585 - On-The-Job Training, 10 Ways Sessions & Disruptive Learning Technologies

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 23, 2009.
#585 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,769 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host - Learning 2009 - Nov 8-11 - Orlando, Florida

1. On-the-Job Training - A Second Look.
2. “Disruptive Learning Technologies” by Tony O’Driscoll at Learning 2009.
3. 10 Ways Sessions - 5 Minutes on 10 Strategies!

1. On-the-Job Training - A Second Look: I was interviewed this week by a journalist from London who asked what my current “Rant” was about Learning. My answer surprised me: “On-The-Job Training!” The phrase OJT was used extensively for decades but has sort of fallen off the learning and training radar screen. Yet, when you ask a dozen workers in almost any organization about how they learned their job - most will point to On-The-Job Training. If we define OJT in the broadest sense, it might include all of e-Learning and Performer Support technology. But, zoom in a bit and think of the process of one worker teaching another worker how to do a task in the workplace, and we still have a huge chunk of learning activity. Ironically, most organizations don’t deeply focus on how to make On-The-Job Training (or Learning) more effective. I believe that the learning field needs to “re-appreciate” the importance of OJT in several ways:

* Training Managers: Let’s train our managers in how to best leverage OJT - from techniques to time allocation.
* Job Descriptions: Let’s put OJT into the Job Descriptions of many of our workers - so that they see time spent on training peers as a legitimate and appreciated part of their roles.
* Blended OJT: Let’s explore how to best combine e-Learning with OJT.
* OJT Lesson Plans and Support Tools: Let’s develop highly specific “road-maps” of content and context to use in OJT.
* OJT 2.0: It will be fun to develop a new and future-facing view of OJT that includes Social Learning, Performer Support and more.
* Researching Best Practices in OJT: It is time for the learning field to take a fresh look at best practices and evidence-based research on the use of OJT.

I would love to hear from Learning TRENDS readers about the topic of OJT. Send a note to emasie@masie.com

2. “Disruptive Learning Technologies” by Tony O’Driscoll at Learning 2009: One of our most popular keynoters from last year’s Learning conference was Tony O’Driscoll. Tony is on the faculty at Duke University and is a great thinker on the “Disruptive” (eg. Good and Bad) nature of technologies for learning. He has been exploring the impact of 3D, Virtual and other Social Media. We are pleased to announce that Tony will be featured in creative “blended/virtual” keynote segment at Learning 2009. Tony and I will explore the reality, hype and organizational implications for a range of Disruptive Learning Technologies. Registration at http://www.learning2009.com

3. 10 Ways Sessions - 5 Minutes on 10 Strategies! We have been experimenting with a format for high intensity and high utility agendas for face-to-face training: 10 Ways Sessions! These are scheduled for one hour (or at most 90 minutes) and are all targeted at workable “ways”. For example, a one hour session for managers in your organization could be organized called “10 Ways to Engage Teleworkers”. The facilitator reaches out to find 2, 5 or even 10 different folks that will each lead a rapid-fire 5 minute segment on a “way”. It is timed, moves along and often asks the participants to add the last 1 or two “ways”. I have been using this technique on webinars and video conference events as well. In fact, at Learning 2009, we are presenting a range of “10 Ways” sessions including:

* Ten Ways to Increase Learning Efficiency
* Ten Ways to Market Learning
* Ten Ways to Make Learning More Global “Ready”
* Ten Ways to Revise and Reframe Leadership Development
* Ten Ways to Improve Search Skills/Results
* Ten Ways to Increase Content ReUse

A few tips to facilitators and designers: Add a visible count-down timer, sequence the “ways” carefully, focus on action steps (less on theory) and have a shared set of follow-on resources, links and assets.

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
* Membership in our Learning CONSORTIUM (Over 240 Fortune 1000 Organizations)
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

584 - How-To Videos Abound, Tablet Factors, Learning Agility

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 15, 2009.
#584 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,766 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host - Learning 2009 - Nov 8-11 - Orlando, Florida

1. How-To Videos Abound!
2. Tablet Form Factors & Learning?
3. Learning Agility, Value Pricing & No Risk.

1. How-To Videos Abound! There is a significant growth happening in the use of short instructional videos. Imagine a 3-minute video that describes how to get the travel voucher approved or how to clean your BBQ grill. We are tracking the interest in and deployment of these “How-To” learning objects, in and outside of the Enterprise. You can visit a number of websites that are aggregating (and sometimes producing) short instructional videos:

http://www.howcast.com (high volume site)
http://www.wonderhowto.com (growing site)
http://www.clipchef.com (cooking example)

Some of these, like HowCast, are produced with an attitude and “edge”, and a standard instructional format. Others are more free form. Either way, the usage of and participation in these sites is growing rapidly. People want to get short bursts of high-value instruction on a wide range of topics.

In the organizational world, I am seeing similar projects. One learning colleague added a site called “WorkAround” to his intranet to show people how to get around rule jams in his organization. Another colleague has added a user-rated “How-To” site to their mix of learning resources.

These videos are being produced without a lot of “Hollywood” and are valuable because they are “grassroots”. Do an experiment in your organization and you will be shocked. Try this sample out - “How To Shop For a Digital Camera”:

http://www.howcast.com/videos/207867-How-To-Buy-a-Digital-Camera

2. Tablet Form Factors & Learning? A short TREND Prediction: Watch the rise of tablet and netbook size form factors for computers that will be used by your learners. Tablets with touch may be released by Apple later this year - also prompting Tablet-like Apps. Start a conversation with your designers about how they may adapt to the smaller screen size and begin to leverage the functions of netbooks and tablets.

3. Learning Agility, Value Pricing & No Risk: Learning 2009 is growing with great excitement. We have over 400 people already registered for our annual event (Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando). Here are a few updates:

* Learning Agility - We have added a special Theme on Learning Agility: Organizational Learning Agility, Learner Agility and Learning Technology Agility. We will present research and applications on this key topic.
* Value Pricing: With constrained and reduced learning budgets in many organizations, we have reduced all of the fees for Learning 2009 to be less than our 2008 Rates.
* No Risk! In addition, since anything can happen in UnCertain Times, we have eliminated all Cancellation Charges.
* Free Learning 2009 Online Academy - This is new follow-up online course, for Learning 2009 attendees only, taught by our Faculty from November to March!

The Learning 2009 site is now updated and live. Check out the range of activities, including a very low-cost post-conference Cruise. Go to http://www.learning2009.com

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
* Membership in our Learning CONSORTIUM (Over 240 Fortune 1000 Organizations)
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

583 - Learning Budgets, White House Input, Miss Matzo Arrives, Learning Challenges

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 1, 2009.
#583 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,756 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host - Learning 2009 - Nov 8-11 - Orlando, Florida

1. Learning Budgets & Resources Barometer: Please Participate!
2. White House Request: Open Government Ideas
3. Bring Your Challenge to Learning 2009
4. Miss Matzo: New Horse in Training
5. Learning Leaders Fieldbook: Download and Share.

1. Learning Budgets & Resources Barometer - Please Participate! Every three months, The MASIE Center is surveying learning professionals around the world about shifts in their Learning Budgets and Learning Resources. We will publish the results in one week. Would you please take 5 minutes to respond to this important anonymous survey?

http://www.masie.com/survey/barometer2

2. White House Request - Open Government Ideas: As part of an experiment in citizen engagement, The White House is asking for input via a “rated wiki” on an Open Government Initiative. President Obama issued a Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government in which he called for recommendations on making the government more transparent, participatory and collaborative. The White House Open Government Initiative is crafting these recommendations in an open fashion with your input. They are asking for draft recommendations that translate good ideas and lofty principles into specific actions that can be taken to achieve open government.

If you would like to participate in or just view the nature of this experiment in “collaborative policy drafting”, go to http://mixedink.com/OpenGov

3. Bring Your Challenge to Learning 2009: We are adding an interesting new activity to our Learning 2009 event in November:

“Bring Your Learning Challenge to Learning 2009”

If your organization would like to get ideas, feedback and perspectives on a major learning challenge that you are facing, we will schedule a one-hour session - with select peers - to provide high-impact input. If you have a challenge that you would like to add to our agenda, please contact Brooke at brooke@masie.com

4. Miss Matzo: New Horse in Training: As many of your know, we own MASIE Stable, which races a few thoroughbred horses. It is fascinating to watch their development and see the parallels to our world of training and learning. We just acquired a new horse and named her Miss Matzo. She is a two-year-old and will race in Saratoga in just a few weeks. I took my video camera to the track one of the first mornings that she worked out. If you would like to watch a view of her as she exercises and then visits a horse spa, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYqq2i7IaDI

5. Learning Leaders Fieldbook: Download and Share! We have had tens of thousands of colleagues download and share our latest free e-Book, the Learning Leaders Fieldbook. To get your copy, just go to http://www.masie.com/fieldbook

Have a safe and healthy July 4th Weekend!

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
* Membership in our Learning CONSORTIUM (Over 240 Fortune 1000 Organizations)
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

Learning Leaders Fieldbook - Download the e-Book

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

RE: Learning Leaders Fieldbook - Download Free e-Book

The MASIE Center is pleased to announce our latest free e-Book, created by Learning CONSORTIUM colleagues:

Learning Leaders Fieldbook
Download at: http://www.masie.com/fieldbook

Edited by CONSORTIUM Colleague Bill Byron Concevitch and coordinated by Brooke Thomas-Record, the Learning Leaders Fieldbook is a practical, open-source resource. Chapters (and PodCasts) were contributed by:

Joy Hunter, Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Holly Huntley, CSC
Jonathan Kayes, CIA University
Tom Kelly
Martha Soehren, Comcast
Donnee Ramelli

Also included is a series of PodCasts about how these contributors became Learning Leaders and the day-to-day realities of their unique roles.

We hope that you will read the stories from your Learning Leader colleagues, listen to their PodCasts and share this resource with other learning professionals.

Once again, download this book and PodCasts at http://www.masie.com/fieldbook

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
* Membership in our Learning CONSORTIUM (Over 240 Fortune 1000 Organizations)
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

582 - Jack Welch Invests in Welch Online MBA; Goodbye Kodachrome; Iran Distance Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - June 24, 2009.
#582 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,754 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host - Learning 2009 - Nov 8-11 - Orlando, Florida

1. Jack Welch Invests in Welch Online MBA Program.
2. Goodbye Kodachrome!
3. Iran’s Global Distance Learning Offering.
4. The Morning in Brazil - Uncertainty & Learning.
5. Learning 2009 Update.

1. Jack Welch Invests in Welch Online MBA Program: “Former General Electric Co. Chief Executive Jack Welch is putting his name and money behind a little-known educational entrepreneur, injecting some star power into the budding industry of online education. Mr. Welch is paying more than $2 million for a 12% stake in Chancellor University System LLC, which is converting formerly bankrupt Myers University in Cleveland into Chancellor University. It plans to offer most courses online. Chancellor will name its Master of Business Administration program The Jack Welch Institute.” From the Wall Street Journal. Details at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124562232014535347.html

2. Goodbye Kodachrome! Paul Simon sang this about Kodachrome, the color film from Kodak:

“They give us those nice bright colors. They give us the greens of summers. Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day…So Mama don’t take my Kodachrome away.”

Ah, but with the rise of digital cameras, at the end of this year, Kodak is retiring the Kodachrome line. And, I do think back to all “the cr*p I learned in High School!”

3. Iran’s Global Distance Learning Offering: Two colleagues from Iran, both of them learning professionals, have been communicating with me about the intense events in their country. One of them noted that hundreds of millions of people around the world have been in “the largest global informal distance learning experience”, teaching each other about the culture, politics, leaders and history of Iran.

4. The Morning in Brazil - Uncertainty & Learning: I had the honor this morning of delivering the keynote address to e-Learning Brazil via video conference. The conversation focused on the convergence of high Uncertainty in our organizations, combined with growing use of Social Learning (designed and grassroots). In interactions with the participants in Brazil, there was much discussion about the use of “story” as a key content and context element.

5. Learning 2009 Update: We now have over 300 colleagues registered for Learning 2009 and more than 20 major sponsors. In the coming weeks, we will have major announcements about the ReSkilling event that will be co-located with Learning 2009 and learning experiments being organized for the participants. We are pleased to announce that students from Champlain College will come to Learning 2009 to build - in real time - a series of iPhone and Smartphone Learning Applications, defined by Participants. For fun, we are also adding a “Dancing with the CLOs” element. Watch senior learning leaders from organizations improve their ballroom dancing skills and compete for your votes. Location: Orlando, Florida.

Dates: November 8-11
Early registration discounts are now available at http://www.learning2009.com

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
* Membership in our Learning CONSORTIUM (Over 240 Fortune 1000 Organizations)
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

581 - Usability Lab Perspectives; Sliders Along a Continuum

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - June 12, 2009.
#581 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,749 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host - Learning 2009 - Nov 8-11 - Orlando, Florida

1. Usability Labs Perspectives.
2. Trainer’s Tip: Sliders Along a Continuum.

1. Usability Labs Perspectives: We are having a great deal of fun doing a Usability Study with one of our Learning CONSORTIUM members, a Fortune 50 company. Next week, they will be taking a “deep dive” look at one of their new e-Learning modules, developed by a third party company. Our colleagues are interested in taking a fresh look at how workers in their organization are learning, navigating and reacting to this required safety course. I’m serving as a coach to them as this is their first Usability Study. I thought that you might be interested in the process. It’s easy to replicate in your own setting:

* First, we generated a list of behaviors that we wanted to observe at each section of the e-Learning module. (eg. Does the learner naturally know to click on the icons? Does the learner access the Help function during the module?)
* We crafted these questions into an observation check list, including navigation, mouse movements, time on each task and degree of exploration. There is also a series of verbal questions that will be asked of the learner before, during and after the module.
* We set up a cubicle with 3 cameras to look at the learner’s face, hands and body language - plus a capture of all screen activities - linked with a time code and an audio capture.
* In real time, the team will watch (from a remote room) as each of 6 learners takes the module. They will be observing and coding the learners in real time. In addition, the team has a speaker and microphone to ask a few “interruption” questions (eg. “What is the task that you are being asked to do on this screen?”)
* At the end of the module, each learner is debriefed in depth, based on their actions during the course and a set of reflective questions. (eg. How challenged did you feel by the e-Learning?)

It is quite simple to set up a Usability Lab space in your own office. Every time I am involved in one of these Studies, I wonder why they are not used more widely as part of the design and development process. As designers watch real users navigate the course, it is fascinating to watch their own new perspectives on how to improve the design.

2. Trainer’s Tip - Sliders Along a Continuum: Recently, I have been using a Slider along a Continuum as part of my teaching style. For example, if the content is Delegation Modes, I will use a large white board and place the extremes of a Continuum several feet apart (eg. Direct Delegation … Tacit Delegation). I have a big magnet arrow that can be moved along the Continuum. I’ll ask learners to come up to the board and move the slider, based on their reaction to a scenario or simulation. It is interesting to see how a class adopts the Continuum as a physical and mental model. It becomes a great way to explore the range of views on a topic.

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

580 - Return from India - Energized and Dehyrdated; Search Heats Up

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - June 8, 2009.
#580 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,745 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. Return from India and Germany: Energized & Dehydrated.
2. Search Heats Up.
3. Performance Support & Social Learning LABS.

1. Return from India and Germany: Energized & Dehydrated. I had an incredible three week trip to India and Germany, meeting with Learning colleagues, attending a wedding and investigating the future of meetings. It was fascinating to meet with dozens of learning professionals throughout India and explore the evolution of their learning industry and field.

On a personal note, at the end of my trip, I had quite a medical experience with extreme dehydration. Five days of “traveler’s stomach” had left me so dehydrated that I ended up in the Emergency Room for 36 hours with an irregular heart rate. My internal chemistry had gotten so far out of wack that my heart wasn’t happy. But, nine bags of saline, lots of potassium and great care at the hospital has put everything back to normal. Of course, the learner in me was totally fascinated by the internal video views of my heart - but that is for another day.

2. Search Heats Up: Keep your eye on the world of Search. There is deep interest from the user and investment communities in expanding the world of Search. Google continues to add new functionality. Twitter users are developing a broad set of search tools aimed at harvesting knowledge from one’s social network. Microsoft has rebranded their search as Bing and poured resources. And, my inbox is filled with recent venture notices from engines like Wowd and Yebol. Instructional designers will need to do some deep thinking about the role of Search in learning architectures.

3. Performance Support & Social Learning LABS. There are several seats available in each of our MASIE Center LABS this month, to be held in Saratoga Springs.

Performance Support LAB & Seminar (6/24-6/26) focuses on “learning at the moment of need”.
Social Learning LAB & Seminar (6/17-6/19) details strategies for adding social media and networking to learning design.

Both are value priced and detailed at http://www.masie.com

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

579 - Thank You, Birthday at the Taj Mahal and Perspective

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 13, 2009.
#579 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,724 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

Special Edition: From Agra, India - At the Foot of the Taj Mahal!

Dear Learning TRENDS Colleagues,

This is a very special day for me. Today is my birthday, my wife and are celebrating a slightly time-shifted anniversary and we are staying at the foot of the Taj Mahal in Agra India.

Birthdays are ideal times for gaining perspective and to give thanks. Today, I am 59 years young! I really appreciate the over 50,000 colleagues who are readers of Learning TRENDS. It is such a treat to have a global network of colleagues and friends - sharing perspectives on learning, business and the world at large. During this trip, we have already met with over 50 learning colleagues in different cities in India and will meet others in Mumbai early next week.

I feel very blessed to be able to travel globally and to learn with other learning professionals and advocates. During our trip to India, it has become quite clear that the challenges of learning, ReSkilling and evolving the nature of e-Learning are shared and yet distinctly different in this part of the world. I so appreciate experiencing the “learning focused” culture here in India. Every hour, we see a section of the newspaper, a billboard on the side of the road or a conversation with a taxi driver about skilling, certification and the link between education and work/careers.

Visiting the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking experience. It creates a personal moment to reflect on the beauty, spirituality and scale of life. Visiting it on my birthday and anniversary celebration is intensely awesome.

Thanks for my wife, life partner and business partner Cathy DiMiceli Masie for 14 incredible years of togetherness. It is a rare treat and opportunity to live and work with someone who is your full partner. It was her idea that we shift our anniversary a week and celebrate this special day, May 13th, with the glow of the Taj Mahal in our hearts.

One more set of thanks! Fifteen years ago, the idea of online or e-Learning was only an emerging experiment amongst a handful of learning pioneers. In places like India, Dublin, Brazil, Hong Kong and the United States, a handful of learning colleagues saw the potential for leveraging networks and the emerging internet as a platform for creating global access to instructional and learning resources. Thanks to the suppliers who invested in these technologies. Thanks to the implementers who have evolved e-Learning. And, thanks to the learning colleagues who are continuing to push the opportunity for learning to be a resource for development, employment and growth.

And, a final perspective. India, like other parts of the world, is a sharp contrast of wealth, opportunity and poverty. Yesterday, we were at CyberCity - an incredible area where steel and glass buildings are filled with tens of thousands of young people working as IT and Business professionals. We were moved by their openness and curiosity in our meetings about learning and the future of business. Today we took the train to Agra, moving through crowds and towns filled with people living on less than $1.50 a day. As we worry about the current economic downturns in many regions, let us keep in mind the larger scale of need and poverty in the world.

If you would like to follow the blog for this trip, go to http://indiamasie.blogspot.com or send me an email to emasie@masie.com

Namaste,

Elliott Masie
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

578 - Trip to India (updated) and Obama ReSkilling Plans

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 9, 2009.
#578 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,721 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL

1. Trip to India Begins - Your Questions Please!
2. President Obama Focuses on ReSkilling.
3. Learning 2009 Update.

1. Trip to India Begins - Your Questions Please! I am writing this TRENDS from the Newark Airport and am about to fly to Delhi, India. We are starting a two-week journey to India to explore learning issues and to attend the wedding of Brijesh, one of our team members from The MASIE Center. During visits to Delhi and Mumbai, we will be meeting with senior learning colleagues from a wide range of organizations in India. We are investigating the evolving learning field in India, including its role in “sourcing”, higher education learning programs and more. You can follow our blog at http://indiamasie.blogspot.com In addition, I’d love to hear some of your questions and exploratory topics to raise in our meetings. Send me a note to emasie@masie.com

2. President Obama Focuses on ReSkilling: As you may know, I am co-chairing the ReSkilling America project, focusing on expanding models and approaches to large-scale workforce development. Yesterday, President Obama gave a major speech on his plans for increasing training and learning avenues for the jobless. Here is a key section of that speech:

“In a 21st century economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, education is the single best bet we can make — not just for our individual success, but for the success of the nation as a whole. The average college graduate earns 80 percent more than those who stopped after high school. So if we want to help people not only get back on their feet today but prosper tomorrow, we need to take a rigorous new approach to higher education and technical training. And that starts by changing senseless rules that discourage displaced workers from getting the education and training they need to find and fill the jobs of the future.”

The complete text of this announcement can be found at http://www.tinyurl.com/reskilling

Stay tuned for more news about our ReSkilling project. Learning Leaders must play a key role in their organizations and communities if we are to increase the scale of ReSkilling.

3. Learning 2009 Update: Even in a tough economy, we are experiencing significant registration for Learning 2009 (Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando). Our keynotes include: Capt. “Sully” Sullenberger (“Miracle on the Hudson”), Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point & Outliers), Betsy Myers (New Leadership - COO, Obama Campaign), Laura Fitton (Twitter in the Enteprise) and much more. There are special themes including: ReSkilling, Social Learning 2009, e-Learning Update, Leadership Training Reframed and Learning Systems Roundtable. We have a special Early Discount for registration before July 15th. Complete info at http://www.learning2009.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

577 - Results from Swine Flu Survey, Are They Your Friends?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 7, 2009.
#577 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,719 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning 2009 - Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL

1. Results from Swine Flu Reactions Survey
2. Performance Support: Learning at the Moment of Need
3. “Friend” in Social Network is a Fuzzy Word

1. Results from Swine Flu Reactions Survey: Over 1,060 learning professionals from around the world have responded to the Swine Flu Reactions survey that we conducted earlier this week. There was quite a range of reactions (or no reactions) by employers to the “Swine Flu” situation. Complete results are viewable at:

http://www.masie.com/swineflu

2. Performance Support - Learning at the Moment of Need: We continue to see a significant rise in the deployment of Performance Support as a solution by learning organizations. A combination of travel restrictions, tough economic times and a shifting workforce have led many corporations to increase their interest in “Learning at the Moment of Need”. We have a few seats available in The MASIE Center’s Performance Support Seminar & Lab, led by Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher, June 24 to 26 in Saratoga Springs. Complete information and “value pricing” at http://www.masie.com

3. “Friend” in Social Network is a Fuzzy Word: Recently, I’ve found myself pausing at a request to be a “Friend” of someone in Facebook or other Social Networks. While I am quite interested in expanding my social networks and interacting with new colleagues around the world, the word “Friend” gives me pause. What does “Friend” imply - connection, knowledge, history, trust, awareness, etc? We need to think about terminology in the changing world of social networking. And, why is someone insulted if they follow you on Twitter and you don’t follow them?

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

Urgent: Swine Flu Responses Survey

TO: Learning and Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie - Host, Learning 2009

Please take 2 minutes to complete this urgent survey on how Organizations and Learning Professionals are responding to the current “Swine Flu” situation:

http://tiny.cc/swineflu597

We will publish the results in 48 hours at The MASIE Center site!

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger to Keynote at Learning 2009

TO: Learning and Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, Host, Learning 2009

We are pleased to announce that Captain Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger will be a Keynote Speaker at Learning 2009. “Sully” is the heroic pilot who masterfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River and saved the lives of 155 people. Captain of what has been dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson”, Sullenberger is an aviation safety expert and accident investigator.

After logging more than 19,000 hours of service in the skies, Sullenberger became an international hero on January 15, 2009 when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River. The Airbus A320’s two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. Sullenberger and his crew have won international acclaim for their actions that day, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery.

He was also instrumental in developing and implementing the Crew Resource Management course that is used by US Airways, and he has taught the course to hundreds of other airline members.

Other Keynoters include Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point & Outliers), Laura Fitton (Micro-Sharing in Business), Betsy Myers (COO of the Obama Campaign on New Leadership Models) and Elliott Masie (Learning in UnCertain Times).

Learning 2009 is Nov 8 to 11 in Orlando, Florida. Early Registration Discounts at http://www.learning2009.com/Updates.htm

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

576 - Pistachio Keynote at Learning 2009, Masie to India

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 23, 2009.
#576 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,710 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. Masie to India: Meet Me in Mumbai or Delhi in May
2. “Pistachio” Keynote at Learning 2009 - Topic: Micro-Sharing
3. Advice to Laid Off Learning Professionals

1. Masie to India: Meet Me in Mumbai or Delhi in May: We will be traveling to India in mid-May for the wedding of a colleague, conversations with learning leaders and some exploring. I would like to meet Learning TRENDS readers and other colleagues for informal gatherings in Mumbai and Delhi. If you are based in India or have associates in either of those cities, please send me a note to emasie@masie.com I’ll tag back with a time and location for an informal gathering and drink together.

2. Laura Fitton Keynote at Learning 2009 - Topic: Micro-Sharing: We are pleased to announce that Laura Fitton will be a keynoter at Learning 2009. She is a leading expert on the use of “Micro-Sharing” in organizations, including tools like Twitter for collaboration. Known as “Pistachio” in the Twitter world, she is the author of the upcoming book, “Twitter for Dummies”.

Laura has a clear analysis of how collaboration is transforming and the benefits and challenges of microsharing/microblogging in organizations. Information and registration at http://www.learning2009.com/Updates.htm

3. Advice to Laid Off Learning Professionals: Unfortunately, my phone rings on a regular basis with the news that one of our learning colleagues has been laid off. I wanted to share a synopsis of my advice to folks that find themselves in this tough situation:

* Broaden Your Skills View: While your resume may be all about Learning and Development, you have a serious level of underlying and transferable skills outside of the learning area. For example, your management of developers can translate to management of supply chain providers. Many learning professionals think way too narrowly about their zone of competence.

* Ditch the Learning Language from Resumes and Interviews: Redact the learning jargon from your resume. If you have managed a Learning Management System, don’t use the phrase LMS without explaining it. Leave out phrases like modules, level 2 evaluation and more. You want to frame your accomplishments in terms and language that are understandable and valued by HR and others, outside of our field.

* Don’t Count on Consulting Revenue: A number of my colleagues have said that they were planning to do consulting in the months ahead until they got new jobs. It MAY happen, but there has been a significant cutback in consulting contracts and outsourcing projects. Starting as an independent learning consultant at this moment may not be the wisest approach. Often, promises to use you for contract work if you are free do not turn into real work or cash.

* Consider New Sectors: Look at higher education (especially Community Colleges) and local organizations that may be receiving Stimulus grants and would value your corporate learning and business contacts/perspectives. Also, investigate the Insurance, Health Care and Public Works Construction sectors for jobs.

* Apprenticeships: If you have significant severance or savings, consider doing an Apprenticeship for an organization in a new role or sector. Sometimes, these apprentice programs can be arranged or even subsidized through local employment/training agencies. If you can work for a short stint to obtain experience and a more diverse resume, consider it.

* Don’t Panic: While there are a lot of lay-offs in our area, there are also many new openings. Check out the Monster and ASTD job boards and make sure that you are letting people know that you are available AND flexible! Switching locations (even for a year) may be part of the solution.

* Time to ReSkill: I have 5 colleagues who are now starting new masters or doctorate programs as part of their personal ReSkilling processes.

* Build a Porfolio: Create a portfolio of the type of projects and work that you have accomplished. Key in on learning as a “performance change” factor to make your case for a new role. For example, a learning project designer has recently been hired as a Store Manager at a major retail organization, based on how they have moved the “cheese” in performance - once they showed that they also had project management and financial work in their portfolio.

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning & Government Briefing: April 28 - Washington, DC
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Seminar: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

575 - Malcolm Gladwell to Keynote Learning 2009, Meet Up in Atlanta, Social Learning and Systems

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 17, 2009.
#575 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,703 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point & Outliers) to Keynote Learning 2009.
2. Learning Systems and Social Learning Explored.
3. Meet Up in Atlanta at FIRST Robotics Today/Tomorrow.

1. Malcolm Gladwell to Keynote Learning 2009: I am pleased to announce that Malcolm Gladwell has agreed to be a Keynoter at Learning 2009. He is excited to be discussing the intersection of Learning, “Outliers” and the “Tipping Point” we are living in at this moment. Take advantage of our early registration discounts and sign up for Learning 2009 (Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando) at http://www.learning2009.com

2. Learning Systems and Social Learning Explored: Over 100 of your colleagues participated in a Roundtable on Learning Systems this week in Chicago. We had a significant discussion on the challenge and opportunity for your LMS and LCMS to leverage the emerging models of Social Learning. Have a heart to heart discussion with your Learning System administrator and provider on how they will include functionality for Social Learning - including collaborative content, User Content, discussion areas and learner profiles.

3. Meet Up in Atlanta at FIRST Robotics Today/Tomorrow: I am attending the FIRST Robotics Final at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta right now. Tens of thousands of students and hundreds of Robots are competing in this unique learning event. I recently joined the Board of Directors of FIRST, founded by Dean Kamen (inventor of the Segway). If you live in Atlanta and would like to come meet me and see the Robots and Students this weekend, please send an email to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning & Government Briefing: April 28 - Washington, DC
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Performance Support LAB & Semianr: June 24 - 26, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

574 - Learning 2009 Invitation and Site Open

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 9, 2009.
#574 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,699 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

Learning 2009 Site Open & Live!

I am pleased to invite you and your colleagues to the website for our Learning 2009 event:

Learning 2009
November 8 to 11 - Orlando, Florida, USA http://www.learning2009.com

We are very excited about this year’s event that includes special “Themed” mini conferences on topics that include Social Learning, e-Learning Update, Learning Leadership, UnCertain Times, Mobile Learning and much more.

We have added Value Pricing for Learning 2009 and you can take advantage of a special Early Registration Discount (with no-penalty cancellation until 10/15).

So, please check out http://www.learning2009.com and become part of our Design Team!

Yours in learning,

Elliott Masie
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning LAB & Seminar: June 17 - 19: Saratoga Springs, NY
* Learning Systems Roundtable: April 15 and 16 - Chicago
* Learning & Government Briefing: April 28 - Washington, DC
* Learning 2009: Nov 8 to 11 - Orlando, FL
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com