Learning Technologies Blog

Slick Versus Authentic Video

Slick Versus Authentic Video

There’s a conversation that comes up time and time again about DIY video. I call it the “slick versus authentic” debate.

It goes something like this: “Now that it’s so cheap and easy for anyone to make video content for learning, we mustn’t over-produce video because it will look too slick.”

Are Your Training “Virtually” Blind?

Imagine getting on an airplane with a pilot who had never actually flown, but was a whiz on the simulator. Or whose last time in an airplane had been co-piloting for Orville Wright. Feeling confident you’ll get to your destination in one piece? In a less extreme way, that’s how many training professionals are being asked to handle the move to webinar—or virtual instructor-led training (VILT).

Video for Learning: An Evolution

To professionalize learning video we need to synthesize the rules of both instructional design and visual grammar to be able to consistently deliver content that aids learning.

Technology Headlines for May 2013

Technology headlines for May 2013 include: LinkedIn Turns 10, Tin Can API 1.0 Released, Udemy’s Launches Corporate MOOC Offering, IAAP Infographic Reveals Training Need for Mobile and Cloud Technology, Salesforce.com Launches Social.com Advertising Platform, Telework Leads to Career Stagnation

Don't Fear Open Leadership

Why do we see senior leaders failing to adopt social collaborative technologies inside (or outside) the organization? Why do we see authoritative, autocratic, fear mongering and controlling leaders? Why do we see information and knowledge hoarding? It’s because of people who act like FOOLs—who have a Fear Of Open Leadership.

Professionalize Video

Picture this: Your training department has just formed a five-person “multimedia team.” Each team member is competent in IT, and they are self-taught when it comes to video.

Within a few weeks the unit is buzzing with everyone busy working on projects for colleagues across the learning division. However, during an important project, Sean falls ill. Someone needs to step in and finish his project to meet an important internal deadline.

Toolbox Tip: Production Times for Popular Tools

One of the more common questions that I receive from new e-learning developers is how much time it will take to produce published content. The answer: It depends on which tool you are going to use to produce the lessons and how many minutes of e-learning playtime are you looking to produce.

TechKnowledge 2014 Request for Proposals is Now Open

Next year’s ASTD TechKnowledge Conferenece will be held in Las Vegas from January 22 – 24. We will be at the iconic Caesar’s Palace, right on the strip.

We are now accepting session proposals. So if you have some fresh ideas or new approaches, we want to hear from you. We have made some changes to the session tracks, moving from 5 tracks to 8 to accommodate topics like mobile learning, social media, and serious games

Tools for M-Learning – A Myriad of Possibilities

The concept of “m-learning” is the inevitable next step in the training and development field. M-learning, or mobile learning, is the act of viewing and accessing learning, coursework, performance support, or supplemental materials on a mobile device. Using mobile capabilities is something that every technological field is expanding into right now, and it should be no surprise that instructional design is following suit.

Gamification: Adding to the Learning Experience

One concept that seems to have come into prominence as I entered into the instructional technology field is the idea of “gamification.” Gamification is the integration of game elements into courses and instructional materials. This rather broad umbrella term has been the source of much debate, as instructional designers analyze the best ways of applying it to our industry. What it all seems to boil down to is that when used meaningfully, game elements are capable of enhancing the learner’s experience in a course.

Interactive Elements in E-Learning

We’ve all seen it…the “page-turner” style e-learning module that shows you slide after slide of text. Sometimes the text may even be accompanied by a picture or some audio. Whatever the content, you find yourself hitting the “next” arrow as quickly as possible to avoid falling asleep entirely. Before entering the training and development field, I can tell you that this was something I had come to expect when I sat down for on-the-job training.

Mobile Performance Support at the Grocery Store

Gone are the days of the hand-written grocery list. These days, all you need is your cell phone. Like many people, I use my smartphone at least a handful of times when I’m at the grocery store.

A Snapshot of Leadership Training in the Enterprise

As part of rolling out Virtual Leader, it has been interesting for me to note how most organization who do formal leadership training actually do formal leadership training. I think most terms are self-evident, but external coaching can also include board involvement. Tools include focused performance support. The high-pot...

Tech Headlines for April 2013

Technology headlines for April 2013 include: Asia Mobile Learning Market Soared to $2.6 Billion in 2012; Infor Announces Agreement to Acquire CERTPOINT Systems; and Adobe Study: Is Paper Now on the Endangered Species List?; IT Growth Outlooks and Trends in 2013; New Survey Examines Why App Deployments Fail.

Toolbox Tip: Screen Capturing: Storyline vs. Captivate

I'm regularly asked about the differences between doing screen recordings (a.k.a. screencasts, computer simulations, and so forth) in Adobe Captivate versus Articulate Storyline. For the most part, they are extremely similar, but there are a few key differences.

Visual Elements in E-Learning

In recent years, emerging technologies that enable instructional designers to integrate previously unheard of elements into training, such as augmented reality and certain game components, are causing a shift in the industry from a more rapid development paradigm to a new focus on interactivity and engagement for learners. However, this new model means that developers need to have a much deeper understanding of the principles of visual design.

Toolbox Tip: It’s Easy to Pause the Recording Process in Adobe Captivate

Go ahead and record a lesson, and...check that email...take your break...tweet away...all without having to redo your valuable recording. It's okay! Captivate will wait.

Forget Grades—It’s Experience Points That Count

Can the number of “experience points” a student earns in a “gamified” learning experience be used to predict their achievement in final exams? This was the question a part of a research project conducted at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom recently set out to answer.

Investing in Informal Learning

According to Training in America by Garnevale, Gainer, and Villet (1990), two out of three workers say that everything they need to know was learned on the job, rather than through the classrooms. Thus the workplace is the most frequently traveled avenue to education and training for most employed persons. The authors further go ...

The Realities of MOOCs

Two weeks ago we launched a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in association with the University of San Diego (USD). Based on “Sustainability in the Supply Chain,” the six-week course is aimed at managers working in supply chain positions around the world. For those unfamiliar with the MOOC terminology, this sort of course operates at scale and is open to anyone who wishes to join.

Gamification, Meet Gamefulness

On the face of it, the term “gamification” would seem to imply a digital game. But the similarities between “games” and “gamification” end at points, levels, and badges. And while games require such elements as fantasy, role play, and win-states, gamification requires no such elements. Instead, gamification shares more of its heritage with fields like operant conditioning and choice architecture, in which experiences are specifically designed to manipulate behavior. One could better compare gamification to how grocery stores place their in-store bakery towards the rear of the store to tempt customers deeper into the shop.

Toolbox Tip: Lectora Version 11 Enables Easy Social Media Integration

Many of the new features of Lectora Inspire Version 11, such as a streamlined user-friendly interface, make it very similar to other popular authoring tools like Storyline and Captivate. However, there is one specific new feature that the other tools don’t yet have: easy integration with social media.

Technology Headlines for March 2013

Technology headlines for March 2013 include: New Leadership for Saba, Infographic on Dark Side of MOOCs, E-Learning Revenues in Africa Will Double to $512.7 Million by 2016, New FREE Simulations Resource: The Clark Chart, Fast Company Article Explores Global Growth of MOOCs.

The Kids Are Alright

I get so wrapped up in the world of e-learning, it’s sometimes easy to forget that much of the world still doesn’t know our industry exists. Occasionally, I get a glimpse of something to remind me.

Training Through the Google Glass

First off, want to thank ASTD Learning Technologies for having me – I’ve had a great time guest blogging this past month. For this post, unlike when I wrote about 3D printing and biometrics in training, I want to talk about a technology I haven’t “actually” seen yet: Google Glass.

Best of the Blog: February

In February, we covered a wide range of topics from HTML5 to authoring tools to 3D printing and biometrics. Here are a few of the most popular posts of the month.

Biometrics and Self-Regulated Learning

Last week, I eased into my discussion on emerging technologies with a post on 3D printing. Are you ready to reach even further toward the future this week? Before starting, I recommend giving my very first post a quick read—it sets the stage for all of my entries, including this one.

Don't Blame the Tools

I still remember the first time I used technology to support classroom training. I was in the process of developing a new one-week course for a team of credit specialists (the people who approve or decline those questionable purchases on your credit card). We had only been allocated 3 test accounts with a little more than 10 participants registered. Fortunately, I had heard that one of our technical writers had a license for some screen recording software. After spending about an hour with her to learn how to use the tool, I was able to create my own demo of a “block and transfer” process. From that point on, I’ve been in love with rapid development tools.

3D Printing in Training

The emergence of 3D printing took center stage at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Manufacturing, retail, dentistry, prosthetics, and fashion are some of the industries that call 3D printing a game-changer. There’s clearly a lot of hype. Dare we add training to the mix?

Technology Headlines for February 2013

Among the latest technology headlines for February 2013: E-Learning Ranks #1 in Investments for 2013, Half of Higher Ed Institutions Still Uncertain about MOOCs, U.S. News & World Report Reveals 2013 Best Online Education Programs, 70% of U.K. Companies Plan to Implement M-Learning, TrainingIndustry.com Announces 2013 Top 20 Authoring Tools.

Let Your Design Skills Shine—Even in HTML5

Last week at TechKnowledge 2013, I moderated a TK Chat on authoring tools and HTML5 with panelists Philip Neal, Thomas Toth, and Joe Ganci -- all individuals who are navigating the transition to HTML5 in the context of a reduced tool set, a still-changing specification, and ongoing browser fragmentation. The audience had some excellent questions about how our designers can build interactive, engaging experiences when our coding skill sets and our authoring tools are still, in large part, only getting off the ground.

New Technologies, Simple Uses

This is an exciting time for the technology-inclined. Every week, it seems, a new tool is released to put more creative power into the hands of the masses. Where we once created our own blogs, we can now create fully functional digital games, apps, and even robots with minimal coding knowledge. Other technologies are becoming more accessible simply by becoming more affordable.

Building a Seat at the Table for Design

In last week's post, “What Unintended Messages Do Your Learning Solutions Send?", I raised a challenge for designers to push back on stakeholders and clients who wanted to make inappropriate design decisions, urging designers to "not be afraid to bring your expertise as a designer into the conversation."

I'd like to discuss that a little more this week -- and I do mean discuss, because I have a few ideas but am a long way from solving this riddle. So right up front I'm going to urge you to leave a comment or connect on Twitter and keep this conversation going.

What Unintended Messages Do Your Learning Solutions Send?

This is where you stop thinking that I'm cool, if you ever did.

Here it goes: I read Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People when I was a teenager. Yep, I did, and I'm not too proud to say that it had a profound effect on me, even to this day. The anecdote that I remember most is the one about one of his sons learning to play baseball. Covey and his wife realized that by jumping to defend and shelter him, they were actually feeding his weaknesses, completely unintentionally, by sending the message that he wasn't strong enough to withstand criticism.

Free Mobile Learning Webinar -- Taking Learning Mobile

Once a learning organization has committed to “go mobile,” it may seem as though the hardest decision has been made. Soon after this path is chosen, though, reality sets in. There are many things to consider as you work to build your initial efforts for the varieties of mobile devices. This webinar will focus on how to get started with mobile learning, including deciding on an initial project and changing your design approach.

Join Chad Udell, a seasoned expert on mobile learning and author of the new ASTD book, Learning Everywhere, as he demystifies the choices involved in developing mobile learning content, and provides real-world experience on how to get down to business creating mobile learning.

Interview with Justin Brusino

I interview a lot of people, but it’s rare for me to be on the other side of the questions. So I was pleased when, learning and development practitioner Lisa Goldstein asked to interview me for her blog

Digital Writing for Learning and Performance

Are you up-to-date in the field? Do you read professionally? Do you do it often? Do you do it efficiently? Do you know where to look for tasty morsels? Are you contributing yourself?

Working with Subject Matter Experts

I want to thank Jeff Goldman - Minute Bio for his great response last month. He suggested that we focus the Big Question on specific issues and then suggested four questions. So, let's start with his first suggestion: Working effectively with subject matter experts There's a lot to this topic, and certainly it's an on-going challenge. Some ...

What's On the Horizon for 2013

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. Last month, we took a look back at 2012. This month, I’d like to look ahead. So, what’s on the horizon for the Learning Technologies Community in 2013?

Q&A with Koreen Olbrish

On January 29^th, in San Jose, renowned speakers and authors Karl Kapp and Koreen Olbrish are conducting a specially-designed one-day workshop on game design and gamification. Recently, Karl sat down and interviewed Koreen about the event.

Learning Technologies: Looking Back On 2012

The end of the year is fast approaching, which means it’s a good time to take a step back and review where we’ve been and speculate on where we’re going. I think we can all agree that 2012 continued to be a huge year for mobile.

Social Media for Informal Learning: Part 1

The proliferation of social media has re-ignited interest in informal learning processes. In the first of three articles, we identify five social media tools that you’re probably already familiar with that you can use to support informal learning in your organization.

Social Media for Informal Learning: Part 2

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and similar common applications weren’t primarily designed for informal learning—and may not offer the most powerful and targeted uses of the media in this context.

Social Media for Informal Learning: Part 3

The recent proliferation of social media seems to have rekindled an interest in informal learning processes. The final installment of the article series “Social Media for Informal Learning” details principles training and development (T&D) professionals should consider when using social media for informal learning. (Part 1 and Part 2 identified types of social media that can support informal learning processes.)

No Excuses

I haven't been directly impacted or had any significant experiences related to accessibility. Other than being colorblind (I'm not sure which type), I don't have any disabilities. I've never had to design content specifically for anyone with a disability, though maybe I should have. I care, and write about this, because I want every person to have an opportunity to learn. We can't ignore the disabled, or write them off as an insignificant portion of our audience, not worthy of our attention or design.

Design For All

Universal, or inclusive, design [1] is the design of products or services that are accessible by as many people as reasonably possible. It's a mindset and a methodology you need to adopt and embed into your entire design and development process. It means designing each piece of content to be accessible by those with and those without disabilities or other limiting factors:

Accessibility in Learning

Accessibility is a term that is tossed around easily in our industry, but many times for the wrong reasons—and sadly, rarely comprehensively. I hope this series of articles shed some light on the subject. For those already making the effort to build accessible content, I hope the information here encourages you to delve deeper into new and updated resources.

Making E-Learning Stick: A Q&A with Barbara Carnes

A new book from ASTD Press, Making E-Learning Stick, shows instructional designers new and easy-to-implement ways to increase transfer in both asynchronous e-learning and live, virtual training. I recently chatted with author Barbara Carnes about the new books. Here’s what she had to say.

Learning on Command

The philosophy behind Learning on Command is that we can turn someone into a learner by designing information that can deliver learning in a magic bubble, whether through informal or formal means. I was recently reading a post by a well-respected voice in our industry that discussed the irrelevance of generational discrimination and offered instead a different way to categorize learners. He had me until he started categorizing learners.

Designing Viral Content

One of the principles discussed in Learning on Demand is that the web wants content to “go viral.” In fact, one could say the web itself went viral, and its boundaries–like the universe—keep growing as content, products, and services expand into areas it’s never been. The web’s evolution continues to grow and spread like a virus as it creates a space for itself inside our lives that were previously left for pure human-to-human interaction.