioned in a news story or a topic in a conversation.  Check out the search history in your mobile devices to get a sense of your own mobile search intensity.  While many talk about Mobile Learning, I am more intrigued with how we optimize and personalize Mobile Search - including secure access to corporate intranets - right alongside external search engine results.

3. Stormboard - Online Brainstorming!  Check out a new version of a shared brainstorming/mind mapping software.  This is highly visual, sharable and there is a free edition for a small team.  I am experimenting with it for Learning 2014 team design.  Details at http://www.stormboard.com

4. Massive Learning - Less Instructor Time:  “How do we deliver short learning to massive numbers of employees - without having to increase the amount of available instructor time?”  This question quickly follows most discussions about Massive, Open, Online Courses/Content.  The desire for organizations to find new and scalable models for delivering a short program to tens or hundreds of thousands of workers - with a high level of engagement - without the cost of instructor time for each learner is a fascinating aspect of exploring MOOCs.

We will delve deeply into this at our rapidly filling MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and Lab, to be held from April 2 to 4 in Saratoga Springs, NY.  There are a few spaces still available and online registration is open at http://www.learningmoocs.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Video & Learning LAB.
* On-The-Job Learning LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

816 - Internal Expertise Ads, Badges for Skills, Baby Horse Video

 Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 28, 2014.
#816 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,384 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab.

1. Internal “Google Ads” with Expertise.
2. Badges Conversation Growing.
3. Baby Horse Born Thursday - Hello Video!

1. Internal “Google Ads” with Expertise:  We are quite accustomed to having Google or Bing or Yahoo “ads” pop up as we do a web search, linking us to a site, vendor or content collection.  But, what about an internal “ad” that links us to a person with expertise within our organization?

Imagine if an employee is conducting a search on compliance issues on your internal search engine and the results page included 2 or 3 small boxes with the name of a key fellow employee who has relevant experience or expertise on the topic. Much of the knowledge base of your organization is in the minds and experiences of current employees, who are often unknown to the rest of the workforce. Let’s experiment with appropriate and non-disruptive ways of building personalized “ads” that would link employees to other employees with sharable expertise.

2. Badges Conversation Growing:  Are there any fellow Girl or Boy Scouts out there as Learning TRENDS colleagues?  I have deep and powerful memories of the various Boy Scout “badges” that I earned in my teen years.  I even earned one in group leadership techniques.  The badges required Scouts to demonstrate a skill or competency and often successfully complete a project.

There is a growing conversation in the world of learning and higher education about bringing back the badge model for workforce competencies.  The badge might be smaller in scope than a certification.  And, it might not imply instant readiness to do a job.  But, it could be one of many badges that a worker would gather/earn over time - visible to others in the workplace and an input to future deployment decisions.  Many of my colleagues are looking towards industry-wide recognition of badges that are used and valued by a larger group of employers.  Let’s imagine a badge in Customer Complaint Handling earned by an employee of a fast service restaurant that would also be honored when he/she applies or is hired by another food service employer. 

The MASIE Learning CONSORTIUM and Learning 2014 will be focusing on badges and some of the opportunities and hurdles with adapting this model to our workplaces. If you are interested in being part of this conversation, please send a note to me at emasie@masie.com

3. Baby Horse Born Thursday - Hello Video! As many of you may know, MASIE Stables owns several thoroughbred horses.  Yesterday morning, we got a great phone call.  At 6 am, Miss Matzo gave birth to a healthy and cute female (filly) baby horse.  Four hours later, this video was taken in the barn where she is with her mom.  Note how long the legs of a baby horse are, which were important when they were born on the wild “range”.  Watch her at https://vimeo.com/masie/babyhorse

UPDATE: We are quickly filling spaces in the upcoming MOOCs & Corporate Learning event to be held in Saratoga Springs from April 2 to 4th.  Info and online registration are available at http://www.learningmoocs.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Video & Learning LAB.
* On-The-Job Learning LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning for Learning Professionals

TO: Learning, Training & Performance Colleagues.
FROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center
RE: Learning for Learning Professionals

We are pleased to invite you and your colleagues to one of our upcoming Learning Programs for Learning Professionals:

* Learning Directions:  What is Up, Down or Just Hype in Learning?  Elliott Masie leads an intensive one-day briefing for Learning Professionals, supplemented with additional on-demand resources.  Topics include: Learning Personalization, The Connected Classroom, Mobility & Learning, Rethinking Compliance Training, and Social/Collaborative Learning.  Hosted by Elliott Masie.
Locations:  New York (March 21), Chicago (March 25), Silicon Valley (April 16), and Houston (April 29)

* MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & LAB:  This is the first event focused on applying the MOOC (Massive, Open, Online Course) to the corporate learning space.  We will explore adapting the MOOC model, integrating higher education MOOCs into the workplace and finding low-cost ways of making learning more “massive”, yet still accountable and effective.  Hosted by Elliott Masie.
Location:  Saratoga Springs, NY (April 2-4)
 
* On-The-Job Learning (OJL) LAB & Seminar:  How did you learn your job?  Ask 100 employees in your organization that question and very often the answer will be, “From a colleague, on the job”.  We invite you and your colleagues to participate in a new program: On-The-Job Learning LAB & Seminar, which will provide a deep, agile and hands-on approach to maximizing the impact of OJL – adding the power of technology and performance support.  Hosted by Bob Mosher & Conrad Gottfredson.
Location:  Saratoga Springs, NY (April 23-25)

Details, agendas and online registration for these programs are available at http://www.masie.com.  Space is limited and discounts are available for government, higher education and Learning CONSORTIUM Members.

If you have any questions, please send a note to amh@masie.com.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
The MASIE Center
http://www.masie.com

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

815 - Previews for Learning Design?; On-The-Job (OJL) Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 19, 2014.
#815 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,374 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab.

1. Previews for Learning Design?
2. MOOCs Linking Workplace & Higher Education.
3. On-The-Job Learning (OJL) LAB & Seminar Announced.

1. Previews for Learning Design?  This month, I went to two Broadway Previews.  For approximately one month before the official opening of a Broadway show, audiences see a “preview” of the show - in various forms of readiness - as the creative team tweaks the script, scenery and even the music of the show.  The reactions of the audience can help deeply shape the final product.

This evening, a show that I am helping produce, “Bridges of Madison County”, opens.  In the preview process, more than a dozen minutes of the show were reduced.  A song was eliminated. Props were changed. And, the pacing of both Act I and Act II were improved through the changes.  Previews are a key element in making a show more ready for audiences, using audience reactions as a key data point in the process.

Why not add previews to Learning events? What if we were rolling out a new class or eLearning module on a key leadership or technology subject? Imagine if the first few sessions were really viewed as previews. Imagine if the instructional designer could add or delete segments and see how the learners reacted and performed.  Previews could radically alter the design process.  Try it!

2. MOOCs Linking Workplace & Higher Education: As we explore the role of Massive, Open, Online Courses in the world of workplace learning, there is an interesting connection emerging between MOOCs offered via higher education and employee training. Here are a few models that are emerging:

* University and College MOOCs paid for through employee tuition reimbursement funds.
* Corporations purchasing a block of seats in a higher education MOOC at an affordable per-employee rate.
* MOOCs offered by a higher education group with corporations building in private discussion areas.
* Universities partnering with a corporation to syndicate a workplace MOOC to other organizations.

Every day, I am engaged in conversations with higher education and private venture MOOC providers about their desires and plans to collaborate with corporate learning and development groups. 

We will delve into these topics at MOOCs & Corporate Learning Symposium & Lab, which I am hosting in Saratoga Springs, NY from April 2nd to 4th.  Information and online registration (space is limited) is available at http://www.learningmoocs.com

3. On-The-Job Learning (OJL) LAB & Seminar Announced: The MASIE Center is pleased to announce a new LAB & Seminar focused on:

On-The-Job Learning (OJL) LAB & Seminar.
Led by Bob Mosher & Conrad Gottfredson.
April 23 to 25 - Saratoga Springs, NY.
Info: http://www.masie.com

What we used to call OJT, or On-The-Job Training, has evolved to a more agile and personalized approach called OJL, or On-The-Job Learning.  Add technology, performance support and collaboration, and OJL is emerging as a key part of the corporate learning process.

We are honored to have Bob Mosher and Conrad Gottfredson lead this exciting lab.  Space is limited.  Info is available at http://www.masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Video & Learning LAB.
* On-The-Job Learning LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

814 - Snow Days Into eLearning Days, Bob Mosher Joins as Learning Advocate

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 12, 2014.
#814 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,369 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Directions - Briefings in 4 U.S. Cities!

1. From Snow Days to eLearning Days!
2. Bob Mosher Joins MASIE Center as Learning Advocate.
3. Video & Learning LAB Scheduled for May.
4. Twitter Feeds.

1. From Snow Days to eLearning Days! While the news is filled with reports of major snow storms coming to the South and Northeast US, snow days are going through a digital transformation.

Several school districts and states have swapped out snow days, where the schools are closed, the buses stop and students and teachers have a day off. Often, the school has to make up snow days with extra instructional days later in the semester.

But, on eLearning Days, the buildings still close, the buses still stop, but learners and teachers work virtually - continuing the learning process throughout the day. This might include webinar sessions, Skype office hours with teachers and the use of On-Demand eLearning modules. Some students team up at one house, if there are working parents who can’t come home, or if the students want to work collaboratively during the day.

Some districts are even pre-scheduling eLearning Days to provide the students with exposure to self-guided eLearning – prior to going to college or the workplace – where it is growing as a delivery mode.

Here is an article about the shift from Snow Days to eLearning Days in Indiana: http://wane.com/news/local/elearning-could-end-area-snow-days/

2. Bob Mosher Joins MASIE Center as Learning Advocate: We are honored to announce that Bob Mosher, one of the major learning analysts, researchers and innovators in our field, is joining The MASIE Center as our Learning Advocate.

Bob will provide perspective, analysis, benchmarking and leadership to The MASIE Center and our Learning CONSORTIUM, and serve as a co-host of Learning 2014. Here is the announcement and bio on Bob Mosher: http://www.masie.com/mosher

Please welcome Bob Mosher as our (and your) Learning Advocate!

3. Video & Learning LAB Scheduled for May: I am finishing the last day of our very popular Video and Learning LAB this morning at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs. We sold out spaces for this hands-on deep dive into the changing ways that video is growing as a major component of workplace learning.  So, we just opened up a new session:

Video and Learning LAB.
Host: Elliott Masie.
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY, USA.
Dates: May 19-21, 2014.
Info: http://www.masie.com    .

Space is limited to about 40 participants, so please reserve a space ASAP.

4. Twitter Feeds: Many learning colleagues around the world engage with us through Twitter. Here are our two active Twitter Feeds:

* Elliott Masie/The MASIE Center Twitter: @emasie.com
* Learning 2014 Twitter: @learning2014

Feel free to follow and interact with us through these Twitter Feeds.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Video & Learning LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

813 - Nano-Coaching; Experience LABS; Rethinking Compliance Training

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 11, 2014.
#813 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,364 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning Directions - Briefings in 4 U.S. Cities!

1. Nano-Coaching: A Learning Direction!
2. Experience LABS vs. Classrooms: A Learning Direction!
3. Rethinking Compliance Training: A Learning Direction!

As I plan the curriculum for our Learning Directions briefings that we will host in four cities across the United States, I wanted to share 3 trends that are intriguing and even “disruptive”:

1. Nano-Coaching: A Learning Direction! We have often thought of coaching in terms of intense one-to-one conversations between a worker and a mentor/coach/manager. Recently, organizations have been experimenting with “nano-coaching”, which connects the worker to a source of expertise for a few minutes - often by video chat.

Imagine if a salesperson is working on better customer service. They might have a 1 minute conversation with a remote coach several times a day - right after sales episodes. The goal of nano-coaching is to provide just-in-time, on-the-job feedback and accountability. One organization is using nano-coaching with rising leaders, providing them with pre-meeting prep or post-meeting review, as they do performance reviews of employees. Nano-coaching can even leverage short video clips that can be sent to an employee, based on the conversation with the coach. We are also intrigued with leveraging knowledge-filled retirees as nano-coaches on a contract basis. Finally, nano-coaching moves away from coaching as a therapeutic model to a more real-time behavioral feedback loop.

2. Experience LABS vs. Classrooms: A Learning Direction! Imagine shifting a learning session from a face-to-face class on a topic to an Experience LAB where the employees have to accomplish a key task in a collaborative fashion with guidance and feedback from an instructor. Organizations are creating Experience LABS in areas such as Safety, Negotiation, Project Management and Technical Areas. The Experience LAB has a higher intensity and the workers are creating an outcome for either a simulated or real project used in the business. The LAB requires a very different design model and skill set for the facilitator. There is always a possibility that the group will fail at the task - at least in early attempts. The learners bring a different intensity and curiosity to the Experience LAB and bring back a more “ready-for-transfer” set of skills.

3. Rethinking Compliance Training: A Learning Direction! Compliance and regulatory training is increasingly dominating the learning budgets and timeframes of major organizations. Many learners are required to re-take classes on topics that they are already certified on, just because the cycle of approvals has come around again. There are key experiments underway to rethink compliance training that include:

* Shift to assessment driven re-training.
* Personalize the compliance training based on learner and workplace history.
* Conversations with legal staff and regulators on “sampling” as an alternative to mass re-training.
* Adaptive testing and designs to make compliance training less annoying to the learners.

The key is not to avoid compliance but to better map precious learning hours and energy in a more strategic manner that does not turn the regulatory issues into annoying “jokes” from a content perspective. The MASIE Center’s Learning CONSORTIUM will be doing deep dives on compliance and learning issues in the coming year.

4. Learning Directions Briefings: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley. We are pleased to offer our 2014 Learning Directions Briefings in each of these four cities. It is a mixed blend of a one-day face-to-face with on-demand and virtual sessions. Learning Directions Briefings are in March and April. Space is limited. Online info and registration is available at: http://www.masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

812 - Cool Tools!; TED Ed - Open Content; Massive Learning?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 3, 2014.
#812 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,359 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning Symposium & LAB - www.learningmoocs.com

1. Cool Tools! An Awesome Book.
2. TED Ed - YouTube Plus Content Plus Design.
3. MASSIVE Learning - Scaling Learning with MOOCs?

1. Cool Tools! An Awesome Book: Kevin Kelly has written a book that I totally love called “Cool Tools”. It is a blend of the old Whole Earth Catalogue that he helped produce decades ago and a column that Kevin writes by the same name that has incredible tools, which I order on a regular basis.

“Cool Tools” lists thousands of tools, gadgets, kits and other resources that help one build, fix, extend and design things - digital, electronic, mechanical and more.  Each tool is described and is listed without payment from the manufacturers.  I ended up with a list of a 30 more things that I will purchase over the coming months.  “Cool Tools” is large and heavy, but please check it out for yourself or a friend. Details at: http://amzn.com/1940689007

2. TED Ed - YouTube Plus Content Plus Design. I was presenting at a conference in Tampa last week and heard a keynote by the creators of TED Ed, a new system that will combine video from YouTube with instructional content and open resources.  They are already developing content that is appropriate at the K-12 and Higher Education levels.  The power and reach of TED to the open learning space is so exciting.  Several of the CLOs with me in Florida were deeply intrigued about how TED Ed might be adapted to corporate learning.  Check out the website and look at the tools and approaches they are building: http://ed.ted.com/  The MASIE Center will be experimenting with TED Ed in the coming months and I will share our findings along the way.

3. MASSIVE Learning - Scaling Learning with MOOCs? In my conversations with corporate learning leaders, they are deeply interested in new approaches to deliver targeted, MASSIVE offerings. Can a MOOC be adapted to achieve MASSIVE scale?

In much of corporate learning, we have traditions for the SCOPE and REACH of a course or class.  Our face-to-face classrooms often mirror school size, with 20 to 40 students as the norm.  Our leadership programs, even when moved to an MBA institution, often cap at about 50 to 60 students.  And, while a webinar might reach thousands and an eLearning module could be consumed by an uncapped number, we don’t have confidence that these forms are really MASSIVE in reach.

What if we can adapt the MOOC model to allow a MASSIVE number of workers to participate in a program that is compelling, collaborative and that does not need significant faculty/facilitator presence or intervention?  We will be exploring this at our new MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB in Saratoga Springs in April.  Details at http://www.learningmoocs.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

811 - 12 Movies in a Month, Badges from MOOCs, Farewell Pete Seeger

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 28, 2014.
#811 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,354 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning Symposium & LAB - learningmoocs.com

1. 12 Movies in 1 Month? MoviePass Experiment.
2. Badges from Corporate MOOCS?
3. Pete Seeger Farewell!

1. 12 Movies in 1 Month? MoviePass Experiment. Yesterday was the 12th time I went to a movie theater in January! Why? I’m experimenting with a new and fascinating service called MoviePass. In a nutshell, it is the equivalent of Hulu or Netflix - but with movies that are in the theater.

I pay about $30 a month and I can see one movie, free of charge at almost any theater, anywhere in the US. I have to be in the lobby of the theater, use my smartphone to select the movie, and then go to the window or a kiosk and my MoviePass card acts like a Discover Credit Card, buying me a ticket free of charge. Interestingly, the theater owner gets the full price from MoviePass. There are a few restrictions, such as no 3D films and a firm waiting period of 24 hours before my app is live again. But, it really works and I have used it in several cities.

Now, you have to be a movie geek and love to watch big screens. But, I have gone in the evening, on weekends and once left work at 2 pm for an afternoon flick. If you want to try it, go to www.moviepass.com and check it out. But, remember popcorn is full price!

2. Badges from Corporate MOOCS? Will corporate learners someday earn “Badges” as a result of taking a MOOC (Massive, Open, Online Course) and demonstrating competency or readiness? Check out our new blog: LearningMOOCs - http://www.learningmoocs.com/index.php/blog/item/badges-from-moocs

3. Peter Seeger Farewell. Yesterday, one of the wonderful and powerful folk singers and social change advocates of our time, Pete Seeger, passed away. I met him several time in my life, including on an overnight stay on his “Save the Hudson River” boat, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. His songs “Turn Turn Turn” and “If I Had a Hammer” became a part of both folk music and social change history. 

On a personal note, I remember sitting on the deck of the Clearwater while he played his banjo on his lap as he told stories about why a river should be clean enough to eat the fish safely. He blended storytelling, listening, music and passion for change in a way that moved people, history and me.  Farewell, Pete Seeger - You Made a Difference!

Story and music about Pete Seeger at: http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/28/showbiz/pete-seeger-death/

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Learning Directions Briefings.
* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

MOOCs and Corporate Learning: An Invitation

TO: Corporate Learning, Training and Higher Education Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, Editor - Learning TRENDS
DATE: January 23, 2014
RE: Invite: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB

Dear Colleagues:

What will Corporate Learning do with the emerging model of MOOCs: Massive, Open, Online, Courses/Certificates/Content?

MOOCs are a disruptive and interesting innovation under experiment in Higher Education and starting to be adapted and leveraged by Learning, Training and Development groups in the workplace. 

The MASIE Center and The Learning CONSORTIUM are pleased to invite you and your colleagues to a new, drill-down, vendor-neutral, evidence-based exploration of the roles of MOOCs for employee learning:

MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab.
April 2, 3 and 4, 2014.
Hosted by Elliott Masie.
MASIE Center Learning LAB.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866  USA.
Info: http://www.learningmoocs.com

We will be exploring, examining, dialoguing and even designing the formats for a variety of MOOCs aimed at the workplace.  It is exciting to think about 10,000 employees taking a high engagement program - without traditional faculty/trainer involvement!  It is scary to think about 80% drop out rates! Together, we will examine the opportunities, adaptions, HYPE, technologies and learning behavior shifts in the world of MOOCs - implemented at work.

Our issues and questions include:

- Current MOOC Use: What’s Working? What’s Hype? What’s Changing?
- Designing MOOCs in a Corporate Setting.
- Why MOOCs?
- Playing with the MOOC Letters:
* Massive: How wide can a corporate MOOC extend?  To a half million workers?  What support needs does a Massive MOOC require?
* Open: How Open is a corporate MOOC?  Is access Open?  Is content from Open sources?  Is MOOC content placed in an Open Format?  Can we bill or charge for an Open program?
* Online:  MOOCs that are 100% asynchronous? MOOCs that include real-time live collaboration?  MOOCs blended with Face to Face?  MOOCs on a global basis in many languages?
* Course/Credentials:  What does the C stand for? Course, Content, Credit, Credential, Certificate?  How accountable is the MOOC user?
* MOOCs and Certification?
* Using External MOOCs for a Workplace Learning Activity.
* Mini-MOOCs:  Creating a Behind-the-Firewall Subset of a MOOC.
* Learning Systems (LMS/LCMS) & MOOCs:  Friends, Foes or Cousins?
* Completion & Attrition Rates for MOOCs.
* MOOCs and Compliance/Regulation?
* MOOCs and Assessment Models: Credits, Courses, Certificates?
* MOOCs and Learning Preferences/Personalization?
* MOOCs:  Fans and Opponents – Evidence For and Against MOOCs.
* Design Skills for MOOCs.
* Branding Issues:  Do We Call it a MOOC?
* MOOC Partners and Providers:  From MIT to Coursera to edX to FutureLearn.
* Corporate MOOCs in Action:  From Yahoo to Bank of America to New Hire Orientation MOOCs.
* Your Questions about and Issues with MOOCs.

I will lead this program, with perspectives from corporate MOOC implementers, technology platforms and Higher Education partners. 

Space is limited and we encourage Early Registration with a time limited discount.  The program includes a 2 1/2 day Face-to-Face Program and a series of MOOCs and Design MOOCs you can utilize before and after your visit to Saratoga Springs.

Details and online registration at http://www.learningmoocs.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott
Elliott Masie

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 26 - 29, 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Video for Learning LAB - Feb 10 to 12, 2014 - Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning Directions: New York City, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.
* MOOCs & Corporate Learning: April 2, 3 and 4, 2014 - Saratoga Springs, NY
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

810 - 12 Years a Slave from Saratoga; My New Learning Thermostat

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 20, 2014.
#810 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,344 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

1. 12 Years a Slave - From Saratoga on Martin Luther King Day.
2. My Learning Thermostat - Google Buys Nest.
3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.

1. 12 Years a Slave - From Saratoga on Martin Luther King Day.  Yesterday, I went to see “12 Years a Slave,” a powerful and provocative movie about a freeman who lived in my hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY, who is kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery in the Louisiana.  I wanted to honor Martin Luther King Day by seeing this movie and reflecting about the broad history of civil rights and slavery.  If you can, please go see this movie.  Here is a clip: http://youtu.be/pA-vxW3d3Fw

2. My Learning Thermostat - Google Buys Nest: Last week, I ordered the Nest Learning Thermostat. A few days later, Nest was acquired by Google for $3.2 Billion dollars. It was random timing rather than inside knowledge. I spent an hour yesterday replacing the thermostat in my home with a new “Learning” thermostat.

I was fascinated at the usability that went into the design and user experience of Nest.  I had ordered it online from Amazon.  There was a sealed sticker that told me to do the pre-install checkout, before opening the sticker, in case I had to return it.  So, here is what I did, as per instructions:

* Went to the Nest website and called up very visual and performance support graphics.
* I opened up the old thermostat and indicated which color wires it was using.
* It suggested I take a picture of the wires and thermostat and send by email to Nest for guidance.
* In less than 30 minutes, it verified that I could simply make the switch and installation.
* I mounted the new Nest with 2 screws, pushed the 2 wires into marked slots and it went LIVE.
* It asked for my Wi-Fi connection, zip code and a few other items.
* And, it WORKED!
* The thermostat is now learning my heating choices and building a personalized schedule.
* I can monitor temperature and change if from a smartphone or web.
* And, it senses presence in the room for adjustment.
* A great approach for installation and usability.

Some might be worried about how Google will “invade” the home automation market and use our big data.  I am more on the curious side and a learner about the learning thermostat.  Every month, I will receive an email with detailed use information.  And, soon our local energy companies will provide advantaged pricing for folks with this type of thermostat.

It was a cool learning hour for me, from unwrapping the product to having a fully active new thermostat.  Information is available at http://www.nest.com

3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley! We are excited to announce a new series of blended learning events that I will be leading in 2014:

Learning Directions!
NYC (3/21), Chicago (3/25), Silicon Valley (4/16) & Houston (4/29).
Info: http://masie.com/ld2014

Several hundred learning colleagues participated in this series last year.  We will focus on Learning Trends, Directions and Challenges.  Our topics this year will include:

* Learning Personalization!
* Mobility - Learning Everywhere!
* “Big” Learning Data!
* Social - Learning Together!
* Beyond “e”Learning!
* Rethinking Compliance Training!
* The Connected Classroom & Expertise!
* The Learner as Co-Designer!

We will combine a one-day, interactive briefing with a blend of virtual and asynchronous learning activities.  Space in each city is limited and group rates are available.  Info and online registration are available at: http://masie.com/ld2014

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

809 - Learning Directions, Learning Hackathon, White House Education Datapalooza

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 10, 2014.
#809 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,342 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

1. Your Learning Hackathon - Ideas Pleas.
2. White House Education Datapalooza on Wednesday.
3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.

1. Your Learning Hackathon - Ideas Pleas: We are excited to announce that the Learning Hackathon, launched at Learning 2013, will happen at MIT on the weekend of February 21st and 22nd. In a nutshell, we will ask small teams of MIT and other engineering/design students to engage in a Hackathon that will create agile and rapid learning apps, solutions and approaches. For example, what would be a cool tool for a learner, a teacher, a designer or a subject matter expert? Imagine 2 days of ideas, invention, brainstorming and creation. There will be a prize for the winning team. And, we hope it will be sharable with learning colleagues around the world.

So, help us out in our planning process. Can you send an email to me at emasie@masie.com with a few ideas of challenges or problems that you would like these Hackathon teams to tackle? Our planning meeting is on Monday afternoon, so send them along and it will help dramatically. Thanks to Ken Zolot and John Abele for leading this effort. Together, we will all benefit from the Learning Hackathon.

2. White House Education Datapalooza: Talking about Hackathons, next Wednesday I am honored to be attending the White House and US Dept. of Education’s second annual “Education Datapalooza”. These follow two Data Jams at which more than 200 entrepreneurs and developers, college and university leaders, researchers and policymakers, along with students and others, came together to brainstorm ideas for new products, services, tools and apps to help students. At the Datapalooza, we will explore and celebrate these innovations and new venture ideas.
 
President Obama has called for encouraging innovation in several key areas related to learning:

* Increasing the quality of teaching and learning, including through technological approaches to learning and student support.
* Finding ways to stimulate further innovation, including by encouraging competency-based education, dual enrollment, and facilitating students gaining credit for prior learning.
* Empowering students with more information to help them make more informed decisions about college value, including deciding on where to go to college and how to pay for it.

Info at http://tinyurl.com/ap9tduv  I will curate and send a blast from this gathering next week.

3. Learning Directions Events: NYC, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley! We are excited to announce a new series of blended learning events that I will be leading in 2014:

Learning Directions!
NYC (3/21), Chicago (3/25), Silicon Valley (4/16) & Houston (4/29).
Info: http://masie.com/ld2014

Several hundred learning colleagues participated in this series last year. We will focus on Learning Trends, Directions and Challenges. Our topics this year will include:

* Learning Personalization!
* Mobility - Learning Everywhere!
* “Big” Learning Data!
* Social - Learning Together!
* Beyond “e”Learning!
* Rethinking Compliance Training!
* The Connected Classroom & Expertise!
* The Learner as Co-Designer!

We will combine a one-day, interactive briefing with a blend of virtual and asynchronous learning activities. Space in each city is limited and group rates are available. Info and online registration at: http://masie.com/ld2014

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

808 - Schoolhouse Rock, CES Nuggets, Video Grows Radically

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan. 8, 2014.
#808 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,339 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

1. Schoolhouse Rock - 41 Years Old & Powerful!
2. CES Nuggets Curated from Vegas - Shifts in Tech Market.
3. Video Grows Radically for Learning.

1. Schoolhouse Rock - 41 Years Old & Powerful! Yesterday, I read a great Twitter message from Billy Porter, the star of Kinky Boots (one of our Broadway production investments). Billy was highlighting that it was the 41st birthday of the start of Schoolhouse Rock. I immediately got a huge smile - remembering the short videos that combined music, learning, animation and spirit to teach kids (and adults) cool things.  Schoolhouse Rock was one of my introductions to what media and learning could do to make learning fun and engaging.  Here are two of my favorite Schoolhouse Rock videos:

* I am Just a Bill! A lesson in the way that Congress operates (at least in those days): http://youtu.be/tyeJ55o3El0 .
* Conjunction Junction! A grammar lesson that still vibrates in my brain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPoBE-E8VOc .

Happy Birthday Schoolhouse Rock!  And, thanks to Billy Porter for the reminder. Say Yeah!!

2. CES Nuggets Curated from Vegas - Shifts in Tech Market. Every January, I either attend or remotely curate tech announcements and nuggets coming from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  This year, I have been chatting with several colleagues and reporters at CES and here are some early impressions:

* Gadget Spending Dropping. There is a $13 Billion drop in technology gadget spending … even though interest in mobile and apps are going up.  Why?  Most analysts see that folks now have a very high tech smart phone that can take video, photos, GPS readings and a range of options. Consumers are not saying, “Give me a new gadget to buy.” They want better and faster and more personalized functionality - on existing devices.

* 4X Video and Cloud, Cloud, Cloud. Personally, I am intrigued by two themes. In the video world, 4X is now going to be highly affordable. A major jump in resolution and definition will be available in a corporate video device that is only $1,400 (which was previously in the $90,000 range). We will explore the ways that 4X might be useful in simulations and other high def learning moments.  And, the conversations about Cloud, Cloud and Cloud are intriguing, especially as we see the ability to easily integrate software as a service from multiple vendors in the cloud.

* Wearables. As one of Google’s Explorers, I have been fascinated and, in some ways, underwhelmed with wearables. I don’t use my digital watch (too heavy, awkward and not overly helpful). I am intrigued with health and wellness wearables.  I am waiting for the next generation of both Google Glass and other wearable glasses, contact lens inventions and more. There may be ways in which wearables will quite helpful with work learning, OJT and coaching. The idea of a work Performance Support system embedded in a wearable is intriguing.  Yet, there are Big Data issues and privacy concerns to watch.  I am monitoring a few of the announcements this week on wearables and will send an update at the end of the week.

3. Video Grows Radically for Learning.  We are tracking significant growth in the offering and use of video for learning at the workplace.  We are filling up my upcoming Video and Learning LAB that will be offered in Saratoga Springs in February. Here are the details:

Video and Learning LAB.
Elliott Masie, Facilitator and Host.
MASIE Center - Saratoga Springs, NY, USA.
February 10 to 12, 2014.

Spend 3 intense days in our Video and Learning LAB exploring how organizations are adding a wide range of video resources for learning in the workplace.  Together, we will explore video content segments, User Content, video in the Classroom, chat/video conferencing for access to expertise, video storage and search, and a wide range of topics. Come to Saratoga Springs for 3 days in February and roll up your sleeves to explore the changing world of Video and Learning! Details and registration (space is limited) at: http://www.masie.com/videolab

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

807 - Video From Learning Plus Video and Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Dec. 23, 2013.
#807 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
56,333 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

Video: In Learning & From Learning!

1. Video and Learning LAB 2014 Announced.
2. Video from Learning 2013 Now Posted.
3. Video Linked to Graphic Recording Illustration.

Here are 3 notes about Video and Learning - in many ways.

1. Video and Learning LAB 2014 Announced: We have just opened registration for our most popular LAB that I lead at The MASIE Center:

Video and Learning LAB.
Elliott Masie, Facilitator and Host.
MASIE Center - Saratoga Springs, NY, USA.
February 10 - 12, 2014.

Spend 3 intense days in our Video and Learning LAB exploring how organizations are adding a wide range of video resources for learning in the workplace. Together, we will explore video content segments, User Content, video in the Classroom, chat/video conferencing for expertise access, video storage and search, and a wide range of topics. Come to Saratoga Springs for 3 days in February and roll up your sleeves to explore the changing world of Video and Learning! Details and registration (space is limited) at: http://www.masie.com/videolab

2. Video from Learning 2013 Now Posted: 90% of the General Session content from Learning 2013 is now posted and available free of charge at:

Video from Learning 2013 Segments.
http://www.learning2013.com - select Video from the menu

3. Video Linked to Graphic Recording Illustration: Here is an interesting experiment that we are conducting. You can access a Graphic Recording Illustration of the General Sessions that was done by a facilitator - long distance and in real-time - during the event. We have taken her illustrations and used them as the launch pad for the Video Clips mentioned above. You can choose short clips based on segments illustrated on the graphic. Access these at:

Graphic Illustrations with Video Links from Learning 2013:
http://learningtalks.com/learning2013/sunday-opening-session/

Special thanks to Lauren Boughton, our Producer, for her very hard work in segmenting and slicing the video clips. Our goal is to create short and reusable clips for use by the larger Learning field. And, thanks to Rachel Smith from Grove - www.grove.com - for amazing remote illustration.

—— Holiday Greetings ——-

Best greetings to Learning TRENDS readers and colleagues throughout the world for the holidays and the New Year! My recent trip to Asia and The Middle East has energized my thoughts and plans to address Global Learning challenges and opportunities in the coming year. Whether we are learning designers in Kansas City, learning managers in Beijing, college students learning online in Afghanistan or classroom teachers in Brazil, together we will help create the future of learning to empower people with changing and dynamic workplace skills. Let 2014 be our Learning Year!

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2014

email: emasie@masie.com
twitter: @emasie

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie