The HUGE Value Of A Learning Strategy

Maybe it’s because I recently completed an eighty page e-Learning Strategy for a client, but this article by my good friend Kevin Moore succinctly spells out the value of creating a learning strategy. Many companies forgo this exercise because they see it as a waste of time and/or money. My experience has shown this saves money and time in the long run — it also saves a lot of grief and headaches. Check it out.

By Kevin Moore

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to work with some very large organizations (large to me = billion or more in revenue and 10 to 20 thousand people) who are wonderfully talented and really smart but fail to have a strategy in place to help them navigate this learning and performance world. Taking time to develop a strategy is one of the most thoughtful, professional, and organizationally responsible things any leader can do for their organization. Simply put, it allows you to make better decisions and align and link your group’s achievements to the rest of the organization. This makes everything you do within your group more effective and efficient, rather than unorganized and uncoordinated. These are not hard to do….really! However, I will recommend using a consultant organization as they can set up and run meetings, interviews, and group data collection activities across organizations that are sometimes limited by politics and positions from folks who are within the organization. Also, I wouldn’t pay for a lengthy engagement but I would hire a group who has done learning strategy analysis, has a methodology, can show you some past successes, and can get in and get out in a limited amount of time. This article is taken from an opening chapter in an eBook that was published by the eLearning Guild earlier this year. I wrote the opening chapter but you should also take a look at some of the other chapters as they are written by some folks who I consider pretty accomplished and credible. You decide….

You can go download the entire book from our website. Look on the left side menu there is a download button. What I’ve taken from the chapter for this article is some of the background information, intent of the strategy, and what it should encompass.

Learning Strategy
A learning strategy describes the input, output, and measures of the system and should have organizational, departmental, business unit, and individual references. This should be a far reaching document that details how the organization is going to facilitate continuous improvement in its employees. This implies a focus on the development of a learning culture. To achieve this goal, the utility of knowledge must be increased through three key components:

1. Capture/creation of data, information and knowledge assets in support of each individual’s performance functions across the organization. Links to knowledge management and document management practices.
2. Intelligent storage leveraging useful taxonomies, search, and retrieve capability that better manages and improves access to content.
3. Dissemination/access practices, including but not limited to: e-Learning, instructor-led training, documentation, mentoring/coaching, and outside sources.

Read more…

Using Social Networks To Support Learning And Training

My friend and co-worker wrote this great article on the use of Web 2.0 technologies and their support of training and competencies. You really need to read this!

By Rod Ford

In a previous post, I asked the question: How can social network environments be used to support competency models that include attitudes and behaviors?

With the variety of social network environments (SNEs) available in today’s Web 2.0 milieu, the possibilities for leveraging them in the support of competency models and training initiatives may be infinite. In this post, I will focus on two or three of the SNEs and may choose to write about some of the others later. That said, I would encourage you to comment to this post about your ideas for these and other SNEs.

Weblogs and Blogging
Weblogs (blogs) are easy to implement but are challenging to leverage in support of competency models and training initiatives. I say “challenging” because blogging requires an individual or small group of knowledge experts to write content and keep it up to date. I think they are a very valuable tool, but when using them to support training initiatives, it is important to:

* Identify potential authors
* Create a writing schedule
* Remind authors when its time to write
* Link relevant courses to the blog
* Encourage readers to comment
* Assign someone to identify comments that need a response from an expert

Wikis
I’ve personally worked with at least 9 different wiki tools. Some of them I’ve simply written inside of, others I’ve implemented for clients or simply for my own understanding of their usefulness. While these tools are a bit more challenging to implement than a blog, I believe they are enormously important for supporting competency models and training initiatives.

Read more…

Weird Week In Review - May 9

In case you missed last week, here is your one stop review of all things from WeirdGuy blog. Have fun!

CMO Guide to Brand Management Using Social Media

Becoming a Precisionist

Quotable Quote - Mark Twain

Creativity In The Process

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Creativity In The Process

Scott Risner wrote this article on the cyclical nature of creativity within online learning and training development. Scott’s background is similar to mine in that we both came from print production and prepress environments. However, Scott can jam on a mandolin, while I am pretty good at thrashing and pounding on the drums. Enjoy the article! -eb

By Scott Risner

About 20 years ago I started designing and developing computer-based training (CBT) using Authorware. At that time I knew nothing about a process for this type of effort. My experience was primarily in print design and production. It was an interesting experience making the transition. Print designers enjoyed a long established design process which was not the case with development of CBT or “Multimedia”.

So how did we start the transition? Well, what I did was attempted to use existing tools and knowledge to create a process. Funny thing was that the tools for multimedia, for the most part, were not as advanced as those available for print.

The transition struggle was multi-faceted. There was the design, the production process and client management (reviews and revisions). Traditionally the print design process was (roughly explained) thumbnail, design comprehensive (comp), final layout, print proof and then final printed piece. On the other hand software design was (in practice)… Analyze, create a design document, hand it to developers and they would lock themselves in a dark “magic” room and appear weeks or months later with something that loosely resembles what you expected.

While making the transition from print to multimedia wasn’t easy, I learned a few things along the way.

Read more…

Quotable Quote - Mark Twain

Don’t let school interfere with your education.
- Mark Twain

Weird Week In Review - April 11

In case you missed last week, here is your one stop review of all things from WeirdGuy blog. Have fun!

Quotable Quote on Creativity

E-Learning Strategies: People Are Still Your Biggest Asset

Quotable Quote - Arthur Koestler

What Do You Think About The 90-100-95 Rule?

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Quotable Quote - Arthur Koestler

Creativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual.
- Arthur Koestler

E-Learning Strategies: People Are Still Your Biggest Asset

By Kevin Moore | TiER1 Performance Solutions

In developing a learning strategy, a critical aspect is how engaged the people are, and how they will play a role as the strategy builders and as the recipients of the strategy successes. People simply are the driving force behind every part of the strategy. Basically, as learning and performance professionals we state that the development of programs, courses, lessons, and knowledge objects is for the overt use of an individual who has a specific need to learn, refresh, or teach while engaged in a performance-measured task or function. This individual is our end user. A focus on the principles “Simple is better and less is more” is one over-arching objective when developing a learning or an e-Learning strategy. When faced with the building of a strategy, selection of key people from across the organization will be the most important decision to ensure success. For this reason a teaming approach seems to be best when developing a learning strategy.

Why involve people from Accounting, Operations, or even Sales for that matter? It’s simple, really… they are the people who will bring focused attention and a level of importance to the rest of the organization. This is an organization-wide strategy, and, as such, needs to have key people across the organization and within the executive level involved. Executive level sponsorship, ownership, and understanding are the single greatest assets for successful development and implementation of a learning strategy, as well as an e-Learning strategy. It is how you allocate resources, and it will enable
access across the organization.

In the past it has always been apparent that development and implementation of a learning strategy is established largely through a push from the top down, rather than from a user-focused, bottom-up approach. The reason for the top-down push has been for cost reduction, human capital realignment within the organization, large technology purchases, or to capture knowledge and information before it leaves the organization. Any learning and performance systems approach will begin to show significant return on value when the process is user-focused.

The job roles and functions of individuals and groups within the organization drive this approach. Learning and performance content developed from the users will have a significant impact on how work, and workers, are perceived and valued in the decisions they make and their role in the organization. This focus is directly associated with involving people from across the organization in developing the learning strategy.

Related Articles
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The Tao Of Presentations

By E. Brown

I just reviewed the book, Presentation Zen, by Garr Reynolds. Actually, I have had the book for a while, but if you have seen my reading list you’d understand why it took me a month to get to it. OK, back to the book. I am always amazed at the common sense principles espoused in many new books that hit the market nowadays and Reynolds book holds much of the same.

The main theme throughout is the old K.I.S.S. principle (Keep It Super Simple or Keep It Simple Stupid — choose your version). While reading I found myself asking, “Why do so many presenters not get it?”

I recently finished a project coaching 20 presenters for a large North American conference and it was a smashing success. Many of the principles I shared are contained in Presentation Zen. Yet, after the conference I debriefed with several of the attendees and speakers and was disheartened to learn that some of those I coached applied the tips I shared while some did not. Those who did not received harder critiques from the audience than those who did.

It occurred to me as a result of this recent project and after reading Reynolds book that the information and principles are and have been in the marketplace. People know them or at the least have heard them, but many feel “they know better.” Come Hell-or-High-water they are going to do what they want to do because “they know better.”

This is one of the things I like about Garr’s book — it is a reminder to keep it simple. Simple in text, simple in imagery, simple in design, and simple in scope and delivery. Remember, people have come to see and hear you. They are not there to view a deck of slides — the slides support you!

Much of the book you will have heard before if you have had much experience presenting. However, let me point out 2 or 3 gems that make this book worth buying. Chapter 3 - Planning Analog is worth the price in itself. Too many times have I seen presenters open Power Point and start putting their presentation together. This is a “No-No” and Garr gives excellent examples of how to prepare for the best presentations you will ever give. Also, Chapter 7 - Sample Slides: Images & Text provides those of us without the ability to visualize, pages of pictures that illustrate Garr’s points. Finally, just for fun, Guy Kawasaki’s Forward, presented in slides is a fun and memorable way to start a book on the subject.

This book is certainly for everyone, but I would venture to say it is especially useful for those in leadership positions who have the mentality that says, “I have been presenting for years and I know better.” Get a copy for yourself and while you’re at it, get a copy for your boss. He (or she) will be glad you did.

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Weird Week In Review - Feb. 22

Your one stop review of all things from WeirdGuy. Have fun!

Candle Unlike No Other (PIC)

Innovation and Authenticity

Do We Need To Justify Innovation?

Peter Pan and Willy Wonka On Creative Thinking

Stop Making Cold Calls and Use Your Power Team

A Leaders’ “Heart” Opens Organizations To Possibilities

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Innovation and Authenticity

What do you think–is there a trend toward authentic products and services? Are consumers clamoring for more authenticity from you? How can you innovate and show yourself as real and relevant?Read what Innovate On Purpose had to say about this topic. See below.

clipped from innovateonpurpose.blogspot.com Driving to work listening to NPR this morning, I heard an interview with two pollsters who were talking about the presidential race. What was interesting to me was that one of the most important aspects of the campaigns, and the candidates, was the concept of authenticity. I think there’s a trend forming - not just in politics but in all facets of life in the US. Things have become so packaged, so commercialized, that many of us yearn for something that is more original, more meaningful, more..dare I say it..authentic. So, if there is a trend toward seeking products and services that are “authentic”, what can that mean for your business? Your marketing needs to reflect your status in the industry and the intent and history of the business. However, authenticity isn’t really a “fad” or trend, and will be hard to claim as your own if your firm is merely a follower. To be authentic, you’ll need to make a claim or stake out some turf and defend it.

Bring Back The Word “Sticky”

By E. Brown

I was telling a friend about the various projects I consult on. When I brought up online learning and performance management, I used the word “sticky”.

“Wow, now that is a word I haven’t heard since the early days of the Web,” my friend exclaimed.

I knew what he was referring to. Sticky was a word used to describe a Web sites combination of architecture, UI, and content. If a site was sticky it kept the attention of visitors and kept them coming back often. In essence a site retained it’s audience.

Today I use the word sticky in regard to learning. Learning is sticky when:

1. It is fun and enjoyable.
2. It captures imagination and stirs creativity.
3. It engages the learner through interaction and team work.
4. It excites and drives the learner to know more.
5. It encourages the learner to apply “fun approaches” to work and more.
6. It creates a positive and practical experience.
7. It increases mental flexibility and agility.
8. It is a fresh and new approach to common learning methods.
   

Ultimately, when a person retains and applies what they learn, then the learning content is sticky. If you are in the business of teaching, training, and development don’t be satisfied with only spreading information. Look for creative, out of the box, and fun ways to make learning…well, Sticky.

Let’s bring back the word “Sticky.”

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WeirdGuy Blog Makes It Into The Top 10 Blogs To Boost Your Learning

By E. Brown

Amir Ahmad from Passion-Based Learning, recently posted The Ultimate List of 50 Kick Ass Blogs To Boost Your Learning Experience of which this blog was part of the top ten. Amir says:

I’m a huge blog junkie and truth be told, I spend a minimum of 10 hours a week feeding my ferocious appetite. In doing so, I have gone through hundreds of blogs related to the simple philosophy of “passion-based learning”.

The following categorized list contains the cream of the crop. Go through them and check out those that are relevant to your needs. Then add the ones you like in your RSS feed and enjoy!

Thanks Amir for selecting WeirdGuy to be part of the list. Keep blogging, learning, and above all — having fun!

New Children’s Book Idea - Creative Learning is Fun!

By E. Brown

Here is a project I have worked on for a children’s book. The book is for the Pre-K through Kindergarten markets. It covers character development while also teaching about fireflies. The idea spawned from a friend and fellow writer who saw her young children reading either books for entertainment or books to learn, but nothing that bridged both worlds in this younger demographic.

For the illustrations I used a mixed media approach. I liked the bold and textured style of Chinese painting techniques over watercolor backgrounds and color pencil. I used a few digital enhancements on some of the drawings, but for the most part I wanted the energy of the drawing and painting to come through.

The main character’s name is L.B., short for Lightening Bug. He narrates the story and gives background information about fireflies, glow worms, and lightening bugs. He talks about the special characteristics and talents of his species and how, like him, children have special abilities and talents too.

At this time no publisher has shown interest. We may look at creating an eBook of L.B.

All the focus group information shows this to be right on target. It is fun, entertaining, and captivates the attention of children while teaching them at the same time. I recently presented the book (in story board format) to my son’s kindergarten class. All the kids loved it! Too bad I didn’t have plush dolls of L.B. to give away afterward. Maybe some day, huh?

Let me know your thoughts about L.B. in the comment section below. Enjoy!

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Weird Week In Review - Feb. 1

Your one stop to review all things on WeirdGuy. Have Fun!

Steve Jobs vs. Amazon’s Kindle
Is Steve out of touch with reality or is he onto the next “insanely great” idea? Read for yourself. Read More

Can Starbucks Come Back?
Wise up Starbucks! You are no longer the only player in this space. Read More

USA Today and Creative Learning — About Time!
Hmmm…sounds vaguely familiar. How can we use these tools to creatively teach and communicate? Read More

Designer Chair For Dr. Evil? (PIC)
OK, this made me laugh. I mean, it is a legit design and I am sure it is very comfortable, but… Read More

Eco Friendly Creative Learning Game
Here, from Sust, is another creative learning game. Teach your child how to build an Eco-Friendly house and more… Read More

Creative Ways To Make Complex Information Simple
I applaud the creativity used and out-of-the-box presenting of complex information. Take this for instance — an org chart. Typically they are presented… Read More

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Creative Ways To Make Complex Information Simple

I applaud the creativity used and out-of-the-box presenting of complex information. Take this for instance — an org chart. Typically they are presented in a linear fashion from top-down (pyramid) to left-to-right (flow). This circle is another way to present the information that communicates in a unique way both emotionally and philosophically.

Others, like Common Craft, are using video and illustration to communicate complex issues in a simple to watch and understand format. Interestingly, the creativity and innovation used to create this kind of content is by no means simple. It takes hard work to find the right method and format to communicate complexity.

clipped from www.visualcomplexity.com

Eco Friendly Creative Learning Game

Here, from Sust, is another creative learning game. Teach your child how to build an Eco-Friendly house and more… Enjoy!

clipped from dustbowl.wordpress.com

USA Today and Creative Learning - About Time!

By E. Brown

I read an article in USA Today that was about the new and creative use of technology amongst university professors as a means to teach and meet with students. Utilizing technology to bridge distance and time and make connecting easier.

Certainly, I am glad this is in the news, but the fact is, it’s not new news. Using computer technology for mass training and teaching started gaining popularity in the early 1980’s. I think back to Clement Mok’s kiosk that he created using Apple HyperCard. Anyone remember that? This new use of technology was used at a convention to connect attendees. So, what paradigm has changed between then and now (outside of the obvious fact that technology is more widespread and more powerful)?

The articles stated:

Harvard University computer science professor, David Malan, is one of a growing number of professors nationwide turning to Internet technology to enhance course communication and connect with students.

“There is a tremendous advantage especially when it expands on the potential for learning and allows students to access materials in different ways,” says Jillian Kinzie, associate director of the National Survey of Student Engagement.

The article goes on to say:

Richard Lillie, an accounting lecturer at California State University-San Bernadino, says virtual office hours and other means of communication are the future of education. “It’s going to have significant ramifications. …We have to think, ‘How can we really use these tools creatively to communicate and still guide the learning process?’”

Hmmm…sounds vaguely familiar. How can we use these tools to creatively teach and communicate?

Note to self: Start a blog that discusses tools, techniques, and tips on using technology for equipping and training with a creative twist — call it ‘WeirdGuy.’

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Weird Week In Review - Jan. 25

Your one stop to review all this weeks articles on WeirdGuy. Have fun!

Quotable Quote - Benjamin Disraeli
The greatest good you can do for another is…. Read more

Creativity, Innovation, and Online Learning Reading List and Links
Here is the current pile I am reading through with links. Fun! Lot’s about innovation, creativity, online learning, and more. Read more

Creative eLearning - Teacher Tube
TeacherTube, launched in March 2007, has the goal of creating an online community for sharing instructional videos. It is a site geared to provide just in time (JIT) professional development. Read more

iPhone Air Guitar
Guitar frets on your iPhone! Great for parties and finding new ways to impress your geek friends. Read more

More Convertible Furniture (PIC)
I love the idea. It will not go with my current decor, but I love the creative idea! Read more

Quotable Quote - Thomas Gaines
It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and… Read more

6 Steps To Online Branding
Kirsten Dixson and William Arruda provide these six steps to creating and maintaining your personal online brand. Use the steps that make sense for you. Read more

Ant and the Grasshopper: Old Story, New Twist
Here is a creative, humorous, and poignant, twist on an old Aesop Fable. Enjoy! Read more

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Creative eLearning - Teacher Tube

TeacherTube, launched in March 2007, has the goal of creating an online community for sharing instructional videos. It is a site geared to provide just in time (JIT) professional development with the goal of teachers teaching teachers. It is also a site where teachers can post videos for students to view in order to learn key concepts or skills.

TeacherTube was the idea of Jason Smith, a 14-year veteran educator. Jason has been a teacher, coach, campus administrator, and district administrator in the public school system. Asking the question, “Why can’t teachers, students, and schools utilize the power of the web for learning?”, Jason decided to create a site and get started himself. His brother, Adam, used his technical skills to develop the site. Jason’s wife, Jodie, joined the team to populate the site with videos and help improve communication. She too has 14 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, campus technology integrator, and district curriculum coordinator.

Some of the video channels they offer cover topics such as:

• Elementary
• Middle School
• High School
• College & University
• Math
• Fine Arts
• Reading
• Writing and more…

Visit Teacher Tube today and continue your personal development.