287 - Cycle Reductions in Learning Development

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 13, 2004
#287 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,784 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

Cycle Reductions in Learning Development

"How do we reduce the Cycle Time for each phase of learning development?"

The goal of many large organizations is to find ways to increase the speed of developing, designing and delivering learning to their employees and customers. This includes Rapid Development of e-Learning, classroom based instruction as well as blended and On-The-Job approaches to learning. The emerging best practices are focusing on implementing Rapid Development through the reduction of Cycle Time for each phase of learning
development:

1) Subject Matter Expert Engagement
2) Needs Assessment and Analysis Phase
3) Content Development: Deploying Existing Content
4) Media and Training Process Selection
5) Storyboarding and Design Models
6) Rapid Media Production & Outsourcing Options
7) Testing for Usability & Accuracy
8) Deployment and Invitation Phase
9) Learning Revision & Updating Process
10) Overall Approval, Signoff and Administrative Process

Each of these phases of the Learning Development process is a prime candidate for reducing “cycles”. In order to implement Rapid Learning Development organizations are making changes in:

a) Authoring Tools and Systems
b) Templates and Formats for Development
c) Content and Document Management
d) Agreements with Subject Matter Experts
e) Methodologies for Development
f) Calibrating Expectations of Management and Learners
g) Project Management and Budgeting for Development

For example, there is a high need to “re-calibrate” expectations appropriately for the world of e-Learning. Broadcast level video production standards can be adjusted for media that will only be streamed, since the bandwidth will only display a certain quality of image. Why not produce to that level, at a much lower cost and time to completion?

Likewise, the setting of expectations for developers and designers is
critical at the management level. As a designer, I love to take months to do a project. But, in the world of Rapid Development, I have to think in terms of days or even just hours.

Why the emphasis on Rapid Learning Development NOW? We are clearly at an inflection point in the growth of e-Learning deployment. Organizations have built their delivery infrastructures. Learners are getting more accustomed to the e-Learning model. Blended Learning is replacing pure Classroom Learning in many organizations. And, business level executives are turning to Learning as a frequent level to make continuous changes in the operations of their organizations. In a phrase, "Learning as to be Developed at the Speed of Business!"

TRENDS will be making Rapid Learning Development a key focus in the coming year. We have already heard from many tool and system companies as well as our colleagues in corporate learning offices about their innovations and challenges. Keep the emails coming to me about this at emasie@masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
- Rapid e-Learning Development Seminar/Roundtable: Las Vegas Sept 8-9,
2004
- e-Learning Briefing: Baltimore Sept 2, 2004
- e-Learning Skills LAB: Saratoga Springs Oct 6-8, 2004 Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com

286 - Patent Claims Threat to eLearning; On-Line Photos for e-Learning Class

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 9, 2004
#286 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,754 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Patent Claims Threat to eLearning
2. On-Line Photos for e-Learning Class
3. Rapid eLearning Development Seminar & Roundtable

1. Patent Claims Threat to eLearning: I would like to raise a VERY critical and possibly disruptive issue that is developing in the e-Learning world: Patent Claims on e-Learning Processes.

A number of small and large companies have been awarded patents that supposedly cover some of the core elements of e-Learning. For example, one company claims to have a patent on all forms of on-line testing for a fee. Another is claiming a patent on streaming of digital content over the web. Some companies have been formed just for the purpose of buying up a patent and then approaching vendors in the field to "settle" or license these very core and what we believe are public domain concepts.

Last week, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, issued a warning about several of these patent claims and the chilling effect that they can have on the innovation process in the "e" world. Many of these patents were not fully or adequately reviewed and should be revised or overturned.

The MASIE Center is quite concerned and supports the efforts of the Electronic Frontier Foundation on this effort. Here is a story from Wired Magazine about this effort:

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,64038,00.html

While there are some technologies and innovations that are deserving of patents, we are quite concerned about many of these specific ones.
Imagine if someone had a claim on using a blackboard or flipchart to deliver learning or a yellow pad for taking notes in a class. Some of these claims are absurd and learning threatening. If you would like to join me in raising this issue in our industry, please send me a note to emasie@masie.com.

2. On-Line Photos for e-Learning Class: Here is a feature suggestion for the makers of eLearning Virtual Classrooms: Automatic Pictures of Learners! I want a feature where each learner can upload a picture and when they are speaking or text chatting, their picture pops into an Active box on the screen. It would be simple to do and could even support a learner having several pictures with different levels of attention or emotion. Likewise, the trainer/facilitator can have a few pictures that pop up to add a visual to their voice.

3. Rapid eLearning Development Seminar & Roundtable: The MASIE Center is offering a new event in Las Vegas in September:

Rapid eLearning Development
"Learning at the Speed of Business"
Sept 8 and 9 - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

I will be teaching this seminar and roundtable on September 8 and 9th, focuing on how organizations can DRAMATICALLY speed up the development of learning programs. We will look at the use of templates, rapid development tools and new ways of using Subject Matter Experts. Space is limited and we have had a burst of registrations in the last 48 hours.
Complete info and registration is at: http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events: Info at http://www.masie.com 1. eLearning Briefing: Baltimore - Sept 2, 2004 2. Skills for SKILLS LAB: Saratoga Springs - Oct 6 to 8, 2004 3. Rapid eLearning Development Seminar & Roundtable - Las Vegas - Sept 8 and 9, 2004 Soon to Be Announced MASIE Center Events:
- Asian eLearning Forum
- HR eLearning Lab: New Models for Orientation & Leadership Development If you would like to host an eLearning Briefing in your part of the world, please send a note to emasie@masie.com

285 - Expirable Content DVD's

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 2, 2004
#285 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,712 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Expirable Content DVD's
2. 104 Pounds and 1 Year Later: Independence Day for Elliott
3. Baltimore/DC e-Learning Briefing Announced

1. Expirable Content DVD's: We have heard about reusable learning objects. What about Expirable Content Objects? I was in the Orlando airport on Wednesday and wanted to buy a DVD to watch on the flight home.
I encountered and purchased my first Expirable Content.

For six dollars, I purchased a DVD of a movie called "Under the Tuscan Sun." The catch is that this DVD will only work for 48 hours. Once you break the seal and expose the DVD to the air, it starts a chemical countdown that will make it unplayable 2 days later. So, for less money, I bought cool content that went away in a short time period.

Watching it on the flight home was great. Then, my wife rushed to view it the next evening. And, we are both observing it as the disk's inner ring turns to black to make it "expired". Actually, as a mission impossible fan, I would have loved to have it go up in smoke.

Let's think about how this applies to learning? It would be interesting to be able to buy some e-Learning disks at an airport, for a very reasonable cost. Expirable content could also be used for time released events. There are lots of possible downsides, including the recycle factor and the my desire to have most content linger for future use. But, pricing incentives would make me an avid buyer in the right circumstances.

To see how this technology works go to www.ez-d.com

2. 104 Pounds and 1 Year Later - Independence Day for Elliott: On a personal note, this has been quite a year for me. As we approach the American holiday of July 4th, I am celebrating my own sense of health independence.

One year ago, I underwent gastric bypass surgery, in order to deal with my obesity. Lot's of health risks threatened my well-being and I decided to have this new surgery. One year later, I have a real sense of independence. I have lost 104 pounds, have three times the energy and have improved my health dramatically. My doctor is delighted as it has resulted in me going off many medicines that are common for overweight 54 year olds. Thanks to TRENDS readers that send messages of support and care as I did this major change. Elliott has a sense of health independence this July 4th.

If you want to see the "difference":
Old Elliott:
http://www.train-net.co.uk/images/regular_columnists/Elliott%20Masie.jpg
New Elliott:
http://www.masie.com/stream/tl2003/elliott_medium-08-19-03.jpg

3. Baltimore/DC e-Learning Briefing Announced: The MASIE Center is pleased to announce our next one day e-Learning Briefing in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area. Each year, I offer this intense seminar in sites around the world. Our only Fall 2004 U.S. date will be in Baltimore, on September 2nd. Think of it as a "Back to School" focus on e-Learning and new models of organizational training. Space is limited and information/registration can be found at http://www.masie.com

e-LEARNING Consortium Spaces Available: Due to several corporate mergers, we have six openings in our e-Learning CONSORTIUM.
Join 180 other major corporations as we cooperate on inventing and implementing e-Learning. Details at http://www.masie.com

284 - Peter Drucker on Effective Executives & Wireless Access in Classrooms?

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - June 24, 2004
#284 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,687 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Peter Drucker on Effective Executives
2. Wireless Access in Classrooms?
3. Founder of ASCII & Technology Pioneer Dies

1. Peter Drucker on Effective Executives: This morning, I read an article in the current edition of Harvard Business Review by Peter Drucker. He outlined a very crisp view of what makes an effective executive. They ranged over a wide set of personalities and approaches.

However, Drucker found that they all tended to follow the same eight
practices:
* They asked, "What needs to be done?"
* They asked, "What is right for the enterprise?"
* They developed action plans.
* They took responsibility for decisions.
* They took responsibility for communicating.
* They were focused on opportunities rather than problems.
* They ran productive meetings.
* And they thought and said "we" rather than "I."
And Drucker added a ninth practice, "Listen first, speak last!"

2. Wireless Access in Classrooms?: A simple question for TRENDS readers:

"What is your policy about the use of wireless laptop access in classrooms? Do your classroom trainers allow, forbid or leverage the growing use of wireless connectivity during classes?"

Can you send me a quick note to emasie@masie.com with your experiences on this and I will post a summary in a future TRENDS.

3. Founder of ASCII & Technology Pioneer Dies: Bob Bemer, a computer pioneer who published warnings of the Y2K problem in the early 1970s and helped invent ASCII, a widely used coding system, has died after a battle with cancer at age 84.

Bemer played an major role in how the world's computers operate. He helped invent the ASCII coding system that is used in computers to represent text, and also contributed the escape key and the backslash to the computer language.

I met Bemer when I was 22 and was impressed with his view of the future of technology. He strongly believed that open standards would accelerate the development of technology and saw the need for worldwide dialogue on computer language. He will be missed!

Note: Openings Available in MASIE's e-Learning CONSORTIUM: Due to several corporate mergers, we have eight openings in our e-Learning CONSORTIUM.
Join 180 other major corporations as we cooperate on inventing and implementing e-Learning. Details at http://www.masie.com

283 - e-Learning WITH or WITHOUT an LMS?

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 28, 2004
#283 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,594 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. e-Learning WITH or WITHOUT an LMS?
2. TechLearn 2004: Dates & Speaker Proposal
3. Learning Quotation

1. e-Learning WITH or WITHOUT an LMS?: While many large organizations have installed or are installing a Learning Management System to handle their e-Learning delivery, there is a significant segment that has decided to do an LMS-Less approach to e-Learning.

Some of those organizations are using a traditional Training Registration to handle the transaction side of e-Learning and then just serving content from either provider's servers or their own web servers. Others are using a lower footprint Learning Management System, while some are integrating directly into a HRIS system.

We would like to hear from organizations that taking a "pass" on LMS systems, with some details of your experiences. We will share these back with the CONSORTIUM the next week. Just send me an email to emasie@masie.com

2. TechLearn 2004 - Dates & Speaker Proposal: For your information, the dates of this year's TechLearn conference are November 14 to 17th in New York City. Advanstar, the producer of TechLearn 2004, is accepting speaker proposals for the event at:
http://www.advanstartech.com/cfp/

3. Learning Quotation: John Cotton Dana (1856�"1929), American Librarian and Museum Director

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." - John Cotton Dana

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
- London e-Learning Briefing: June 14th
- e-Learning Design & Development SIG Roundtable: Las Vegas - June 7-8
- e-Learning SKILLS Lab @ The MASIE Center: Saratoga Springs - Oct 6-8 Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com

282 - Rapid Learning Development Needs Rise & Mesh Networking Technology: Technology Radar Screen

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 25, 2004
#282 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,587 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Rapid Learning Development Needs Rise
2. Mesh Networking Technology: Technology Radar Screen
3. London eLearning Briefing & Las Vegas Developer SIG

1. Rapid Learning Development Needs Rise: The number one request that I hear from learning and training colleagues is for tools, methods and approaches that allow for rapid development of content.

As e-Learning becomes more accepted and integrated into daily corporate lives, business units are wanting to deploy MASSIVE amounts of content, rapidly and at a reasonable cost. This demand level cannot be met with traditional full blown instructional design and coding. So, organizations are turning to tools and methods that allow them to:
- Build a sound instructional template and then have subject matter experts populate the content using word processors and other simple tools.
- Deploy drag and drop authoring tools, also using templates, that allow for rapid creation of learning objects.
- Leverage internal processes that are linked directly to Document Management, so that content can be authored ONCE and deployed for both LEARNING and PERFORMANCE SUPPORT.

While there are many circumstances where premium topics will be developed at the high end level, much of the content that is now being created will be developed in a rapid and lower cost format.

2. Mesh Networking Technology - On My Technology Radar Screen: TRENDS tries to track emerging technologies that will impact both the overall corporate computing world and also our world of learning and training.
Keep your eyes on Mesh Networking Technology.

Mesh networking provides an innovative method to build complex data networks very easily. Small batteries can power tiny computing devices that interact with the network by sending data from one device to another, until it reaches the server.

For example, Mesh Networking is being used to have paintings in art galleries communicate their status (have I been moved recently) from one painting to another one and on to the security desk. Small buttons on the back of each painting are all that are needed, rather than wires to every device.

Meshing is a fundamentally different approach to routing through networks, and does not follow the conventions of network design. In a mesh network nodes get given their basic rules of the road, and then they are left to establish their connections autonomously. The node may discover many potential routes through the network, and it will select the most suitable route based upon the shortest distance to reach the other node.

Meshing delivers networks that are: Self Organizing - each node works the routing out for itself, saving time and effort in administration; Wide Ranging - multi-hop networks extend wireless range around obstacles and over greater distances; Scalable - just add more nodes. The routing configuration is automatic, and there is no exponential rise in complexity as the network grows; Resilient - The self organizing functions run continuously, so when changes occur to connections and reception the mesh will automatically re-route around blockages in real time; Affordable - Each mesh node is inexpensive. As there are no central controllers needed the costs are linear.

Keep your ears open for mesh networking as it makes it way into many parts of our lives. The intersection of mesh networking, wireless and context rich learning content will also be intriguing. TRENDS will follow this innovation area in the years ahead.

3. London eLearning Briefing & Las Vegas Developer SIG: There are approximately 10 seats available in each of two MASIE Events that are coming up in the weeks ahead:
* London e-Learning Briefing: June 14th
* Las Vegas e-Learning Design & Developer SIG: June 7 and 8 Complete info and registration at http://www.masie.com/

281 - Training Decisions Later and Later; Business Metrics for Learning

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 12, 2004
#281 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,411 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Training Decisions Later and Later
2. Business Metrics for Learning
3. Learning Quotation

1. Training Decisions Later and Later: People are deciding to attend classes, conferences and other learning events later and later. The percentage of last minute registrations are soaring, often creating havoc for the planning logistics of training departments and conference sponsors.

National associations are seeing as many as 60% of their registrations for conferences come in during the last few weeks, often resulting in huge numbers of walk-in, on-site registrations. Managers are often delaying making the final decision about a learner attending a class, even participating in an on-line class, until the last minute, to see what staffing levels and more urgent projects are on the radar screen.

A number of our e-Learning CONSORTIUM members report a pattern of last-minute registrations and cancellations for all types of learning events. One manager found that she had 75 cancellations and 59 last minute registrations for a 200 person in-house conference.

We are seeing a similar pattern for synchronous on-line events. Often as many as 30% of the registered attendees will be no-shows, driven higher by the knowledge that they can view the events asynchronously later on.

Business Metrics for Learning: Here is a quick list of some metrics that organizations are starting to use as indicators of the impact of new approaches to learning:
* Time to Launch a New Product
* Time to Hire and Deploy a New Staff Member
* Time to Compliance for Regulations
* Time to Implement a Systems Change
* Time to Globalize a Process
* Time to Merge with New Company or Organization
* Time to Quality Targets
* Time to Sale
All of these are trackable and can be directly impacted by enterprise learning approaches.

3. Learning Quotation:

"It's what we think we know already that keeps us from learning."
Claude Bernard

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* e-Learning Design & Development SIG - Las Vegas
* e-Learning Briefing - London, England
* e-Learning Skills LAB - Saratoga Springs, NY Information and Schedule at http://www.masie.com

280 - Instant Messenger Innovations & Learning

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 27, 2004 #280 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,365 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Instant Messenger Innovations & Learning
2. Learning Quotation
3. Over 430 Tips (Send a Few More)
4. e-Learning Skills LAB - 9 Spaces Open

1. Instant Messenger Innovations & Learning: In recent days, Yahoo and Microsoft have announced new versions of their Instant Messenger (IM) technologies. IM is being integrated more closely into browsers, aligned with Net Services (such as games and e-Commerce) and increased collaboration and video/audio over IP functionality.

I would urge you to put IM on your Learning TRENDS Radar Screen. We believe that the role of "always on" connectivity will evolve into broader collaboration capabilities. In additon, we predict that organizations will standardize on a corporate IM/Collaborative technology, which will evolve into voice over IP, video conference and virtual classroom hubs.
Learning technologies will be asked to use a corporate standard rather than application specific tools.

2. Learning Quotation:

"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper." - Robert Frost

3. Over 430 Tips (Send a Few More): Recently, I asked for TRENDS readers to send us some eLearning Tips. I wished for about 100 good ones. Well, we got over 430 GREAT ONES! We are in the process of putting these together into a FREE electronic book/website and will have it ready in the about 4 or 5 weeks. If you want to add a few more, send them in to emasie@masie.com

4. e-Learning Skills LAB - 9 Spaces Open: We have a few spaces left in our May session of our e-Learning Skills LAB at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs. This is a 3 day, hands-on, drill down on all aspects of e-Learning which I lead a few times a year. Info at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* e-Learning Design & Development SIG - Las Vegas
* e-Learning Briefing - London, England
* e-Learning Skills LAB - Saratoga Springs, NY
* e-Learning Hispanica - Miami, Florida
Information and Schedule at http://www.masie.com

279 - 101 Tips for e-Learning

TO: Learning & Training Colleagues
FROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center
RE: 101 Tips for e-Learning

There are over 47,000 readers of TRENDS. Let's pool our thinking to put together a RAPID and FREE mini-book focused on:

101 Tips for e-Learning

It is a simple idea. If you can take a few moments to reply to this email (or send it to emasie@masie.com) with one or more Tips for e-Learning.

Your tip can be a Success or a Failure that you have experienced in trying to deliver e-Learning. Your tip could be a strategy tip for redesigning learning in your organization. Your tip could be a technology trap to avoid or a better method for blending e-Learning and Classroom.

In the next seven days we will compile these into a list of what hopefully will be at least 101 Tips for e-Learning. And, we will then publish that on our website for all to read. Your tip will be credited to you, unless you would like to be nameless (which is OK too).

Ready? Just respond to this email with your e-Learning TIP!

Yours in Learning...
Elliott Masie

Upcoming MASIE Center Events: http://www.masie.com
* e-Learning Briefing - Baltimore - April 19 (10 spaces available)
* e-Learning Skills LAB - Saratoga Springs - May 24-26
* e-Learning Design & Development SIG - Las Vegas - June 7-8
* e-Learning Hispancia - Miami - June 22-23

278 - e-Learning Tax Considered by Congress

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 1, 2004
#278 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,287 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. e-Learning Tax Considered by Congress
2. Pretzels Seen to Increase Learning Rate

1. e-Learning Tax Considered by Congress: The MASIE Center has learned that several members of the U.S. Congress are considering a proposal to add an e-Learning Tax. As the use of on-line learning grows, this is seen as a ripe area for "revenue enhancement". The tax would be based on the level of interactivity and learning involvement. Some members of Congress have been taking a wide range of e-Learning courses themselves to better understand the revenue potential. A sticky issue might be the impact of a non-completion of a course on obligated taxes. LMS vendors are starting to prepare special modules aimed at tracking and paying this "learning
tax".

2. Pretzels Seen to Increase Learning Rate: Researchers at Bachman
University have discovered that eating pretzels has a direct impact on the rate and effectiveness of learning. This seems to apply to both on-line and classroom based learning. One study does reveal that round pretzels are slightly more effective than stick pretzels.

Ah, the impact of the first of April. Yup, April 1st, that day of jokes.

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie

Upcoming MASIE Center Events at http://www.masie.com

277 - Innovations from Telecom Industry May Impact Learning

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 23, 2004
#277 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,245 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Innovations from Telecom Industry May Impact Learning
2. Learning Quotation: Deming
3. MASIE Center Lab Session in Spring

There is a lot of interesting news coming from the CTIA Show in Atlanta,
focusing on innovations in the Telecom Industry and most specifically on
changes in the Voice Over IP (Internet) market. These may have some
interesting implications for learning, training and knowledge management
projects. Here are some of the announcements and predictions from that
event:

* Microsoft, Sprint and Bell Mobility are working on efforts to leverage
the ability of the system to determine the exact location of every cell
phone. Linked with knowledge databases, this would allow businesses to
either track and/or delivery CONTEXT rich CONTENT to employees or
customers, or to determine patterns of work and affiliation.

* Sun, Cisco, Verizon and Nextel are all loudly talking about Voice Over
the Internet protocols. The aim? Eliminate the hard wired, separate
network of black telephones on your desk. Instead, leverage a rich wired
and wireless internet based telephony solution. As these visions and
investments harvest, a natural application is collaboration and learning.

* Best Buy, Radio Shack and and convenience stores will start to sell Ring
Tones for cell phones, including popular songs, directly to customers,
bypassing phone companies. For example, put $1 in a vending machine at
one of these stores and you get a card that will allow a download of
entertainment content to a mobile phone. Watch for this to expand into
learning or knowledge content as well. While visiting an area, you could
buy for a few dollars a complete tour and context rich history, linked to
the location/GPS element of the cell phone.

We are tracking innovations from the Telecom field as one of the
innovation centers where future learning changes may arise. If you would
like more info on these stories, go to:
http://zdnet.com.com/2251-1110-5176684.html

2. Learning Quotation: This is one of my favorites...

"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival!"
- W. Edwards Deming (1900 - 1993)

3. MASIE Center e-Learning Skills Lab Announced: Each season we host a
small group of learning professionals at our 10,000 square foot lab in
Saratoga Springs, NY. Our next event will be held this Spring.
Information and reservations at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* e-Learning Hispanica (Miami) June 22-23 (e-Learning for Spanish Speaking
Learners)
* e-Learning Briefing (Baltimore) April 19 (1 Day Update)
* e-Learning SKILLS LAB (Saratoga Springs) May 24-26 (Hands-On Seminar and
Skills Retreat at The MASIE Center)
- Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com

276 - Self-Service Trends and Learning; Sarbanes-Oxley Act: e-Learning for Boards

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 17, 2004
#276 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,215 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Self-Service Trends and Learning
2. Sarbanes-Oxley Act: e-Learning for Boards
3. Washington/Baltimore e-Learning Briefing

1. Self-Service Trends and Learning: Everyday, the reach of Self-Service
grows dramatically. Self-Service is not a phrase we hear a lot about in
learning and training circles, but it is a critical change in how many
functions are occurring in both business and personal arenas.

For example, yesterday when I checked into the airport in Dallas, I was
greeted by a bank of Self-Service kiosks. Swiped my credit card and
within seconds was offered the ability to fly on an earlier flight, for
the slight fee of $25 dollars. (Which I took). A few seconds later, I was
offered an upgrade to first class for $125 (Which I declined). I was
checked-in, upsold and processed and I loved it!

Self-Service interactions are expanding within organizations as employees
are using the web for almost every HR interaction. Self-Service
interactions are expanding in the retail world, from do-it-yourself
scanning at the grocery stores to on-line ordering of books. And, with
the growth of RFID radio tags, we will see a whole new wave of
Self-Service expand in the years ahead.

Self-Service acceptance also has huge implications for the role of
e-Learning. We will see mini-modules built into Self-Service to deliver
just-in-time content and context. (eg. Explain to Elliott the rules for
changing flights for a minimal fee). It also conditions the workforce
towards the web as a knowledge, collaboration and transactional vehicle.

Start a dialogue within your own organization about the extent and
intensity of Self-Service. It is a great launching pad for a rich
discussion about e-Learning.

2. Sarbanes-Oxley Act - e-Learning for Boards: As a member of several
Boards of Directors, I have become all to familiar with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, which defines new rules for governance, transparency and
accountability. In the past few months, The MASIE Center is hearing from
more and more corporations who are deploying e-Learning tools and programs
to address Sarbanes-Oxley related topics:

* Corporate Board of Directors are being briefing and "tested" on
governance issues using virtual classroom tools.
* e-Learning Briefings on Provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley are being developed
by internal and third party content providers to teach Board and Executive
staff the new provisions.
* Board meetings are being documented and logged at a much richer level,
often using collaborative tools.
* Ethics courses and seminars are popping up in Board training.
* Communities of Practice for Board Members in industries are growing to
provide peer coaching on these issues.

It is the first time in my career that I have seen widespread educational
efforts aimed at Board Members and a great opportunity to give them
personal experiences with the tools of e-Learning. I would love to hear
about similar programs from TRENDS readers. Send me a note to
emasie@masie.com

3. Washington/Baltimore e-Learning Briefing: I am pleased to offer one of
our popular One Day Briefings on e-Learning in Baltimore, Maryland on
Monday, April 19th. There are still spaces available and special
discounts for our government colleagues in the D.C. area. Information and
registration at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events: http://www.masie.com

e-Learning Hispanica (Miami) June 22-23 (e-Learning for Spanish Speaking
Learners)
* e-Learning Briefing (Baltimore) April 19 (1 Day Update)
* VidCon 2004 Update (Baltimore) April 20 (1 Day Briefing on Video
Conferencing)
* e-Learning SKILLS LAB (Saratoga Springs) May 24-26 (Hands-On Seminar and
Skills Retreat at The MASIE Center)

Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com

274 - Technology for the Classroom: e-Timers

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 26, 2004
#274 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
47,012 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Technology for the Classroom: e-Timers
2. Six MASIE Center e-Learning Events Announced

1. Technology for the Classroom: Ce-Timers: It is important for us to
continue to leverage technology for learning activities WITHIN the
classroom, as well as on-line courses. I have been using a very simple and free application that has been very effective, a Count Down Timer.

When I run courses here at the Center and learners are working in small groups or teams, I use a simple countdown timer that runs on my computer and is projected on screens in our classroom. If the group has two or five minutes to discuss a task, this keeps them all in the role of timekeeper. And, if someone wants us to discuss a topic, I will often as how much time they would like us to allocate and then launch the timer and it keeps the whole group on time. Here is a web-based timer that I use:

http://www.masie.com/stream/timer.htm

2. Six MASIE Center e-Learning Events Announced: Here are six programs, including two new events that The MASIE Center is offering in the near
future:

* e-Learning Hispanica (Miami) June 22-23 (e-Learning for Spanish Speaking Learners)
* Learning Management Systems Special Interest Group (Las Vegas) March 8-9
* e-Learning Briefing (Baltimore) April 19 (1 Day Update)
* Virtual Classroom/Collaboration Special Interest Group (Las Vegas) March 10-11
* VidCon 2004 Update (Baltimore) April 20 (1 Day Briefing on Video
Conferencing)
* e-Learning SKILLS LAB (Saratoga Springs) May 24-26 (Hands-On Seminar and Skills Retreat at The MASIE Center)

Information & Registration: http://www.masie.com

273 - Universities Create Open Source LMS System; Results of Learning "DNA" Question

TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 18, 2004
#273 - Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
46,993 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Universities Create Open Source LMS System
2. e-Learning Hispanica Announced
3. Results of Learning "DNA" Question

1. Universities Create Open Source LMS System: Four universities have
announced a $6.8 million collaborative venture to create open source
courseware tools and related software for higher education institutions. The Sakai Project is a collaboration of Indiana U, MIT, Stanford and U of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In addition, funding from the Mellon Foundation is supporting this effort. Here are their deliverable goals:

"Enterprise Services-based Portal, a complete Course Management System
with sophisticated assessment tools, a Research Support Collaboration
System, a Workflow Engine, and a Tool Portability Profile as a clear
standard for writing future tools that can extend this core set of
educational applications."

There is an active dialogue about how this will either compete or
complement the work of private courseware management providers like
Blackboard and WebCT. And, an open question is whether enough resources can be harnessed in the Open Source model to build reliable offerings.

TRENDS will be tracking the Sakai Project in the coming months.
Information is available at http://www.sakaiproject.org/

2. e-Learning Hispanica Announced: Advisors Wanted: The MASIE Center is proud to announce e-Learning HISPANICA, to be held in Miami, Florida on June 22 and 23, 2004.

e-Learning HISPANICA is the first event that will bring together the
e-Learning field from both Spanish speaking countries in the Americas and Europe as well as companies that are providing Spanish e-Learning as a second language option to their employees worldwide.

The event will be translated to both Spanish and English and we are
looking for Advisors for this event. If you are developing, delivering or selling e-Learning in Spanish, please send a note to emasie@masie.com

Also, mark the dates on your calendar and we will provide more information in the coming weeks.

3. Results of Learning "DNA" Question: Talking of international use of e-Learning, we had a strong response to my recent question about the "DNA" of learners around the world.

The vast majority of the respondents (which mostly reflected readers from Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America ) attributed the
differences to numerous cultural and personal factors. The DNA "strains" that were consistently mentioned for how e-Learning differs globally included:

* Learner's Background: experience, skills, professional and personal
roles
* Learner's Preferences: learning styles, motivation...context
* Communication style
* Educational Experience: rote memory, clear-cut lesson plans vs. one
which encouraged questions, controversy and debate
* Social Needs: team oriented vs. more a individualist approach
Environment: formal, tight structure vs. informal, interactive
* Corporate Culture and Values: the DNA of the organization itself

A summary of comments can be found at http://www.masie.com/trends/dna/

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
- Learning Management System Special Interest Group (SIG) - Las Vegas - March 8 and 9, 2004
- Virtual Classroom/Collaboration Special Interest Group (SIG) - Las Vegas - March 10 and 11, 2004
- e-Learning Skills LAB - Saratoga Springs, NY - Next Week
Info and registration: http://www.masie.com

272 - Does Learning "DNA" Differ Around the World? & Small Cameras in Classrooms!

TRENDS by Elliott Masie -- February 10, 2004 #272-Updates on Learning, eLearning and Training
46,975 Readers - The MASIE Center - www.masie.com

1. Does Learning "DNA" Differ Around the World?
2. Small Cameras in Classrooms!
3. MASIE Skills Lab Has 7 Spaces Open

1. Does Learning "DNA" Differ Around the World?: I am in London this morning, at a meeting of our e-Learning CONSORTIUM. There is a hot dialogue going on this morning about how e-Learning differs in various regions of the world. Reports from Brazil, Japan, England and the U.S.
seem to indicate that learners might bring a sort of "Learner DNA" to the task of e-Learning. This may be based on how their education system is organized, the verbal traditions in their culture and the assumptions about interaction in each region. I said that I would add comments from TRENDS readers to our conversation. Send me a quick note to emasie@msaie.com and I will share our findings back out next week.

2. Small Cameras in Classrooms!: Make an investment in a small, $1,000 camera mounted on the wall in the back of your classrooms. These can be controlled by ethernet and can be leveraged for both real time stremaing of events and/or capturing of the proceedings to be used as e-Learning content in the future. We have added these to our rooms at the Center and find we can easily capture (without disruption) an event at the drop of a hat.

3. MASIE Skills Lab Has 7 Spaces Open: There are only 7 spaces left in our popular e-Learning Skills LAB to be held in Saratoga Springs, NY on February 23 - 25th. This is a very hands-on, interactive 3 day lab that focuses on the skills for deploying e-Learning in medium and large organizations. Complete information at http://www.masie.com

Upcoming MASIE Center Events:
* BizLearn: Business of Learning (Baltimore)
* LMS Special Interest Group SIG (Las Vegas)
* Virtual Classroom/Collaboration SIG (Las Vegas)
* e-Learning Skills LAB (Saratoga)
* e-Learning Hispanica (Miami)
Info at: http://www.masie.com