In this issue:
1. Why Learning Styles Matter
2. New Feature: Check it out -- Steaming Video Interviews
3. Think Like a Genius: Building Your Toolkit for Success
4. A Scholar and a Gentleman...
5. Leonard Nimoy Trivia Contest!
6. Your Professional and Continuing Education
1. Why Learning Styles Matter
by Dustie Lunsford Lynch, Computer Education & Documentation, mailto:Dustie-CED@msn.com
I remember my eighth grade English teacher, Mrs. Hoag. She didn't like me much -- but then I was a bit of a cut-up, probably disrupted class more than I should have. But her job was to teach us. To hopefully get through to us and let the lessons sink in and stay. Poor Mrs. Hoag.
Anyway, on this particular day she was teaching the concept of "the understood you." Now, I wasn't paying very close attention, but then I realized that she had just said "you is understood" and I was puzzled. What did she mean? So I raised my hand and asked. BIG MISTAKE! She glared at me and said, much louder, "YOU IS UNDERSTOOD!" So of course, I nodded wisely and didn't ask again.
Later that day, I related the incident to my older brother who very simply pointed at me, grabbed my hand and said, "Come with me" and started walking away. He then turned back to me and said "You is understood -- I could have said: Dustie, YOU come with me, but I didn't have to, because "YOU" was understood, it is implied. Get it?"
YES!!!! I got it!!! Now years later, I realize that I have always been a very kinesthetic person. I need to do, to feel and experience in order to learn. As an instructor and course writer with many years of experience, I make a point to teach to many different learning styles. My courses include kinesthetic activities, as well as oral, visual, and environmental methods of getting my point across. Yours should too.
Hear more about learning styles and why they matter by registering for Dustie's pre-conference workshop titled "Fine Tuning: Tips for Master Trainers" at Computer Training World 2000 Conferences & Expo in San Francisco, CA. The pre-conference workshop is Sunday, August 20, 12:30PM - 4:00PM. Visit http://www.influent.com/ctw2000 for complete details and to register.
2. New Feature: Check it out -- Steaming Video Interviews
To learn more about CTW2000, watch our streaming video interviews powered by Digital Lava, featuring David Holcombe, President and CEO of Influent Technology Group, Rachel Cheeseman, Executive Director of the Information Technology Training Association (ITTA), as well as Eric Parks, President/CEO of ASK International and Sam Shmikler, CEO and Action Figure of The Periscope Organization.
Simply go to: http://www.influent.com/ctw2000 and click on the "check out our Streaming Video interviews" Digital Lava logo.
3. Think Like a Genius: Building Your Toolkit for Success
by Dr. Joan E. Cassidy, Integrated Leadership Concepts, Inc.
When I begin a seminar or a keynote on this topic, I will usually ask, "How many of you would like to think like a genius?" Invariably, almost everyone in the room raises their hand. Yet, when I follow up with, "How many of you believe you have the ability to think like a genius?" Only a few brave souls raise their hands. This never ceases to amaze me, even though I understand why so many people do not believe they have this ability.
I will concede that not everyone is born with the innate abilities of an Einstein, a Michelangelo, a Mozart or even a Bill Gates. However, a great deal of research shows that "creativity breeds creativity." In other words, your environment either encourages and enhances creativity, or it discourages and suppresses it. Until just recently, most work environments could be characterized as discouraging and suppressing creativity.
One reason is in the past; traditional organizations tended to be more stable with change occurring at a slower pace. Thus, left-brain linear thinking dominated. However, in our fast-faced, technologically driven work places, speed is important; therefore, right-brain holistic thinking skills are needed. A company that makes a breakthrough before competitors will likely gain an advantage. Thus, smart organizations are beginning to recognize why it is important to provide an environment where creativity flourishes. For example, current research shows people who use right-brain holistic thinking skills during problem solving, tend to come up with better solutions, faster than their colleagues who stick to traditional, linear methods. And the good news is with a little practice, almost anyone can learn how to access and use these right-brain skills.
So, if you want to learn how to "Think Like a Genius," join Joan for her pre-conference workshop on Sunday, August 20 at Computer Training World 2000 Conferences & Expo. Visit http://www.influent.com/ctw2000 for complete details.
4. A Scholar and a Gentleman
Guest Columnist: Heidi Fisk, Program Development, Influent Technology Group
I had one of those heart-stopping experiences a few months ago. I was working in my office and the phone rings. I pick up the receiver and say, "Hello." The voice --sounding vaguely familiar -- on the other end asks, "Is this Heidi Fisk?" and I answer "Yes" and the voice says, "This is Leonard Nimoy."
I realized then that the reason the voice sounded familiar was because it sounded like LEONARD NIMOY...and I realized it WAS LEONARD NIMOY on the other end of the phone. Thank goodness that at that moment he had to pause to answer a question from his assistant, because my heart HAD stopped and I could not breathe or respond for about 15 seconds. By the time he came back on the line, I was among the living and breathing again... and we had a delightful conversation for the next 30 minutes.
Now, I don't mention this to drop names. As the person responsible for booking keynote presenters for Influent's events, I had been trying to reach Mr. Nimoy for a while to ask him to make one of his rare public appearances to talk to the Computer Training World (CTW) attendees this August in San Francisco (see http://www.influent.com/ctw2000 for details about this event). Past attendees had told us they would love to see this cultural icon as a featured presenter and so I was hot on the trail to get him to present... I thought it would be great fun to be able to offer this extremely unique experience for the CTW attendees... Pursuing him had taken three months and dozens of phone calls -- because he picks and chooses his public appearances very carefully.
My admiration for Mr. Nimoy, unlike many people, did not start with his work as Spock on Star Trek, I first saw Leonard Nimoy in his one-man play, about the life of the artist Vincent van Gogh. Nimoy was touring the country with this play and I saw him when he performed at the Guthrie Theatre in the Twin Cities. I attended because I was interested in the play, not the actor... and to my delight I discovered a wonderful artist. After that performance, I started looking for other things Nimoy had acted in. Since that time I have become aware of not only his work on TV and in films portraying one of the seminal characters in popular culture, but I have also become aware of his other career achievements including directing films such as "Three Men and a Baby", producing, writing, and many other pursuits. He is a true Renaissance man -- a gentleman and a scholar.
When we spoke, his main concern was he wanted to bring value to the CTW attendees. He did not want to waste their time. But as I spoke to him, both he and I realized that the insights he can share about brining value to your organization, finding satisfaction in your work, overcoming overwhelming obstacles to meet your goals and your dreams, and helping others, are all extremely relevant to those of us in the technology training industry. Every single point that he will talk about will hit home with you. He agreed to this rare appearance because he felt his message was appropriate for you all.
So, I invite you all to attend Computer Training World to see this marvelously gifted and entertaining man. You will not be disappointed -- but you will be inspired and renewed after listening to him. Don't miss this opportunity to see one of the best known and respected cultural icons... it is only logical that you attend ;-)
For information about Computer Training World Conferences & Expo, August 20-23 in San Francisco, visit http://www.influent.com/ctw2000.
5. Leonard Nimoy Trivia
Wanna win GREAT prizes? As we are honored that Mr. Nimoy will be sharing his thoughts as keynote speaker at Computer Training World 2000, we thought it fitting to have Leonard Nimoy trivia in each issue leading up to the Conference. So, let the trivia begin! Email your answers to mailto:rsmith@influent.com. You need to answer all questions in the four part series (points may be given for creative -- if inaccurate -- responses). Make sure your name and email address is included with your responses. The people with the most points at the end of the contest will win fabulous prizes... Winners will be announced in the 9/6/00 Issue of Trends.
Trivia Question #1: Name the TV series Leonard Nimoy starred in immediately (in the season) after leaving Star Trek and what was the name of the character that he played?
Trivia Question #2: Besides directing and acting and writing, what other art form does Mr. Nimoy pursue?
a. ceramics
b. oil painting
c. composing
d. photography
6. Your Professional and Continuing Education
Here are some upcoming events for your continuing education and professional development you won't want to miss!
Computer Training World 2000
*Three-Conferences-in-One* format
The ERP and Large Systems Training Conference, Training Management Conference, and The Computer Trainers' Summer Camp
August 21-23, 2000, San Francisco, CA
THE event for the computer/technology training profession. This is the event to help you find your way through the issues of rapidly changing technology roll-outs, move from classroom to technology-delivered instruction, and address certification, outsourcing, and retraining staff challenges. CTW is the ONLY event specifically targeted to those in the computer training industry. See http://www.influent.com/ctw2000.
