741 - Webinar on Social Hype and Collaborative Learning, MD Anderson Cancer Center Honored

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 29, 2012.
#741 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,807 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Video Webinar: Social “Hype” & Collaborative Learning:
2. 100 Learning Sessions Announced.
3. MD Anderson Cancer Center Honored.

1. Video Webinar: Social “Hype” & Collaborative Learning: I am pleased to produce a free, one hour - online webinar on the opportunities, challenges, realities and “hype” of Social and Collaborative Learning.  There are many exciting innovations and design models for increasing collaborative learning. We must also add curriculum and learning design for effective “Working Together” approaches.And, there is an incredible amount of “Hype” - often confusing social media and social learning. Join me for a one hour, video webinar on this topic:

Video Webinar Title: Social “Hype” & Collaborative Learning
Facilitator: Elliott Masie
When: September 12 at 1 PM (Eastern Time) for One Hour
Topics:
* What are the real innovations in social and collaborative learning?
* What are the “hype” elements?
* What are the key trends and challenges for social and collaborative learning in 2012?
* What are the differences and distinctions between social learning and collaborative learning design?
* When does social and collaborative learning work, and when is it over-hyped?
* How do we engage all generations and respect the introverts in our workplace?

There is no charge, but space is limited.  Reserve at: http://www.masie.com/socialwebinar

2. 100 Learning Sessions Announced: Our Design Team is busy creating and curating content from learning colleagues around the world.  We are pleased to announce that a major chunk of the 200 Learning Sessions at Learning 2012 are now posted on our website.  In addition, this year 15% of the sessions and activities will be “Real-Time Content” - designed, formatted and delivered onsite by participants responding to Real-Time interests, concerns and benchmarking needs.  Here are the latest updates:

Learning Sessions: http://www.learning2012.com/sessions   .
Learning in 2012 Newsletter - Articles + Content: http://www.learning2012.com/newsletter   .

3. MD Anderson Cancer Center Honored: We are pleased to announce The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will receive the Learning Spotlight Award for excellence in education and training at our Learning 2012 conference, to be held October 21-24, in Orlando, Florida.  The Learning CONSORTIUM is honoring MD Anderson for its innovation developing new models for providing learning, knowledge and skills to its employees, collaborators, patients and their families. MD Anderson has pioneered new approaches to using video, eLearning and other media in its efforts to impact the cancer problem.

 “Achieving our mission to eliminate cancer requires new knowledge, so education is our mission area that enables the other three – patient care, research and prevention,” says Oliver Bogler, Ph.D., senior vice president for academic affairs and vice president for global academic programs at MD Anderson. “We continually work to employ the latest approaches to enhance our educational effectiveness, and we’re pleased to be recognized for these efforts.”

“MD Anderson truly innovates and pushes the boundaries of organizational learning to improve not only employee learning and performance, but also the quality of care and life for its patients. Learning 2012 is pleased to honor MD Anderson, spotlighting its leadership in the learning and performance field.” - Elliott Masie, Host & Curator.

Details at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/md-anderson-cancer-center.html

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning in 2012 Newsletter: View Online

TO: Learning, Training & Performance Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, The Learning CONSORTIUM

RE: Learning Newsletter - 14 Pages of Content

We just finished our new Learning in 2012 Newsletter. This is a free, 14 page collection of articles, perspectives, content and context focused on Learning in 2012 and beyond.

View or Download at: http://www.learning2012.com/newsletter

Articles Include:

* Learners Want Personalization.
* Learning Together: Social & Collaborative Learning.
* Susan Cain on Introverts
* What is the “e” in e-Learning?
* Video Expands Learning.
* Otello, Leadership & Learning by Nigel Paine.
* General Colin Powell’s Leadership Perspectives.
* LMS: More Learning Options, Please!
* Charles Duhigg on Habits.
* Performance Support Perspectives

View our Newsletter: http://www.learning2012.com/newsletter

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

740 - Comcast University Honored; Part 2 of Keynote Anatomy

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 24, 2012.
#740 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,799 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Comcast Learning & University Honored!
2. Part 2 - Anatomy of a Keynote Speech - Design, Bathrooms & Headsets!

1. Comcast Learning & University Honored! We are honored to announce that Comcast will receive a Learning Spotlight Award at Learning 2012, October 21-24, in Orlando, FL.

This award recognizes Comcast’s  commitment to employee engagement while continuing to grow its business. Comcast leverages an internal National Executive Learning Council that includes members of the C-suite and other senior leaders to ensure alignment between the business and learning. This includes setting new expectations and strategy. Comcast University has established a business imperative team to connect daily with the enterprise project management office to clarify what learning solutions are needed and drive product trials, betas and pilots. Also, they have successfully redesigned new hire training for their almost 26 thousand call center employees.
 
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Learning CONSORTIUM,” said Martha Soehren, Ph.D., senior vice president and CLO for Comcast University. “Comcast is bringing new products to customers faster than ever, and the 500 learning and development professionals across Comcast University are passionate about making sure our employees have access to training that will help them provide the best service for our customers.”

“Comcast’s ability to regularly engage senior leaders in the evolution of its learning strategy ensures that, through continual experimentation and innovation, learning is improved to directly support the business. Learning 2012 is pleased to honor Comcast and its leadership in the learning and performance field.” - Elliott Masie, Host & Curator, Learning 2012

Details at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/comcast.html

2. Part 2 - Anatomy of a Keynote Speech - Design, Bathrooms & Headsets!: Yesterday, I delivered the keynote address for the Navy in Orlando - following up on the design process described in the last Trends (http://trends.masie.com)

With all of the prep in the world, the design of a keynote address will continue to evolve once on-site.  Here are my notes from yesterday, starting with breakfast at 7 am:

* Day of Design Check: At breakfast, I went over my notes and thoughts - to check if there were any changes or open issues.  I paused as I thought about how to address the leader of this Naval Base, where simulation, learning systems and training technology is developed.  He has sent me a note with his nickname - Capt. Steve “Snak” Nakagawa.  But, would I use Captain, “Snak”, Steve or some other title?  There was no simple answer, so it fell into an open question list.  Other than that, I felt that my design was aligned with their needs - subject to change when I arrived at the theater.

* Face to Face Pickup: While I could have taken a taxi from the hotel to the speech, I had requested that one of their senior leaders might pick me up. So, we had a 15 minute conversation and I was able to fill out a number of key issues and also get a sense that this whole morning was designed to be “fun and community building”.  This had not been articulated in the previous video, but I smiled when I heard that they referred to this meeting as a “Town Hall”, and that music, video clips and other elements would lighten up the morning.  Aha, that led me to do a mental tweak - and put back in a story that would fit the spirit.

* AV Choice: When I got to the theater, there were AV choices to me made.  While I normally opt for a wireless handheld microphone, my options yesterday were for wired podium microphone or a “behind the ear, Madonna like setup”.  I chose the ear piece, tested it out in my voice and made sure that there was not too much slap back sound to me in the theater. And, I opted for a wooden big high stool in the middle of the stage, rather than standing behind the podium.

* Listening and Learning to the Program: There was a great 90 minute segment before the intermission and then my keynote.  During that time, I got a sense of the spirit of the event, the degree to which they were actively using language from Covey’s Habits and Senge’s Learning Organization.  The national anthem was sung vibrantly by four of their teammates and I laughed with the group at the upbeat nature of the content.

* Skipper Was My Choice: Every one of the senior leaders referred to the chief of the unit as “Skipper” and the second in command as “XO” - for Executive Officer. I made a mental and written note to use those terms.

* Bathroom PLEASE: There was only a 10 minute break before my speech and over 600 people were heading to use the restrooms in the theater. I asked for help to find a shorter line - down the hall - and made sure that I could get back in time to be ready to head up on stage 3 minutes before the start time. Whewwww.

* Connecting in 120 Seconds: You only have 2 minutes to make a connection with a large and distributed audience.  I adjusted my comments and got them to do some audience hand raising and laughing in the first 120 seconds. And, I framed up why I felt I was there with a few outcomes for the 45 minutes.

* Get Them Engaged: Several times during the speech, I had them turn to a neighbor and talk about an issue or question.  The first one was in the opening five minutes, when I had them tell a neighbor how they ideally like to learn themselves.  The room buzzed, the energy shifted to the audience and I then got rapid answers from the back and middle of the theater. I looked at Skipper and the XO and asked them for their answers which were: “Through Experience” and “From Peers and Experts”.  This set the tone that my keynote was not a pure download - it also curated some content from the audience and brought the Skipper’s words into the segment as well.

* A Coin at the End: It is always great to feel the audience responses during a keynote and at the end.  One wonderful tradition in the world of military presentations is when the Skipper puts an “Honor Coin”, a medal engraved with their base and name, and shakes your hand - gifting that to you. I have a collection of 50 great coins, including Secretary of Defense, Joint Chief of Staff and CIA Director, but each one feels like an honor.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take our MASIE Center coins, to give in return.  But today, I am sending the Skipper and his team our coins and appreciation for being asked to address their group.

* Design Feedback: I delivered 80% of what I had planned. I dropped one segment, based on comments from one of their leaders before me, that covered the same material.  And, I reorganized the order of the content - based on a sense of the energy and focus of the group.  Got several emails within an hour and a few Tweets from both the audience and leaders, saying thanks for adding stimulation and perspective to their work.  And, today there are several notes with questions and follow-up ideas in my email from new colleagues in Orlando.

The cycle of a keynote takes some time - if you are committed to DESIGN.  I appreciate working with groups that see face to face meetings as special times for broadening the perspectives of their audience - by bringing in outside speakers and authors.  The 45 minutes actually got stretched by me to 47 minutes, but I kept to our joint design and felt honored to be there.  Finally, I learned things. I made a page of notes during and after the morning with ideas that will pop up here in Learning TRENDS and at our Learning 2012 event.

Thanks for listening to the details of how one person approaches keynote addresses.  If you have any questions or comments, send me an email to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

739 - Southwest Airlines Training Honored; Anatomy of a Keynote Design

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 22, 2012.
#739 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,799 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Southwest Airlines Training Honored!
2. The Anatomy of Designing a Keynote Speech.

1. Southwest Airlines Training Honored! We are proud to announce that the Southwest Airlines Training Department will receive a Learning Spotlight Award at Learning 2012, October 21-24, in Orlando, FL.

This award highlights Southwest Airlines’ deep commitment to their Employee training and development programs. Their continuous innovation in learning approaches and their focus on Culture are the main reasons behind their success as a company. During tough times in the airline industry, Southwest maintained their commitment and passion behind training. They did not cut costs in this area but rather continued to invest in their Employees’ development, maintaining that their People are their #1 asset.

“Southwest is honored to be recognized by The MASIE Center for our dedication and passion towards developing our People. We are extremely proud of our Training Department as we redefine how Southwest Employees learn. At Southwest, it’s not just a career; it’s a cause. We will continue to provide innovative learning to inspire our employees to reach their fullest potential. This investment in our People ensures that Southwest’s success will continue for years to come.” – Elizabeth Bryant, Southwest Airlines Training Department, Managing Director

“Southwest is a great example of a corporate commitment to learning and to the evolution of learning. Learning 2012 is pleased to honor the continual innovation of Southwest in the learning, development and performance field.” - Elliott Masie.

Details at http://www.learning2012.com/item/southwest-airlines-honored.html

2. The Anatomy of Designing a Keynote Speech: In a few hours, I will be taking the plane to Orlando to deliver a keynote speech to 600 people at the Naval Air Warfare Center Trainings Systems Division (NAWCTSD). Learning TRENDS readers often ask about the process I use in planning, developing and delivering a major address, so let’s take a closer look at the prep for tomorrow’s speech.

* Learning Targeting & Needs Assessment: Just like developing a class or online module, it all starts with a Needs Assessment and Targeting process. When someone books me to give a keynote, a member of The MASIE Center does a first level assessment focused on the Who, What, When, Where and How questions. In fact, in about 25% of the cases, this first level sort results in a decision to not take the assignment. We are looking to get a clear view of what the group really wants to accomplish and how my content, context and stories would fit into the mix.
* NAWCTSD: In the case of the Navy group that I will be working with tomorrow, it was clear that there is a great fit. They are in the midst of a major change to Learning Organizations and wanted me to address the ways in which changed work processes, learning approaches and culture - along with the right uses of technology - can make a difference.  And, since they are basing some of their process on work that I have done with other organizations (including the VA Administration), I feel like I can help achieve the goals.
* Goals: Talking of goals, many keynotes do not have outcome goals, other than supplying motivation and context. When I design an address, I look for more specific goals, which in this case are linking the “theory” of Learning Organizations with current and emerging practices in both corporate and military settings. They also want me to align the address with key stories and utilize the language of Peter Senge’s models. No problem.
* Logistics: There are many very detailed logistics, including my travel from Albany, when I will be in the program (I usually avoid the tired end and prefer to kick off), and the setting. Once they announced the speech, the attendance grew. The event will take place at a movie location’s IMAX Theater with an overflow crowd in the next room and a feed to distributed sites by Video Conferencing.  Hmmmm.  Design challenges and opportunities. And, the time is 45 minutes.
* Diving Deep: Many speakers take the assignment and run with their outline. But, after 40 years in the field, that would be boring to me. Instead, I love to have a deep dive conversation with the senior leaders. In this case, we scheduled an hour long high quality video conference with their leaders, including their leader Capt. Steve “Snak” Nakagawa! During that video call, we dove deeper on content, looking at current operational changes they are making, listening for their language and actually “negotiating” the themes of my presentation. This conversation yielded about 4 pages of notes and I am delivering a 130 degree different address based on our dialogues. Plus, it builds a shared trust in how the session will go and what their needs are (and the needs of the audience).
* Design and Presentation: I am not going to be using a PowerPoint slide stack in this IMAX Theater. Instead, I put together a one-slide graphic with an infographic, key picture and some note taking space for the participants. This slide will be on throughout the 45 minutes and each person will have the one pager for notes and a short interaction with seat-mates. During the design process, “Less is More” governs my choice of content and stories. I figure I can present about 8 elements - each about 5 minutes long - in a storytelling and dialogue process. And, as I made up my infographic, I dropped one of the items. Less is more.
* Storytelling as the Arc: The core of my design process leads to a story - content, context and field experience-rich, but a story that is made to provoke and extend their learning goals. It needs Beginnings, Middles and Ends.  And, I actually build the story “arc” in my brain and on a small index card.
* Gestation: I use a gestation period - between my design and delivery - and that results in another 10 to 30 percent change.
* On-Site Reality Check: I have a pretty good sense of who the audience is and their levels, but it is key for me, once I get to the theater tomorrow morning at 8:30, to do my own validation.  I’ll have coffee beforehand and make sure that I have an accurate “read” on the audience.
* Last Minute Logistics: Yes, things do change with logistics. I was planning on bringing my USB stick with my one slide, but due to security requirements, their laptops do not allow for USB access. Instead, I am sending a version by email and bringing an extra CD to use if I have to cut an updated version in the next few hours.
* Nervous? Not at all. In fact, designing and delivering a keynote speech is really exciting. It makes me a learner and I always come away with new context, stories and people to get to know. The only time I get nervous is when the group that has hired me for a keynote says, “Don’t worry. Just give one of your great speeches. We don’t care a lot about the content. Just make them laugh and be motivated.” That gets me nervous and, to be honest, annoyed.
* Excitement? Yes! I am honored to be working with this important group. We have both put in the time to make it an effective design and therefore more likely to be an effective learning experience.

Learning DESIGN is everything - from classes to social/collaborative connection and yes, also keynote speeches.
I will write part two of this tomorrow afternoon, after the speech, to share the second half of the process and delivery impressions.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

738 - Agile Classroom Spaces; Day by Day Countdown Blog

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 20, 2012.
#738 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,792 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Agile Classroom & Agile Learning.
2. Day to Day Countdown Blog - Design Visibility.

1. Agile Classroom & Agile Learning: Last week, 42 corporate learning directors from our CONSORTIUM gathered together in Saratoga Springs for a very intensive one day think-tank on the “Future of the Classroom”. We spent 8 hours exploring the ways in which our classrooms could and might change to meet changing learning needs and opportunities. The group came up with a few key points:

* Focus: Create an Agile Classroom for Agile Learning - A space and design mode that allows for rapidly adjusting content, collaboration and learning models as needs evolve.
* Agile Classroom Layout: Fully adjustable (by trainers or learners) furniture and seating for everything from 1 alone, 1 on 1, 1 with 6 and full group collaboration setups.
* Agile Technology: The classroom, with multiple flexible video connections, can be any of these key tech formats:
 - Learning LAB.
 - Learning Studio (with sage on the sides or fronts).
 - Learning Workout Space.
 - Multi-Platform Connectivity with Video Conferencing and Webinar Content.
 - Learning Mentoring and Coaching Environment.
* Agile Teaching and Training Skills.
* Agile Content Design Models.
* Agile Content Capture and Reuse Mix - With On-Demand and Live Blends.
* Agile Learning Personalization Capacity.

At Learning 2012, we will be building and adjusting a series of Agile Learning spaces to demonstrate and investigate the evolving classroom formats.

2. Day to Day Countdown Blog - Design Visibility: Why have a daily blog for two months leading up to an event? Most conferences are designed over the course of a few weeks that take place months before the event in order to get a slick and glossy catalog in the mail or snappy site on the web.

Learning 2012 has a very different DESIGN MODEL. Every day, our design team is “CURATING” new ideas, activities, suggestions and alternatives to make Learning 2012 an exciting and unique learning activity for our thousands of participants. DESIGN is a daily and also a “Countdown” process. In the 9 weeks ahead, we will make dozens of DESIGN additions, changes and alterations. We wanted to share our step by step excitement and activities with you.

This Countdown blog will contain our challenges and key decisions, ranging from session slants to Real-Time Content dimensions to formats for engaging participants before the event.

We will share our logistics decisions, like should we buy a bag for each participant with our logo on the side if most people are not collecting more paper and handouts? What would be a cooler alternative?  Should we have highly adversarial panels and almost knockout debates? And, what does the Introvert want at a highly collaborative learning event?

And, some things will FAIL. Learning 2012 is designed to be an active LAB and some ideas just won’t come to completion or will fail in the building process. As learning colleagues, we will share those with you as well. Have fun with our Day by Day Countdown Blog at http://www.learning2012.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

737 - The Fading "e'" in e-Learning; Good Morning America and Midtown Men

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 15, 2012.
#737 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,788 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Watch The Midtown Men on Good Morning America on Thursday!
2. The “e” in e-Learning, Vanishing?

1. Watch The Midtown Men on Good Morning America on Thursday! Exciting news. Thursday morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, our friends from the original Jersey Boys cast, The Midtown Men, will be performing.  And, The Midtown Men will be entertaining at our Learning 2012 party. Check them out at http://www.learning2012.com/item/midtown-men-good-morning-america.html

2. The “e” in e-Learning, Vanishing? One of my habits it to look for shifts in the language of learning. What terms are organizations using more, using differently or even dropping? 

Lately, The MASIE Center has noticed a marked DECREASE in the use of “e” in e-Learning. Here are some indicators that we are tracking:

* Fewer “e”-Learning positions in organizations. As we analyze several databases of learning professionals in the United States, we are seeing more than a 20% decrease in the number of titles that have e-Learning included.  e-Learning Developers are now more likely to be called Learning Developers or Designers. Even in the world of external consultants or designers, there are fewer pure e-Learning job roles.
* Fewer organizations are labeling their digital learning programs or modules as e-Learning. We see a slight increase in the use of “online”, a decrease in the use of “virtual” and many are just labeling them as Learning or Training programs, with reference to the delivery being via webinar, distributed or on their learning portal.
* Webinars are growing but not referenced as e-Learning. In fact, almost all of the more engaged, social or collaborative learning formats have drifted away from using the term e-Learning as their primary category.
* Video Segments, ala Knowledge You-Tube elements, are growing in popularity and are rarely called e-Learning.
* “User Supplied Content” is rarely called e-Learning, though it is more often than not in digital format.
* Mixed and Blended Learning is also using the phrase e-Leaning less frequently.
* Mobile and Device friendly learning programs are more likely to refer to the mobility platform rather than e-Learning.
* In many organizations, e-Learning has become associated with compliance-based, required “check-off” programs. Some learners may like the time flexibility for the online program but many do not associate e-Learning with performance outcomes.

Interestingly, terms like e-commerce and e-business have morphed as the e is dropped. When I order a book on Amazon, I don’t talk about it as an e-commerce experience. I just order it.

Let’s assume that all learning - as we go forward - will use a MIX of on-demand and live content, context and collaboration. Some will be highly designed and some will be real-time. Some will be digitally connected and some will be face-to-face. At Learning 2012, we will be chatting about the changing language of learning. From career paths to college programs to labeling our learning offerings, it is time to shift the use of the “e” as electronic and instead understand the embedded “e” in Learning to mean:

* Everywhere.
* Everyone.
* Evolving.
* Effective.
* Efficient.
* Every time.
* Embedded.
* Engaging.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

736 - Social Learning Infographic, Josh Bersin at Learning 2012, At-Home Workers

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 9, 2012.
#736 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,788 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Social & Collaborative Learning Designs Infographic.
2. Josh Bersin at Learning 2012 - Cooperating Organization.
3. At-Home Workers & Learning: Are They Different?

1. Social & Collaborative Learning Designs Infographic: The conversation about “Social Learning” is way too fuzzy. Many groups think that Social Learning is about leveraging external Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook) or pointing people to a SharePoint site. We need a richer, broader and more in-depth conversation about this emerging arena.

The MASIE Center has produced a Social & Collaborative Learning Designs infographic, highlighting multiple avenues and pathways organizations are pursuing to reach the goal of “Working Together”.

View and download our Social & Collaborative Learning Design at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/socialcollaborative-learning.html

2. Josh Bersin at Learning 2012 - Cooperating Organization: We are pleased to bring together a rich and diverse set of Thought Leaders at Learning 2012. It has been years since we have worked together and I am looking forward to Josh Bersin joining me in Orlando to discuss key trends and futures in Learning and Talent. 

“This is a very exciting time in the corporate learning industry and I look forward to sharing and collaborating with Elliott Masie at Learning 2012”, said Josh Bersin, who will present a research perspective and join me in a General Session dialogue on key factors our field faces.

Bersin & Associates will be a Cooperating Organization at Learning 2012, along with ASTD, ISPI, MPI and other key groups in our industry. Info at http://www.learning2012.com/item/josh-bersin-elliott-masie-dialgoue.html

3. At-Home Workers and Learning: Are They Different? More or Less Learning Activities? Here is a quick question for Learning TRENDS readers:

In your organization, are “at-home” based workers participating in learning and training differently than “at-office” workers? Do they do more or less eLearning, webinars or classroom? And, do they “need” classroom events more, as it provides face-to-face time? 

Send me a quick note to emasie@masie.com  I’ll print a summary next week.

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

735 - My Dad and Jesse Owens - Olympics; Richard Culatta Keynotes

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 3, 2012.
#735 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,779 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Today in 1936: My Father at Berlin Olympics.
2. Richard Culatta, US Dept. of Education, Keynote on Innovation.
3. Kickstarter - Crowdsourced Investment in Emerging Tech.

1. Today in 1936: My Father at Berlin Olympics. In 1936, my father, Hans Harry Masie, was required to attend the Olympics in Berlin, Germany. As a Jewish professional, my dad had been forced to work as a contractor to the Hitler government, doing the same job (food preservation technology) that he had in the former government, the Weimar Republic. After Hitler took office, his passport was confiscated and he was part of a small group of Jewish professionals asked to continue to work.

One day he got a note that he was required to attend and cheer for Germany at the Summer Olympics. It was August 3, 1936, 76 years ago today. The mandated Jews were put into a section to be filmed waving and cheering for German teams as they won.

Except, on that day, Germany had a surprise. Nazi propaganda promoted concepts of “Aryan racial superiority” and depicted ethnic Africans as inferior. My father watched an American black athlete, James Cleveland Owens, win the Gold Medal in the 100m sprint. My father told me about his excitement at witnessing this historic moment when I was a youngster and the Olympics were on television.

So, on August 3, 2012, as I watch the London Olympics feed, I think about my 33-year-old father in the stands of the Berlin Olympics, watching 23 year old Jesse Owens change history. Details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Owens

2. Richard Culatta - US Dept. of Education, Keynote on Innovation: We are pleased to announce another keynoter, Richard Culatta, for Learning 2012 (Oct 21st to 24th). As Deputy Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the US Department of Education, his work focuses on leveraging open data to create personalized learning experiences for all students and promoting increased connectivity to improve access to education. In addition, Richard and Elliott will explore “Learning Shifts: Cool or Hype”. Read details at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/richard-cu.html

3. Kickstarter - Crowdsourced Investment in Emerging Tech: Last night, I made a $500 investment in an emerging technology for virtual headset environments. I did it via Kickstarter, where “crowdsourcing” allows small, private investments, either for early products or to just support a great emerging idea. Here are 2 Kickstarter investments I have made recently:

* Oculus Rift - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1523379957/oculus-rift-step-into-the-game
* 3D Printer - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/b9creations/b9creator-a-high-resolution-3d-printer

My investments will bring early/beta editions of these two technologies and support for agile invention.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

734 - Social, Not Stupid!; A Mobile GPS for Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 2, 2012.
#734 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,774 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Social, Not Stupid!
2. A Mobile “GPS” for Learning.
3. Reminder - “Learning Marketplace Shifts” Conference Call.

1. Social, Not Stupid! My theme this week is “Social, Not Stupid!” Several of my colleagues/friends, in their love of instant and widely published bursts of Tweets, Facebook and More - have done some “Stupid” things that they almost instantly have regretted.

It is so simple to grab that smart phone or tablet and type 140 characters of instant emotion, thought or “aha”. It is so simple to post it to a Twitter account that might resonate with hundreds, thousands or even more readers.

Recently, an actress from a Broadway show saw a preview of a new play. She didn’t like it (totally natural). And, she tweeted her instant reaction (hmmm). It became an instant and viral storm about her “process” rather than her comment. Eventually, she had to issue a press release regretting the timing and format of her comments.

A friend posted a note on Facebook about his reaction to a restaurant he frequented and the chef called him up to ask why he didn’t tell him directly to his face, rather than publish it for the world to read.

And, even this author has been known to write a blog - without checking for typos - only to regret publishing a typo across the web.

As our mobile devices and social networks allow for instant and gut-level publishing, take a second to ask if you are being Social or Stupid? Take an extra moment to see if Twitter or a blog is the best way to provide feedback or if a personal, face-to-face conversation might be more appropriate. Remember, you can’t erase social “stuff”. Perhaps it is time to have a conversation on “Social, Not Stupid” at your organization. Just because we CAN publish something in an instant from our phone, is it really always the best way to communicate and collaborate?

2. A Mobile “GPS” for Learning: We are very excited to be creating a Mobile “GPS” for Learning at our annual event. Our “GPS”, which will work on any mobile device or from any browser, will provide Real-Time content and context for all of the sessions, attendees, sponsors and resources. As we add 15% of our sessions in Real-Time, our “GPS” will provide updates on just-formulated discussions, dialogues or coffee-table-top benchmarking. See a glance at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/mobile-guide.html

3. Reminder - “Learning Marketplace Shifts” Conference Call:

The Learning Marketplace is shifting as organizations are changing the type and style of learning content, systems and services. We have organized a no-charge, 45 minute briefing on Learning Marketplace Shifts for our colleagues who are learning vendors, suppliers or consultants:

The Changing Learning Marketplace: Shifts, Hype and Expectations!
Hosted: Elliott Masie - The Learning CONSORTIUM.
Thursday, August 16, 2012, 11 am (EDT) - 1 hour - No Charge.
To Register for this call, go to: www.masie.com/MarketplaceCall

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

733 - Bildungsurlaub, Real Time Content, Marketplace Shifts

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 26, 2012.
#733 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,769 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Bildungsurlaub: Learning & Training Leaves.
2. 15% Real Time Content: Scaled to Thousands?
3. Learning Marketplace Shifts Conference Call.

1. Bildungsurlaub - Learning & Training Leaves: That is a German word that is hard to pronounce and perhaps even harder to imagine in our organizations.  My colleague and friend, Dan Pink, highlighted Bildungsurlaub, a provocative learning approach, in his recent blog:

“German law entitles workers to six weeks of paid vacation. But according to a recent story in the Wall Street Journal, it also provides for — I just love saying it — a bildungsurlaub, five paid days off per year to participate in an approved training course.  Workers could take a Chinese course in Beijing or enroll in a computer course in a seaside town. Training doesn’t have to be directly connected to their job, as long as it is approved by the state.”

Take a few minutes to check out Dan Pink’s blog and the Wall Street Journal article that frames the corporate and policy perspectives on bildungsurlaub! http://www.danpink.com/archives/2012/07/word-of-the-day-bildungsurlaub

2. 15% Real Time Content: Scaled to Thousands? So, what happens when you attend a conference, with hundreds of sessions —- but the key topics that you need to discuss are not on the agenda? It happens to all of us and even to the events that folks like me produce. This year, we have reframed the program for Learning 2012 to include a design for at least 15% REAL TIME CONTENT. In other words, 15% of the sessions, workshops and activities will remain OPEN until you arrive in Orlando on October 21st.  These sessions will be organized, formatted, curated and facilitated by participants in REAL TIME at the event.

Some may extend the comments of a workshop or keynote speaker - to drill down farther.  Some will provide more detail or more framework in the programmed sessions. Others will take us in a new and different direction or will allow for a very REAL TIME discussion or argument about a key topic. And, some might even be fairly cutting edge (robotics in the classroom) or quite fundamental (Malcolm Knolwes in 2012).  And, some will be great - with a few note succeeding at all. 

This is not so hard to imagine at an event with 200 people.  But, when we have thousands of participants, how do we scale and curate REAL TIME CONTENT?  I am excited to see our teams create and experiment with new ways of approaching REAL TIME - shifting 15% of the design from a planned to a more collaborative and at the moment design.  Check out some of our perspectives at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/15-real-time-content.html

3. Learning Marketplace Shifts Conference Call: The Learning Marketplace is shifting - as organizations are changing the type and style of learning content, systems and services. We have organized a no-charge, 45 minute briefing on Learning Marketplace Shifts for our colleagues who are learning vendors, suppliers or consultants:

The Changing Learning Marketplace: Shifts, Hype and Expectations!
Hosted: Elliott Masie - The Learning CONSORTIUM.
Thursday, August 16, 2012, 11 am (EDT) - 1 hour - No Charge.
To Register for this call, go to: www.masie.com/MarketplaceCall

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

732 - Introverts at the Workplace: Susan Cain

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 23, 2012.
#732 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,765 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

Special: Introverts at Work - Presentation by Susan Cain.

In the age of Social Media, Social Learning and Social Everything, what happens to your workers who are “Introverts”? 

Yes, a significant percentage of your workforce is mildly or deeply introverted. How do they respond, react and adapt as we add the word “Social” to everything on corporate futures?

I have invited Susan Cain, the author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”, as a Featured Keynoter at Learning 2012 (Oct 21st to 24th in Orlando).

Susan Cain says introverts often make better leaders, and have more creative ideas, than extroverts; yet, our culture still holds a decided bias toward the “extrovert ideal”. That may soon change.

Susan Cain is a former corporate lawyer and negotiations consultant - and a self-described introvert. At least one-third of the people we know are introverts, notes Cain in her new book Quiet. Although our culture undervalues them dramatically, introverts have made some of the great contributions to society – from Chopin’s nocturnes to the invention of the personal computer to Gandhi’s transformative leadership. Cain argues that we design our schools, workplaces, and religious institutions for extroverts, and that this bias creates a waste of talent, energy, and happiness. Based on intensive research in psychology and neurobiology and on prolific interviews, she also explains why introverts are capable of great love and great achievement, not in spite of their temperaments - but because of them.

I will conduct an interactive interview with Susan Cain on her work, the implications for maximizing and engaging the Introverts appropriately in the workplace and some of the traps that “Social Hype” can have with this population. Here is a description of Susan’s work along with a television interview with her: http://www.learning2012.com/cain

In addition to her presentation and interview, she will conduct a Question and Answer drill down session. And, a number of discussion groups on Introverts will be organized as part of our “Real Time Content” at Learning 2012. Details and advanced registration discounts at http://www.learning2012.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

731 - Research Internships, Video Marathoning, Collaborator Runs

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 19, 2012.
#731 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,754 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com

1. Research Internships and Learning Leaders Wanted!
2. Marathons of Video and Learning?
3. See Collaborator Run!

1. Research Internships and Learning Leaders Wanted: We are very excited about the new programs and efforts of The MASIE Center and are actively looking for a few Research Interns and several Learning Leaders to join our team. As we open up our Asia Learning Project, expand our Learning LAB here in Saratoga Springs and grow the “Real-Time Content” segments for Learning 2012, we would love to add some great talent to our team in a variety of roles:

* Research Internships: If you are a Masters or PhD level candidate in the Learning, Education, Technology or HR areas, consider a Research Internship based here in Saratoga Springs. You can work on a learning related research project with Elliott Masie and our Learning CONSORTIUM, or engage in one of our ongoing research projects. In the past, we have hosted Research Interns from Korea, Brazil and other parts of the world, as well as from the United States. This program could begin in the next few weeks or months and extend for several months. An honorarium is available to assist with living expenses. Please send an email with your background and interests to emasie@masie.com

* Learning Leaders: We are looking for one or more learning leaders who can play a key role in helping to design the “Real-Time Content” dimensions of our Learning 2012 event. This year, 15 percent of the content and sessions will be “curated” and designed at Learning 2012 by participants in real time. We are looking for learning leaders with a strong set of facilitation skills and a desire to stretch the boundaries of “Open” Learning to help us in finalizing the plans for our Real-Time Content and to play a co-leadership role in Orlando. It can be a part time assignment or a project role for several months.  Please send an email with your background and interests to emasie@masie.com

2. Marathons of Video and Learning? I recently watched almost 20 hours of a television series “Pasta” in just a few days. There is a trend toward “Marathoning”: compressing video consumption of a series into a small amount of time. While it seems strange, it was a wonderful and deeply engaging way to enjoy this series - way more than stretching it out over a year. Marathoning is picking up in a range of video shows as a result of the growth of both on-demand TV from cable networks and the use of Netflix to the screen. I wonder how Marathoning might impact eLearning or online programs. I can imagine a graduate student taking a semester-long online course in a deeply intensive one-week vacation. Or, a certification program being scrunched with Marathoning. Hmmm. I would love to hear your thoughts or reactions.  Send me a note to emasie@masie.com

3. See Collaborator Run! As you may know, we have a very cool new horse named “Collaborator”. He is now in Saratoga Springs, preparing to run in the horse racing season that starts in a few days. Here is a 2 minute video of Collaborator as he does his morning exercise with his trainer Michelle Nihei at 7 am. I’ll let you know the day he runs! Watch at: http://bcove.me/quvjc1rm 

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

730 - Stephen Covey Dies at Age 79

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 16, 2012.
#730 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,745 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.

Sadly, we report that Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and a leader in the world of learning and development, died today at the age of 79.

I had the privilege of working with Stephen a number of times in his distinguished career.  He brought a sense of focus, clarity and passion to his writing, his speaking and his advocacy of skills and development.

In 2001, a few days after 9/11, I did a podcast with Stephen about his reactions to the events and how it might impact managers in business: http://www.masie.com/perspectives

Stephen, you contributed so much to people and the field of learning and development. Your work taught so many people how to focus their priorities and life.  And your son Stephen M.R. Covey extends your work with breakthrough efforts on “Trust”. Stephen Covey, you will be missed!

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

729 - Open Learning Futures? Opening Up Choices; Save on Early Registration

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 12, 2012.
#729 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,744 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Learning 2012 - Early Registration Discounts Until 7/15/12!

1. Open Learning Futures in Your Workplace.
2. Early Registration Next 4 Days!

1. Open Learning Futures in Your Workplace: The word “Open” is popping up in the world of learning with great frequency.  Open refers to “free” classes, widely available segments, community developed tools and more.

The MASIE Center is actively tracking and experimenting with multiple sides of “Open” Learning. Here are a few ways we will explore several sides of how “Open” Learning impacts our field:

* Open Courses: Massive course offerings, usually free, from institutions such as MIT, Stamford and most recently Google.  Learners can sign up, engage in lessons, take optional assessments and collaborate with others around the world.
* Open Learning Segments: Pioneered by Kahn Academy, these are short, free, 3 to 12 minute learning “objects”, which can be used by learners as nano-segments or integrated into a class.
* Open Content Models: Learners are encouraged and expected to use a wide set of open tools, content and expertise resources to master the content and context of a course. The designer is not specifying content - but pointing the learner to open learning assets.
* Open Social Collaboration: Learners access and collaborate with fellow learners or field experts using Open Social Networks.  For example, a learner in an HR Competency class might work with colleagues from LinkedIn or Facebook on a key example.
* Open Learning Personalization: Designers move away from tight “Scope and Sequence” layouts for courses and instead build an Open Design Architecture, encouraging learners to master specific competencies, using a personally selected set of resources and assets.
* Open Learning Marketplace: Open Source tools are expanding their role in our field - from Joomla, the Content System of this website, to Moodle as a “free” LMS site, to tools, apps and open marketplaces.

Some look at “Open” as either a fad or as being just about free assets.  We see “Open” as a shift in the field - expanding from Instructional Design to a connected world where Learning Designers have way more agility and learners are able to drive the learning with more personalization.

At Learning 2012, Elliott Masie will lead a set of discussions, LABS and activities aimed at exploring OPEN assets, approaches and marketplaces for workplace learning.  We are inviting experimenters, implementers and international examples of how “Open” can open up our learning options - and avoid the “Hype” factor in the process.

2. Early Registration Next 4 Days! Save hundreds of dollars and make your Learning 2012 Early Registration before July 16th.  Join thousands of global learning colleagues and keynoters including General Colin Powell (Ret), Author Susan Cain (Introverts) and The Midtown Men (4 Original Jersey Boys) at our annual gathering of the learning field.  October 21 to 24th at Walt Disney World in Orlando.  Register now and request billing at http://www.learning2012.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Video for Learning LAB - July in Saratoga Springs.
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

728 - Infographics and Learning; Father of Learning Organization Passes

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 3, 2012.
#728 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
55,739 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.
Host: Video for Learning LAB & Studio - July in Saratoga Springs, NY.

1. Father of the “Learning Organization” Concept Dies.
2. Infographics and Learning.
3. Save with Early Registration Discount for Learning 2012.

1. Father of the “Learning Organization” Concept Dies: A psychologist who was deeply influential in the field of workplace learning and organizational culture, Dr. Harry Levinson, died at age 90 this Tuesday.

While his name is not familiar to many in the learning field, his work introduced the concept of the “Learning Organization” and the leader as “teacher”, which has been quite influential in corporate settings. I remember reading his book “The Exceptional Executive” while in organizational psychology in college - and saw the threads of what would become systemic approaches to employee development and training. I met him briefly in the 1980s, at a conference on the psychological contract between employees and employers, and was impressed by his advocacy of leadership characters that would instill trust at the workplace way before the word trust became a hot topic.

“My philosophy of life is reflected in my behavior… and includes a number of significant elements: deep concern about my family; support of humanitarian causes; appreciation of the value of continuous learning; helping other people grow and develop; and believing in fair play and integrity, which is what a teacher is all about, and which is where I started.”
—Harry Levinson

His obituary can be read at: http://tinyurl.com/7djusn6

2. Infographics and Learning: We are exploring the power and potential of using Infographics as a key in the learning development process.  Think of an Infographic as a visual “shorthand” that moves from text/bullets to using information graphics in an age of increasingly shortened attention spans.

The MASIE Center is building an action lab at Learning 2012, to provide real time experiences in creating Infographics that can be part of a learning program or performance support activity.  We are working on simpler design approaches that would create meaningful expression of:

* Numerical Data or Scorecards.
* Research Findings.
* Business Process Steps.
* Content/Context Mapping.
* Visualization of Social/Collaborative Contributions.
* Learning at the Moment of Need (OJT) Charts.

To see a fun blog on Infographics go to: http://www.coolinfographics.com/  In the coming months, we will be building a Learning Infographics gallery with a wide range of sample Infographics leveraged in learning projects. And, at Learning 2012, we will have both a keynote demonstration and action lab to support leveraging Infographics as key elements in a design.

3. Save with Early Registration Discount for Learning 2012: Save hundreds of dollars on Learning 2012 Early Registration by July 15th. You can place your registration now and request billing for Learning 2012 by going to http://www.learning2012.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:
* Learning Directions - New York City (July 10th)
* Video for Learning LAB - July in Saratoga Springs.
* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.
* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM
Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie