Friday, July 27, 2007
Top 10 Tools
One of my favorite sites, the Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies, has asked for lists of "Top 10 Tools". Here's my submission.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
"Better than Bullet Points: Creating Engaging E-Learning with PowerPoint"
.... now available for preorder from amazon.com!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Attention Government Trainers
Can't make the NAGTAD (National Association for Government Training and Development) Conference in Helena, MT this year? Then join the concurrent LIVE ONLINE NAGTAD CONFERENCE August 20-22!
First, join in for real-time participation in the keynote along with those attending in Helena. Then participate as three of the most popular conference presentations are repeated just for the online group.
Sessions are:"TrainerSmarts": Live session in real time with the Helena group (me). Succession Planning in State Government" (Laurette Burdyl, State of South Carolina)"Creating a Culture that is Resilient to Change" (Pauline Higgins, State of Mississippi)"A Soft Sale: Using Proven Sales Strategies to Build Training Commitment" (Susan Lowman-Thomas, State of Idaho)
PLUS: conference updates — Enjoy access to conference session handouts, a conference blog, updates and networking opportunities. Conference correspondents will create audioblog messages to keep you posted on activities, themes, and “the pulse” of the live conference in Helena, and offer ideas for helping you stay in touch with new friends you’ll meet in the online sessions! See http://www.nagtad.org/conference2007/conf_online07.asp for details.
First, join in for real-time participation in the keynote along with those attending in Helena. Then participate as three of the most popular conference presentations are repeated just for the online group.
Sessions are:"TrainerSmarts": Live session in real time with the Helena group (me). Succession Planning in State Government" (Laurette Burdyl, State of South Carolina)"Creating a Culture that is Resilient to Change" (Pauline Higgins, State of Mississippi)"A Soft Sale: Using Proven Sales Strategies to Build Training Commitment" (Susan Lowman-Thomas, State of Idaho)
PLUS: conference updates — Enjoy access to conference session handouts, a conference blog, updates and networking opportunities. Conference correspondents will create audioblog messages to keep you posted on activities, themes, and “the pulse” of the live conference in Helena, and offer ideas for helping you stay in touch with new friends you’ll meet in the online sessions! See http://www.nagtad.org/conference2007/conf_online07.asp for details.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Yes You CAN Create E-learning Games
Here's a great reference tool from Diane Elkins and Desiree Ward of Alcon, Ward & Partners. It's their handout from Training 2007. Nice outline of products, most low-cost or free, and quick description of each.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Remote test proctoring: An old problem solved
While I'm not much of a fan of testing I do feel obligated to pass this on for those whose organizations require it. There's also potential here for going beyond the paper-and-pencil test and have remote learners provide teachbacks, demonstrations, or other application of skills by way of a 'test':
http://www.xplanazine.com/archives/2006/10/
smartphoneassis.php
http://www.xplanazine.com/archives/2006/10/
smartphoneassis.php
Thursday, June 14, 2007
E-Learning Guild event: Note To Attendees
Greetings to those who participated in today's live online event: "It's About Design, Not Software". With over 150 attendees many chat comments just flew by, and some of you were left with unanswered questions. Here are some questions and my comments:
Q. How do you make a screen shot with new data fields more interesting?
A. Don't focus so much on the individual shots. How can you put the entire training program into a more interesting context? Realistic problem, scenario? Airplane engine assembly isn't very interesting... but Karl Kapp suggests creating the "Case of: Why Won't This Engine Start?"
Q. What about learners who don't have their own computers?
A. Well, we don't all have our own photocopy machines, either. Users will likely only need access to e-learning programs for half an hour (I hope!) at a time. Set up a shared station or otherwise arrange short-term access for such users. Michael McGinniss, when he was at Jabil,Inc, began his first organizational e-learning program with surplused machines set up in the corner of the employee cafeteria.
Q. Does ELearning consist of a chat response like what we have here or is there some other interactive component?
A. Depends. Most of the participants here seem interested in developing asynchronous e-elearning programs, so no, there likely wouldn't be a live chat component. Today's session was a synchronous presentation more than "e-learning".
Q. Can you suggest sources for art?
A. http://www.clipart.com/, http://www.istockphoto.com/ , http://www.shutterstock.com/
Q. What about global training? Don't you have to be careful that pictures, etc. are universally recognized?
A. At some point you may decide to have more than one version of your programs for use by different audiences. I love the add-in characters from VoxProxy; voices can be set to, for instance, American, British, or Australian English. Be careful of making something so generic for all that it becomes relevant to none.
Q. We will be training faculty and they will not want to play games. What other ideas do you have for interactivity?
A. "Interactivity" is not just clicking or playing games. Try using scenarios, cases, etc. Also, be careful of too many blanket assumptions about faculty--- people are more amenable to games than you may think. AND NOTE TO ALL: Please refer to the chart of different activity types-- it's in your handout.
Q. What about a topic like "Professionalism"?
A. Well.... without knowing more about your objectives: a first-person tour of day one on a new job, showing desirable and undesirable on job behaviors (NC has a great classroom program on this, with a great video we're going to convert for the online version); 'what's wrong with this picture' scenarios; quick photo-supported-by-audio examples of good/bad behaviors in a job interview/customer service situation/telephone troubleshooting; photos of dressing for success, or not, offered as multiple choice quiz w/ feedback...
Finally: There were lots, and lots, of comments on what Legal, or management, or SMEs, or somebody, will and won't allow: no scenarios, no humor, nothing interesting.... This is analagous to the classroom trainer who cannot set up a classroom in a way that promotes interaction and collaboration because management ordered heavy unweildy tables that can't be moved. Regardless of whose fault it is, or the rationale, the learning experience -- and the learner -- is ultimately what is hurt by it. If all we are allowed to do is load content onto slides, then what is the point of "doing e-learning" in the first place? Work to educate those around you (and work 'around' when you can). Keep fighting the good fight.
Jane
Q. How do you make a screen shot with new data fields more interesting?
A. Don't focus so much on the individual shots. How can you put the entire training program into a more interesting context? Realistic problem, scenario? Airplane engine assembly isn't very interesting... but Karl Kapp suggests creating the "Case of: Why Won't This Engine Start?"
Q. What about learners who don't have their own computers?
A. Well, we don't all have our own photocopy machines, either. Users will likely only need access to e-learning programs for half an hour (I hope!) at a time. Set up a shared station or otherwise arrange short-term access for such users. Michael McGinniss, when he was at Jabil,Inc, began his first organizational e-learning program with surplused machines set up in the corner of the employee cafeteria.
Q. Does ELearning consist of a chat response like what we have here or is there some other interactive component?
A. Depends. Most of the participants here seem interested in developing asynchronous e-elearning programs, so no, there likely wouldn't be a live chat component. Today's session was a synchronous presentation more than "e-learning".
Q. Can you suggest sources for art?
A. http://www.clipart.com/, http://www.istockphoto.com/ , http://www.shutterstock.com/
Q. What about global training? Don't you have to be careful that pictures, etc. are universally recognized?
A. At some point you may decide to have more than one version of your programs for use by different audiences. I love the add-in characters from VoxProxy; voices can be set to, for instance, American, British, or Australian English. Be careful of making something so generic for all that it becomes relevant to none.
Q. We will be training faculty and they will not want to play games. What other ideas do you have for interactivity?
A. "Interactivity" is not just clicking or playing games. Try using scenarios, cases, etc. Also, be careful of too many blanket assumptions about faculty--- people are more amenable to games than you may think. AND NOTE TO ALL: Please refer to the chart of different activity types-- it's in your handout.
Q. What about a topic like "Professionalism"?
A. Well.... without knowing more about your objectives: a first-person tour of day one on a new job, showing desirable and undesirable on job behaviors (NC has a great classroom program on this, with a great video we're going to convert for the online version); 'what's wrong with this picture' scenarios; quick photo-supported-by-audio examples of good/bad behaviors in a job interview/customer service situation/telephone troubleshooting; photos of dressing for success, or not, offered as multiple choice quiz w/ feedback...
Finally: There were lots, and lots, of comments on what Legal, or management, or SMEs, or somebody, will and won't allow: no scenarios, no humor, nothing interesting.... This is analagous to the classroom trainer who cannot set up a classroom in a way that promotes interaction and collaboration because management ordered heavy unweildy tables that can't be moved. Regardless of whose fault it is, or the rationale, the learning experience -- and the learner -- is ultimately what is hurt by it. If all we are allowed to do is load content onto slides, then what is the point of "doing e-learning" in the first place? Work to educate those around you (and work 'around' when you can). Keep fighting the good fight.
Jane
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Happy Blog of Cheesecake
One of the best new low cost/FREE technologies is the blog. Take a look at http://englishiwate.blogspot.com/ --it's a blog supporting students in Japan learning to speak English, and shows the perfect marriage of technology, instructional goal, reflective practice, and meaningful learner-to-learner collaboration. Scroll down for links to individual student blogs.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Control.
....So I am just home from a fab (or should I say 'magical'?) time at Training 2007. Kathy Sierra kicked _ _ _ , as usual, and it is always good to see Mr. Kirpatrick, Ms. Barbazette, Dr. Hale, et al.
I did my "collaboration on a shoestring" presentation, in w hich we explore training applications for free technologies like blogs and wikis. It's always a fun one, and very gratifying to see the 'ah-ha' lights in attendees' eyes when I show them "23 Things" or the ESL wiki project. What has me concerned, though, is that every, and I mean it, question asked during the session was on the issue of control: "What if they post inappropriate comments? Can I password protect it? Can I install inside our firewall?"
I know that these are legitimate concerns, and yes, there are solutions to them, but: No one asked any questions about effective design, results, whether we felt the approaches were working, etc.
This seems to come up again and again. People are concerned with tracking but not with outcomes. They're concerned with the equivalent of what we used to call "butts in seats" reports, with seemingly little regard for whether anyone can perform better after they leave those seats.
I did my "collaboration on a shoestring" presentation, in w hich we explore training applications for free technologies like blogs and wikis. It's always a fun one, and very gratifying to see the 'ah-ha' lights in attendees' eyes when I show them "23 Things" or the ESL wiki project. What has me concerned, though, is that every, and I mean it, question asked during the session was on the issue of control: "What if they post inappropriate comments? Can I password protect it? Can I install inside our firewall?"
I know that these are legitimate concerns, and yes, there are solutions to them, but: No one asked any questions about effective design, results, whether we felt the approaches were working, etc.
This seems to come up again and again. People are concerned with tracking but not with outcomes. They're concerned with the equivalent of what we used to call "butts in seats" reports, with seemingly little regard for whether anyone can perform better after they leave those seats.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
FREE 10-minute email
Check this out-- FREE 10-minute email accounts that evaporate. Great for times you need a verification email but don't want to give out your real address. See http://www.10minutemail.com/10MinuteMail/index.html
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Just say no...
My friend Karl Kapp (watch for his new book, Games, Gadgets and Gizmos, out soon from Pfeiffer) had a "Shoestring" discussion on his blog recently.
One reader's comment included this, as well put as I've ever seen it:
"How are these vendors able to come into a company and convince them that they need these items without someone inside the company saying “Hold the fort! We can do that for free.” I just find it really bizarre that there is no one there to wave the flag to these people. Also, wouldn’t some of these vendors be better off offering these companies, low-cost eLearning solutions that they can get return business and a good name out there for themselves?"
To which I add, "Amen!"
One reader's comment included this, as well put as I've ever seen it:
"How are these vendors able to come into a company and convince them that they need these items without someone inside the company saying “Hold the fort! We can do that for free.” I just find it really bizarre that there is no one there to wave the flag to these people. Also, wouldn’t some of these vendors be better off offering these companies, low-cost eLearning solutions that they can get return business and a good name out there for themselves?"
To which I add, "Amen!"
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
It's about DESIGN, not software!
Aarggh! So yesterday I get a call from someone proudly proclaiming the completion of her new asynchronous course. She's concerned that it's "all text" and when I suggest using case studies and simulations the response was: "But I don't know how to do that."
The kicker: the organization spent TEN THOUSAND dollars on an 'authoring tool' (that doesn't do anything you can't do with PowerPoint) but not one dime on giving this person a moment of training in instructional design.
Can we all now say in unison: "And two years from now management will say ' We tried e-learning and it didn't work.' "
The kicker: the organization spent TEN THOUSAND dollars on an 'authoring tool' (that doesn't do anything you can't do with PowerPoint) but not one dime on giving this person a moment of training in instructional design.
Can we all now say in unison: "And two years from now management will say ' We tried e-learning and it didn't work.' "
Monday, November 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Ha! Talk about full circle...
I was just surfing and ran into this newest twist. CRACKS ME UP.
Check it out: how to create PowerPoint-type files...with Flash: http://www.flzone.com/ShowDetail.asp?NewsId=7364
Check it out: how to create PowerPoint-type files...with Flash: http://www.flzone.com/ShowDetail.asp?NewsId=7364
Thursday, November 16, 2006
FREE synchronous programs
Join me for these FREE online sessions. Visit www.insynctraining.com and check the calendar for descriptions and registration information:
Holiday Stressbusters
November 20, 12:45 to 2 pm EST
And for spring 2007:
HQ: Your Happiness Quotient
January 16, 1 to 2 pm EST
TrainerSmarts!
Winner, Training magazine Editor’s Pick Award: Best Synchronous Program
March 13, 1 to 2 pm EST
Juggling 101: Managing Multiple Priorities
Winner, LOLA Award for Best Use of Synchronous Tools
April 10, 1 to 2 pm EST
Speaking with Sizzle, Substance, and Style
May 22, 1 to 2 pm EST
I'll also be teaching the "Synchronous Facilitator Certificate" program for InSync on Wednesdays in February. Check the InSync calendar for details.
Holiday Stressbusters
November 20, 12:45 to 2 pm EST
And for spring 2007:
HQ: Your Happiness Quotient
January 16, 1 to 2 pm EST
TrainerSmarts!
Winner, Training magazine Editor’s Pick Award: Best Synchronous Program
March 13, 1 to 2 pm EST
Juggling 101: Managing Multiple Priorities
Winner, LOLA Award for Best Use of Synchronous Tools
April 10, 1 to 2 pm EST
Speaking with Sizzle, Substance, and Style
May 22, 1 to 2 pm EST
I'll also be teaching the "Synchronous Facilitator Certificate" program for InSync on Wednesdays in February. Check the InSync calendar for details.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Low cost web conferencing tool
Greetings from Vegas! I heard from a fellow government trainer today about a happy experience with the e/pop web conferencing software. Reliable, user-friendly, and LOW COST.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Smith-Corona Award Nominees
...the electric typewriter award for the IT Director most determined to block anything useful. Here are the top 3 so far:
1. The IT Director who will not let his training staff access the 5,000+ member Tr-Dev group because, he says, "If it's free, it can't be any good, can it?"
2. The IT Director who said, "If SIX people look at streaming video at one time, the ENTIRE state network will crash!" After which he admitted they were blocking all streaming media becuse the HR staff kept getting caught watching soaps at work.
3. The IT director who won't let staff enable the wireless technology on the laptops, so they can't access the Internet while on the road...which was the point of getting the laptops...
OTHERS? Oh please oh please send them to me!
1. The IT Director who will not let his training staff access the 5,000+ member Tr-Dev group because, he says, "If it's free, it can't be any good, can it?"
2. The IT Director who said, "If SIX people look at streaming video at one time, the ENTIRE state network will crash!" After which he admitted they were blocking all streaming media becuse the HR staff kept getting caught watching soaps at work.
3. The IT director who won't let staff enable the wireless technology on the laptops, so they can't access the Internet while on the road...which was the point of getting the laptops...
OTHERS? Oh please oh please send them to me!
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