In this issue:
1. Just the nuggets....
2. Special Report on Adult Learning
3. Our Universal Language by Katherine Abbott
4. Spring Break Activity: Certification
5. RX for Web-Based Training
6. A Reader Asks...
7. Call for Proposal for CTW
8. Your Professional & Continuing Education...
1. Just the nuggets...
Attention is the single most valuable asset in the information age. To respect your time and attention, Trends would like to gather your opinion on its format. Would you prefer a highly condensed, bulleted e-newsletter with links to the full story on the Influent Web page, or do you prefer its full-story format as we have been sending? Please email your preference addressed to mailto:rsmith@influent.com?subject=formatpreference.
Heidi Fisk
Vice President of Worldwide Programs
Influent Technology Group
2. Special Report on Adult Learning
The Commission on Information Technology and Adult Learning held its inaugural meeting February 10-11. This group is commissioned by the (US) National Governor's Association (NGA) (see http://www.nga.org/Releases/PR-09Feb2000ASTD.asp for the press release) and the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). Its charter is to examine the impacts of technology on adult work force learning and discuss the public and business policies necessary to support acquiring skills and knowledge in a "borderlines" anytime, anyplace world of learning and the New Economy.
The Commission, comprised of a veritable who's who in information technology, adult learning, and Fortune 500 organizations, is Co-Chaired by former New Hampshire Governor Steve Merrill and A. William Wiggenhorn, President of Motorola University.
Wayne Hodgins, Futurist, Director of Worldwide Training for Autodesk, and speaker at The WBT Executive Summit, http://www.influent.com/wbtes2000, authored the white paper which provides a common platform from which the discussion began. Wayne's mission was to look into the future to envision what it holds for technology as it is used for workforce development and adult learning. See http://www.learnativity.com for a complete copy of the white paper. (Note this is a large file to download, approximately 1 MB.)
Over the next 18 months, the commission will work on issues most critical to public policy and private practice, release preliminary findings, and culminate their work in a report in early 2001.
What does the commission and its work mean to you? It means that the conversation is at a Meta level - not a debate over learning via WBT, instructor-led, or in a medium we have yet to invent. It is about providing the infrastructure to stimulate and sustain adult work-force learning for optimum work place performance. It means that learning is a necessary lifelong pursuit and learners will get what they need to know from whatever source makes the most sense. Trends will keep abreast of the ASTD & NGA Commission's work and report back to you right here in future issues.
3. Our Universal Language by Katherine Abbott
We would be better trainers no matter what we teach if we are more animated for all of our students. Webster's dictionary defines the word "animate" as "to give life to; to give vigor and zest; to move to action" and "animated" as "full of movement and activity; full of vigor and spirit." Non-verbal power and clarity come from the interaction of our enthusiasm, gestures, facial expression, eye interaction, voice intonation and heart connection.
Smiles, laughter, gestures, direct eye interaction, and tone of voice make our communication happen. We definitely communicate through a universal language called movement. We move our bodies, our eyes, our voices, our faces and our hearts.
Technical trainers need to depend less on technology and depend more on themselves to communicate. We can communicate more powerfully, train more clearly and have more fun in the process. Technology is our assistant. We are the main event. And besides, the universal language of movement will work anywhere in the world.
To learn more from Katherine on communication tips and her full article on communication, visit http://www.abbottcom.com.
4. Spring Break Activity: Certification
Editor's Note: Spring Break only comes once a year, and it's about time! The winter has been harsh with snow, ice, rain, and storms. Our attendees are breaking out their Bermuda shorts and flip flops while rejuvenating themselves as technology trainers.
Our attendees will be learning a lot during their Spring Break.
Some of the highlighted topics follow:
To Certify or Not: The Three Perspectives of Certification Sean Patrick Brooks
Sean Brooks, http://www.convergys.com, identifies three owners of software certification: the person seeking certification, the certification provider, and the hiring manager. Brooks has organized a panel of nationally prominent people from each of these three perspectives to open a dialogue about software certification. Depending on where you're coming from, you'll learn more about each perspective.
Certification Seekers
If you're considering acquiring certification, understand what you can expect from various certifications and what certification means to you. Does it represent a bigger paycheck or consulting fee? Do organizations value certification? Are you willing to be married to recertification? Remember that certification is not the same as direct work experience, and a particular certification may only hold value until the next upgrade. How can you find out what certification is worth to hiring managers?
Certification Providers
What are some of the hidden advantages of being a certification provider? How do providers discover future market needs? The best source of market intelligence for the certification provider is dialogue with hiring managers.
Hiring Managers
Hiring managers want people who can "do" the job, not hold a piece of paper saying that they answered questions correctly. Certification clearly demonstrates that the person is capable of study, and managers should look to certification for those qualities. It shows that they are capable of attention to detail, and many managers look to other demonstrable areas in the candidate's vitae for key qualities in their technical staff, while others expect certification to fit the bill. What else will you, as hiring managers, be looking for from certification?
The panel is an important session for everyone in IT. It is too easy for us - certification companies and certification candidates - to identify certification shortcomings without first looking at the roles and expectations of everyone involved. For more information, visit http://www.influent.com/ctsb.
5. RX for Web-Based Training
Never before have learning technologies been more rapidly deployed. Deployment for video technology spanned over 20 years, CDROM over 10 years, but Web-based training has grown from an experimental concept to full implementation in just 3 years. With such mind-boggling speed, organizations world-wide have been implementing e-learning solutions without the time to document and share lessons learned. A top industry panel is convening at The WBT Executive Summit in San Diego, CA USA April 26-27, http://www.influent.com/wbt2000, to explore how to keep from making mistakes that can cost money and creditability.
Five top global experts will address your problems and challenges regarding Web-based training justification, planning, design, development and implementation. Moderating the panel is Dr. Eric Parks, President/CEO of ASK International, http://www.askintl.com. Eric has written over 50 papers addressing all facets of e-learning and for over 5 years has served as contributing editor to the newsletter, Technology for Learning.
The distinguished panelists are:
- Steve Jensens, Vice President of Performance and Learning, ANC Rental Corporation: Mr. Jensens pioneered distance learning in the rental car industry. He is currently implementing an online learning initiative addressing Performance Consulting competencies for trainers.
- Chris Corwin, Director of Training, GE Capital Mortgage Corporation: Chris initiated one of GE Capital's first e-learning projects addressing compliance training. Overcoming many challenges, Chris has successfully implemented a mandatory Internet-based online curriculum that is rapidly gaining popularity.
- Pam Kelinger, Director of Training, Symbol Technologies: Pam help found Symbol University (SU), an extranet online virtual university in 1997. With extensive custom and off-the-shelf courseware, SU has served up learning experiences to end-users worldwide. Recently Symbol Technology was awarded national recognition for its innovative wireless learning technology that allows learning anywhere.
- Trina Wolfgram, Director of Digital Workplace Learning, Hewlett-Packard Company: Trina is responsible for implementing a Digital Hardcopy online learning curriculum addressing the theory, operation and maintenance of Hewlett-Packard's highly regarded printers.
6. A Reader Asks...
Diane Fasching asked: "Does anyone know of CBT's or any other tools that would facilitate our construction managers learning basic safety commands in Spanish to communicate with construction site workers?"
The community replied with:
"Nothing helps learning foreign language skills better than hearing them. Hearing them in the context of job safety is even better. I would produce an audio cassette/CD program dealing with safety issues and give it to the construction site managers to listen to on their way to and from work. A program in Spanish for English as second language workers would complete the circle. Easy to produce, inexpensive, effective." Jim Boring, JBCCNOW
"I've found that the AltaVista search engine has a translate facility where you can enter the desired verbiage in either English or another language, i.e., Spanish, French, German, etc. and ask for the translation in English. Try it. It's a quick resource for your folks, assuming they have access to the Internet." Ray Barros, Training Analyst, Coors Brewing Company
7. Call for Proposals for CTW
It's that time of year again. Computer Training World 2000 (CTW) will be held August 21-23 in San Francisco. Visit http://www.influent.com/ctw2000/index.html for information on submitting proposals.
8. Your Professional & Continuing Education...
Listed below are events or activities that you can attend for your own professional development:
CONFERENCES
WBT Producer Conference & Expo
ACE User Conference
April 26-28, 2000
San Diego, California, USA
WBT Producer is targeted towards those who develop, design, or create online learning and Web-based training (WBT). ACE is the Allen Communication user conference. You can find out more about these events by visiting http://www.influent.com/wbt2000.
WBT Executive Summit
April 26-27, 2000
San Diego, California, USA
The WBT Executive Summit is for Training Directors, managers, and other executives who are responsible for the strategic implementation of online learning/Web-based training.
SEMINARS
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FEATURED SEMINAR:
How to Conduct Needs Assessment
==> April 24-25, 2000 -- San Diego
==> May 8-9, 2000 -- Chicago
==> July 6-7, 2000 -- Boston
==> July 20-21, 2000 -- San Francisco
==> August 14-15, 2000 -- Boston
==> September 25-26, 2000 -- Atlanta
** Use interviews, surveys, and observations to assess performance development needs
** Apply those results to develop appropriate training solutions
** Make recommendations that yield sound business results
If you register now for any available "How to Conduct Needs Assessment" session offered through the month of September, you can save $100 off of the registration fee just by mentioning this special code (EBDIS). But you MUST register for your session with our customer service department no later than March 24, in order to take advantage of this special discount. Visit http://www.influent.com/seminars/needs.htm for full seminar details and phone customer service at 508.651.9531 for the discount.
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Project Management Workshop: A Field Guide to Success
==> April 24-25, 2000 -- San Diego
==> May 8-9, 2000 -- Boston
==> June 29-30, 2000 -- Chicago
** Learn effective project management strategies for your:
-documentation and technical writing projects
-online information and Web development projects
-computer-based training projects
-multimedia training projects
For full seminar details, visit http://www.influent.com/seminars/project.htm.
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One-Stop Documentation
==> April 17-18, 2000 -- Dallas
==> May 8-9, 2000 -- Atlanta
==> July 17-18, 2000 -- Boston
==> August 28-29, 2000 -- Chicago
==> September 11-12, 2000 -- New Orleans
** Develop a single manual for training and ongoing performance support
** Create single source print and online documentation that people will choose to use
** Maximize user independence and reduce support costs
For full seminar details, visit http://www.influent.com/seminars/onestop.htm
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Designing, Developing and Implementing Effective Web-Based Instruction
==> April 24-25, 2000 -- San Diego
==> May 8-9, 2000 -- Boston
==> June 29-30, 2000 -- Chicago
** Utilize a systematic design process to improve learning and reduce time to market for your web-based instructional programs
** Learn how to increase interactivity while keeping bandwidth issues under control
** Discover how to focus your web-based project on the learning and end-user performance
** Successfully manage the entire design, development, implementation, and maintenance process
For full seminar details, visit http://www.influent.com/seminars/designing.htm.
