559 - Tribes and Social Learning - Report from Dubai

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan 27, 2009.
#559 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,554 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

Report from Dubai - Social Learning and Tribes

Hello from Dubai! I am here giving the keynote to a Middle East Learning Symposium as well as working with senior executives from Emirates Airlines on Leadership in UnCertain Times.

Here are a few impressions and observations:

* During my keynote, I spoke of the rise of “Social Learning” and linked it to the role of the “tribe” in knowledge sharing. The metaphor of the tribe in social learning - linking to the more historical role of elders and peers in the learning process. Imagine the ability of designing a tribe for a learning activity - creating an intentional cluster of people that will enhance, extend and structure the social component of learning. The participants in my keynote were drawn to the added power of using Video Conferencing as part of social learning to allow for more natural communication, more deeply linked into the oral tradition.

I am convinced that as we explore Social Learning, we will find ways of aligning learning more closely to the culture and styles of our learners.

* e-Learning is increasing in implementation and sophistication in the region. There is a strong commitment to doing research on the most effective e-Learning approaches - with the support of their Ministry of Higher Education and the e-TQM arena. There are about 200 researchers and learning professionals from the region gathered here today and I was impressed with the degree of focus on standards and linking to “quality” measures.

* Economic downturns extend even to this part of the world. While there is still a massive amount of construction, several projects have been stalled or delayed due to the shift in the price of oil and change in the global economy. It is driving an increased interest in online, distance and distributed learning, which are less dependent on travel. And, when I talked about our upcoming ReSkilling Project, there was huge interest, mapping to the region’s need to rapidly align skills with changing markets.

Of course, all work and no play is no fun. We have been having a quite enjoyable time in Dubai, meeting new people and exploring this city that is a unique blend of old and very, very new. Along the way, I have taken a shower on our airplane at 36,000 feet, visited an indoor ski slope at a shopping mall and had more hummus than I ever thought I would consume. We’ve had some fascinating political conversations as well, with much attention focused on President Obama and finding a way to some creative peace solutions in the region.

Regards from Dubai,
Elliott

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning Lab & Seminar: March 11 to 13 - Saratoga Springs (Value Pricing)
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs (Value Pricing)
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

558 - ReSkilling Project & Inauguration Project

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan 21, 2009.
#558 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,544 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. Four Days of Learning at Inauguration.
2. The Reskilling Project.
3. Off to Dubai.

1. Four Days of Learning at Inauguration: We have just left Washington after 4 days of very exciting involvement in the Inauguration of the President Obama. There were some interesting learnings about events, logistics and the experience. I kept a blog if you would like to read some of my observations, go to http://masie2009.blogspot.com

2. The Reskilling Project. In 2 weeks, we will be launching a major project called ReSkilling. It will be focused on the challenge of preparing millions of workers, currently employed or laid off, who will require ReSkilling to get stay employed or return to the workforce. We will be working with the new Administration and will bring together learning professionals, workforce development groups and private education resources. If you are interested in this effort and would be willing to help launch it, please send me an email to emasie@masie.com

3. Off to Dubai: We are switching suitcases and will head to the airport in a few hours to take a 14 hour flight to Dubai. I am doing a keynote at a Learning event and presenting on the challenge of Leading in UnCertain times. Dubai is also going through some challenging shifts in the economy. I’ll send some notes from there. Personally, I am very excited to take the new Emirates Airbus A380 for the direct flight from New York - complete with new technology features. I’ll do blogging from the sky :)

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning Lab & Seminar: March 11 to 13 - Saratoga Springs (Value Pricing)
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs (Value Pricing)
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

556 - Inauguration Learning Gathering & Dubai Meetup

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Jan 16, 2009.
#556 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,543 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. Inauguration Gathering in DC for Learning Colleagues.
2. Dubai Get Together for Learning Colleagues.

Here are two invitations to Learning Colleagues and TRENDS Readers. I am heading to Washington, DC for the Inauguration of President Obama and then over to Dubai for a speech on Learning in Uncertain Times. I’d love to connect with colleagues:

1. Inauguration Gathering in DC for Learning Colleagues - We will gather with some colleagues for an informal reception on Monday afternoon in a downtown hotel. If you live in DC or are visiting for the Inauguration and would like to join us, please send me an email and I will send directions. Space is limited but we would love to see our TRENDS colleagues. Send to emasie@masie.com

2. Dubai Get Together for Learning Colleagues: I will be in Dubai for a week, starting on January 22nd, to deliver a speech and work with colleagues in the region. If you are in Dubai, please send me an email and we can arrange a time to get together. Send to emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Social Learning Lab & Seminar: March 11 to 13 - Saratoga Springs
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs.
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

Social Learning Lab and Seminar Announcement

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

1. Social Learning LAB & Seminar Announcement
2. Performance Support LAB & Seminar: Reminder
3. Value Pricing for MASIE Seminars for Tight Times

1. Social Learning LAB & Seminar Announcement: I am VERY excited to announce a brand new seminar that I will be leading and teaching:

Social Learning LAB & Seminar
March 11 to 13, 2009 - Saratoga Springs, NY

The use of social networking technology, leveraged with the “Wisdom of Colleagues”, creates a great opportunity to extend learning, competencies, knowledge and support to the workforce. This hands-on, project-based lab will provide a unique opportunity to experiment with and deploy social learning components in a learning setting. Attendance is limited. For complete details:

http://www.masie.com/social

2. Performance Support LAB & Seminar - Reminder: Check out our popular Performance Support LAB & Seminar, led by Bob Mosher and Conrad Gottfredson, at The MASIE Center, Feb 25th to 27th. “Learning at the Moment of Need” is a key strategy for Learning Departments. Information at http://www.masie.com

3. Value Pricing for MASIE Seminars for Tight Times: A large number of our colleagues have reported steep cuts or reductions in their learning budgets. To respond to the current economic climate, The MASIE Center is offering Value Pricing on our Seminars in the first quarter of 2009. We have reduced our 3 day Seminars to $995 to assist with restricted travel and tuition approvals.

Details at: http://www.masie.com

Yours in Learning,
Elliott Masie

554 - Quick List

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Nov 26, 2008.
#554 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,461 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

Quick Note Before Thanksgiving:

As I pack up for the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday, here is a short TRENDS note with random items:

* Book To Read: Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. Takes a look at the broader context of success patterns. Also makes the case for in-depth training investments.

* Newest Gadget: Handheld Projector from 3M. A several-ounce LCD type projector. Battery operated and can play a movie or slide presentation. Imagine when that is built into a phone.

* Provocative Article: Becoming Screen Literate, by Kevin Kelly (Learning 2008 Keynoter and Wired Founding Editor - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/magazine/23wwln-future-t.html?_r=1)

* Phrase on My Mind: “The Pause Button” - Throughout the training/learning industry, many leaders are being asked to press the “Pause” button on major learning projects and systems. Not stop. Not Cancel. But Pause. And, that Pause button might give an opportunity to do some exciting and radical process redesign.

* Tools More Than Systems: I hope we can start to create small, simple learning tools that learners and/or designers can access to facilitate a specific learning need.

* Game to Play: Spore, Will Wright’s latest SIM-Game. It creates a huge canvas to work with.

* Trend to Watch: Lately, many organizations are reporting that workers scheduled to retire at the end of 2008 have withdrawn their exit papers.

* Remembered and Honored: Zenas Block, who died this week at 92 - author of “Corporate Venturing – Creating New Businesses within the Firm”, teacher, athlete, thinker, husband of my dear friend Janet and a model of living fully.

* Thanksgiving Thanks: To family, friends and the worldwide community of Learning Trends readers and colleagues, may we celebrate our blessings and prepare for uncertain times ahead. We are sustained by the people in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs.
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

553 - Task Force on Learning Layoffs and Learning Content Posted

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Nov 18, 2008.
#553 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,454 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.

1. 15 Hours of Video from Learning 2008 Online.
2. Teletrust: Free Game for Teleworking.
3. When Learning Folks Get Laid Off!

1. 15 Hours of Video from Learning 2008 Online: We have just posted over 15 hours of high quality video from the General Sessions and other activities from our Learning 2008 event. Segments with Kevin Kelly (founding editor of Wired Magazine), Sue Gardner (Wikipedia), Second City Communications and many more hours of learning content are now available for free at http://www.learningwiki.com We also have a wealth of text and audio resources at that site as well.

2. Teletrust - Free Game for Teleworking: One of the exciting outcomes from Learning 2008 was a free game called Teletrust that was developed by students from Champlain College in 3 days (with input from over 500 learning professionals). We have placed it online and also are giving the source code to anyone who wants it. Check it out at: http://www.masieweb.com/teletrust/

3. When Learning Folks Get Laid Off! Unfortunately, almost every day I am receiving a note in my mailbox from someone in the learning field who has been laid off or who is worried about losing their job. As we see layoffs in the news, the learning function is being hit pretty significantly, in both headcounts and budget. The MASIE Center is organizing a Task Force to create a set of resources for Learning Professionals who are in this crisis. We will be building a Support Group and other resources to help our colleagues through a tough time. If you would like to volunteer to help with this effort, please send me a note to emasie@masie.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Performance Support Lab & Seminar: Feb 25 to 27 - Saratoga Springs.
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

Final Learning 2008 Invitation and Hot Topics

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

In six days, I will have the honor of convening Learning 2008, our annual gathering of Learning Professionals in Orlando, Florida.

Even in these difficult economic times, there will be 1,806 learning colleagues attending from around the globe. I wanted to share with our TRENDS readers the key themes that we will be discussing in Florida:

* Learning in Difficult Times - What happens to learning plans, budget and staff in economically stressed times?
* Learning Connections - How do we connect the formal efforts of learning with social, informal and knowledge efforts?
* LMS Frustration - What can organizations do to “stretch” the capabilities of LMS and LCMS systems to meet changing needs?
* Emerging Models - Gaming, Social, Mobile and Web 2.0: We’ll take a look at what is real, what is hype and what is possible.
* Generational Learning Challenges: From NextGens to Delayed Retirements - Needs, Styles and Integration.
* Learning Strategies - Changing targets and strategies for global learning deployments?
* Alternate Reality Games and User Created Content - Experiments in Progress at Learning 2008.
* Learning Careers - What is ahead for us as learning professionals?

If you can make a last minute decision to come, please register online at:

http://www.learning2008.com
Learning 2008 - October 26 to 29
Walt Disney World - Orlando, Florida, USA

There are rooms at our hotels and we would love to have your input and engagement. As always, we will post videos from key sessions and place a good amount of the structured content into Open Source.

Thanks for the work that each of you do in the world of learning.

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

551 - Learning PodCasts Posted

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 17, 2008.
#551 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,453 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,715 Colleagues Registered!

1. 50+ PodCasts from Learning 2008 Faculty Posted
2. Head Heart Hoof Runs in Stakes Race on Saturday

1. 50+ PodCasts from Learning 2008 Faculty Posted: We are honored to announce that over 50 PodCasts were posted today from the Learning Leaders at Learning 2008. These are short summaries of upcoming sessions that provide participants with a flavor of the content and intent of each session. Even if you are not coming to Learning 2008, it is an interesting technique to explore. Our faculty were given a number to call by telephone. We then simply download and upload to a website. Access the PodCasts at:

http://www.learningwiki.com

2. Head Heart Hoof Runs in Stakes Race on Saturday: On Saturday, our horse Head Heart Hoof runs in a major Stakes Race at Belmont: The Sleepy Hollow. It is a big step for him and a very exciting day for Cathy and I. Wish us luck! Here is his picture: http://www.sethbenzelinc.com/Equine/Stable/Head_Heart_Hoof/

Registration is still open for Learning 2008. There are spaces at our additional hotel. Just go to http://www.learning2008.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

550 - 5 Minute Survey: Trust, Happiness and Collaboration

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 14, 2008.
#550 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,453 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,715 Colleagues Registered!

1. 5 Minute Survey on Trust, Collaboration and Happiness in the Workplace!
2. Presidential Competencies and Debate Questions
3. Learning 2008 Topics Evolve with Economic Crisis

1. 5 Minute Survey on Trust, Collaboration and Happiness in the Workplace! Would you please take 5 minutes to respond to a survey on Trust, Collaboration and Happiness in the Workplace?

http://www.masieweb.com/trustsurvey

We will publish the results of this survey in a few weeks as well as use them as key input for the General Sessions at Learning 2008. Thanks!

2. Presidential Competencies: First, I want to thank the hundreds of TRENDS readers who submitted a debate question. We are passing these on to the moderators and debate commission - it would be awesome if at least one question about learning were included in the dialogue. It is also a great time to take a look at the questions that were developed by the Harvard Kennedy School and The Ken Blanchard Companies at a forum that I attended last Spring. Here is the list of questions that we would ideally be able to ask the candidates:

- Who Are You Really?
1. Values: What are your five core values and how do they shape how you lead?
2. Attributes & Competencies: What are the attributes and competencies you value most in yourself that will serve you well in the White House?
3. Weaknesses & Mistakes: Recent American history has many examples of leaders whose weaknesses brought them down. What are your tendencies that could cause your presidency to fail?
4. People I Have Learned From: What historical figure has exercised leadership in a way that you aspire to? What were their strengths? Tell us about a situation that tested their leadership.
5. Multicultural Experience/World View: What experiences have helped you deeply understand the mindset and values of other cultures?

- Who Will Be at The Table With You?
6. Building a Team: Tell us about a high performing team that you’ve built. What made it high-performing?
7. Coalition Building: Can you share some examples of when you were a catalyst who brought groups with polarized opinions together so that all voices were heard at the table?
8. Increasing Participation: The internet and technology have flattened the political playing field, allowing for more participation and collective decision making. How will you create a more participatory democracy and give people the opportunity to influence decision making?
9. Increasing Participation: Young people have engaged in this election in greater numbers than ever before. Please give us some examples of how you have listened and responded to the next generation in your campaign. How will you keep the next generation engaged?

- How Will You Decide?
10. Decision Making Style: The president’s role requires decisiveness. Please share some examples of your ability and willingness to be decisive. Can you tell us about a time when a lack of decisiveness got you into trouble? In retrospect, what would you have done differently?
11. Judgment: Tell us about a time when your judgment was tested in crisis. What do you want us to appreciate about your judgment?

- How Will You Act? And What Will You Act On?
12. Leading Change: Can you give us an example of how you have overcome resistance to bring about a needed change?
13. Innovative Thinking: How will you create an environment for innovation within your leadership team?
14. Building the Confidence of Others: What are the first few things you’ll do to raise confidence at home and abroad?
15. Priorities Indicative of Values: The USA ranks 1st in incarceration and 18th in high school graduation. What leadership skills and values do you bring to the challenge of reversing these numbers? Can you point to three things in your past that will help us understand that you care about this challenge?

For more info: http://howyoulead.org

3. Learning 2008 Topics Evolve with Economic Crisis: Several of our keynote speakers at the upcoming Learning 2008 will be adding the current economic crisis to their dialogues. We will be exploring the impact on issues of Trust in the Workplace, Fragility of Planning in Economic Swings and Talent Implications. There are over 1,714 colleagues registered and there are rooms available at our additional conference hotel. Come down to Orlando on October 26th for a well-timed professional support and learning experience. Complete info at http://www.learning2008.com

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

549 - Learning Question for Debate, Sober Emails?

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 8, 2008.
#549 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,444 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,695 Colleagues Registered!

1. A Learning Question for the Last Debate?
2. More Hotels for Learning 2008.
3. Late Night, Sober Check for Email.

1. A Learning Question for the Last Debate? If you could ask Obama and McCain a LEARNING question in the last presidential debate next week, what would it be? Create a question that would focus on Learning - either policy, personal approaches, perspectives or other aspects. This question should not drift into other areas or be a “gotcha”. We will forward this to the debate moderator. Please add your ideas on the front page of LearningTown http://www.learningtown.com or send me an email to emasie@masie.com

2. More Hotels for Learning 2008. The response to the upcoming Learning 2008 event has been so positive that we have used up all of our rooms at the conference hotel. However, we had added a block of rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, right on Disney property, at the rate of $155, plus tax (single and double occupancy). We will run shuttle buses between the two hotels Sunday – Wednesday. In addition, we have added additional content and sessions addressing the impact of the economic crisis on Talent, HR and Learning issues. Learning 2008 is Oct 26 to 29 in Orlando. Info and online registration at http://www.learning2008.com

3. Late Night, Sober Check for Email. Google Mail has responded to a problem that confronts many of their users … sending that email when you aren’t quite fully awake (or sober). An optional feature has been added that requires the user to complete a math problem before they can send an email during late hours. Check out this new feature at: http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/10/googles-mail-go.html

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

548 - Leaders as Teachers, Please; Meet-up in Brussels on Saturday

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 2, 2008.
#548 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,438 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,587 Colleagues Registered!

1. Leaders as Teachers, Please!
2. Elliott Meet-up in Brussels on Saturday
3. Learning 2008 Program Guide Published!

1. Leaders as Teachers, Please (A Non-Partisan Rant): As we look at the current economic crisis on the United States and consider other challenges like global warming and energy, I am struck by the need for “Leaders as Teachers”. The problems that we face (and will increasingly confront) are not simple. They will not respond to simplistic answers. And, our leaders - at all levels of government, business and beyond - must be better teachers.

We yearn for leaders who will take the time - often telling us information that we might not want to hear, stepping beyond sound bites - and teach us. Allow us to be learners in the best sense of what happens when you are with a great teacher. I would even enjoy a few charts and clarifying questions.

As we consider our leaders - here and globally - let us demand more of them as teachers. Let’s ask them to explain and explore the complexity of the complex world that we have created. Teaching is a competency that we should use as one of our key factors in filling public offices, from village boards to the presidency.

2. Elliott Meet-up in Brussels on Saturday: I am taking a quick trip to Brussels this weekend to speak for the Meeting Professionals International Board on Sunday. If there are any Learning TRENDS readers living in Brussels who would like to get together for a drink on Saturday afternoon, please send me an email to emasie@masie.com and I’ll send you a time and place for a small group of us to meet.

3. Learning 2008 Program Guide Published! We have just published over 300 learning sessions and activities in the new Learning 2008 Program Guide! Download the 88 page guide or the condensed spreadsheet to help plan your time at Learning 2008. Go to http://www.learning2008.com/guide

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,219 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

547 - Economic Anxiety Poll Results; 300 Sessions Published for Learning 2008

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Oct 1, 2008.
#547 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,434 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,587 Colleagues Registered!

1. Learning 2008 Program Guide Published!
2. Results of Economic Anxiety at the Workplace Poll.

1. Learning 2008 Program Guide Published! We have just published over 300 learning sessions and activities in the new Learning 2008 Program Guide! Download the 88-page guide or the condensed spreadsheet to help plan your time at Learning 2008. Go to http://www.learning2008.com/guide

2. Results of Economic Anxiety at the Workplace Poll: How much Economic Anxiety is in the Workplace?  Over 1,444 learning professionals responded to our poll in the past 72 hours. Here are the “flash” results:

a) What is the level of Economic Anxiety in Your Workplace?

Severe and High Anxiety in the Workplace: 29%
Some Anxiety in the Workplace: 56%
Low or No Anxiety in the Workplace: 15%

b) What, if any, actions has your organization’s leadership taken to respond to the Economic Anxiety in the Workplace:

* Briefings by leadership on organization’s economic health: 21%
* Briefings by leadership on the economic crisis: 13%
* Manager conversations with employees on economic anxiety: 13%
* Workshops/Briefings on dealing with 401 K management: 7%
* No actions as of today: 46%

We are continuing to collect responses at http://www.masieweb.com/anxiety 

We’ll publish another, longer TRENDS on this topic in the days ahead.

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,009 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

546 - Urgent: Economic Anxiety in the Workplace Survey

TO: Learning & Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center’s Learning CONSORTIUM
DATE: September 26, 2008

As a Learning Professional, would you please take 2 minutes to complete this instant, confidential survey:

Economic Anxiety in the Workplace

http://www.masieweb.com/anxiety

We are taking the pulse of how workers and workplaces are reacting to the current Economic Crisis in the U.S. (and beyond).

The results will be published with perspectives on Monday!

Thanks,

Elliott Masie

Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,009 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

545 - NASA eClips, Diaroogle for Toilets, Cafe & Green Learning

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 17, 2008.
#545 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,416 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,402 Colleagues Registered!

1. e-Learning from NASA
2. Diaroogle - Public Toilet Search Engine
3. Green Learning Tools and Event Supplies
4. Cafe Learning Ideas Wanted!

1. e-Learning from NASA: The Space Agency is making available a free Web-based educational product to learners of all ages across the country. NASA eClips consists of more than 55 short, 5-10 minute video segments, which are available on-demand via the Internet.  NASA eClips features many of the agency’s missions and engages learners in the excitement of science and engineering. Check it out at: http://www.nasa.gov/education/nasaeclips

2. Diaroogle - Public Toilet Search Engine: This is one of those interesting sites with a very no-comment name. Starting in NYC, Diaroogle is building a peer rated and Google Map referenced search engine to locate and evaluate public access toilets. It is an intriguing example of a mash-up of content, context, peer rating and mapping. Next time you are in NYC and really need to go, check out: http://www.diaroogle.com/

3. Green Learning Tools and Event Supplies: Once we decided to push ourselves to make Learning 2008 as “Green and Sustainable” as possible, we immediately turned our attention to the plastic nametag holders and lanyards. My great staff located a source that we are using that distributes name tag holders made entirely form bio-poly, eco-friendly and recyclable material. Our lanyards are being manufactured with recycled polyester. The supplier is: http://www.pcnametag.com/searchgreenmeetings.aspx  We would love to hear about other Green Learning supplies. Send me an email to emasie@masie.com

4. Cafe Learning Ideas Wanted! Talking about Learning 2008, we are having a blast creating LearningTown Cafe Sessions - informal discussions, stories or pleas for support. People have been “rolling” their own sessions including: “Increasing our Salaries as Trainers”, “Leveraging YouTube for Rapid Learning Design”, and “Help Me Reframe our Leadership Training Program”. If you would like to add your ideas to the design bucket, please take our design survey at: http://www.masieweb.com/input2

Please make your plans to attend our annual event! Registration is now over 1,400 participants and we have a limited number of hotel rooms available. Save $100 on the Advanced Registration Rate. Go to http://www.learning2008.com for online registration and details.

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,009 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com

544 - The Dumbest Generation; DreamCorp - Alternate Reality

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 14, 2008.
#544 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,408 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Host, Learning ‘08 - Oct. 26-29 - Over 1,308 Colleagues Registered!

1. “The Dumbest Generation” - Provocative Book on Stupefied Young Americans.
2. DreamCorp - Alternate Reality and Game for Learning.

1. “The Dumbest Generation” - Provocative Book on Stupefied Young Americans. Mark Bauerlein pulls NO punches in his book on the impact of the digital age on the young American mind. His analysis is that:

* Compared to Previous Generations, American Youth Have:
- More schooling, more money, more leisure time and more news and information

* What Do They Do With All That Time and Money?
- Download, Upload, IM, Post, Chat, Network
- Watch TV and Play Videogames (2 to 4 hours per day)

* And, Here is What They Don’t Do:
- Read, Even Online
- Follow Politics
- Maintain a Brisk Work Ethic
- Vote Regularly

There is much to disagree with about the premises of this book, yet it will create a provocative conversation about the impact and character of the digital age on the education process. I would urge TRENDS readers to check out The Dumbest Generation and send me some of your thoughts/reactions

2. DreamCorp - Alternate Reality and Game for Learning: We are building a new corporation - an alternate reality - that will hire every one of the several thousand attendees at Learning 2008. Yes, they will all have a second job for several days, as employees of DreamCorp. We are building an Alternate Reality and Alternate Reality Game to use as a learning and community device. Based on the emerging world of Alternate Reality Games - DreamCorp will touch, engage and stimulate our participants with digital and live clues and competitions. You may receive a SMS text message with an assignment from the CEO of DreamCorp or meet an attendee who is actually an actor playing the HR Manager of DreamCorp. Here is the Wikipedia definition of Alternate Reality:

“An alternate reality game (ARG) is an interactive narrative that uses the real world as a platform, often involving multiple media and game elements, to tell a story that may be affected by participants’ ideas or actions. The form is defined by intense player involvement with a story that takes place in real-time and evolves according to participants’ responses, and characters that are actively controlled by the game’s designers, as opposed to being controlled by artificial intelligence as in a computer or console video game. Players interact directly with characters in the game, solve plot-based challenges and puzzles, and often work together with a community to analyze the story and coordinate real-life and online activities. ARGs generally use multimedia, such as telephones, email and mail but rely on the Internet as the central binding medium.”

We are working with the faculty and students at the Institute for Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida, facilitated by David Metcalf, to build and launch DreamCorp. The rules, clues and projects will evolve during Learning 2008. This will be an exciting experiment to explore Alternate Reality for organizational learning and engagement.

The Advanced Registration Rate for Learning 2008 (Oct 26 to 29) will save you $100 on tuition. Sign up today at http://www.learning2008.com and get ready for that second job with DreamCorp.  We promise not to tell your boss, but we bet you will!

Yours in learning,
Elliott
Contact: emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Services & Events:
* Learning 2008: Oct 26-29 - Orlando
* 0ver 6,009 Learning Colleagues on LearningTown.
Join us today: http://www.learningtown.com
Information and Registration at http://www.masie.com