tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38004225426748960522024-03-13T04:42:44.650-07:00Media and DesignScott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-88427675655200040662012-05-27T11:21:00.001-07:002012-05-27T11:21:13.596-07:00rant about boomers and tech and facebook and rapid internal ideation - - <a href="http://ping.fm/bdXlo">http://ping.fm/bdXlo</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-64216217330841047202012-05-27T10:19:00.001-07:002012-05-27T11:16:22.198-07:00See, I'm right.This is not a guide to social DIY-ing. It's a quick statement.<br />
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Late August 2011 I approached some target companies with a proposal to get them up and running with regularly published, internally generated, rapidly "ideated," social content. I'm going to call it "social content," because quite frankly, all social content is marketing.<br />
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One part of my criteria for targeting a company was that they had to have a physical product: a box on a shelf, a unit in a showroom - - something that their end users could actually touch.<br />
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If you would like a very simplified version of my August 2011 proposal, which includes step by step instructions, metrics for ROI, and things like that, shoot me an email and I'll send it to you. NSA.<br />
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Today, I <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/opinion/sunday/douthat-the-facebook-illusion.html?ref=opinion" target="_blank">read this article</a> that reinforces my opinions and theories, which I came to after several months of intensive careful research. Here's an excerpt (parts of this quotes George Mason U economist Tyler Cowen),<br />
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<blockquote>
...the Internet is a wonder when it comes to generating “cheap fun.” But because “so many of its products are free,” and because so much of a typical Web company’s work is “performed more or less automatically by the software and the servers,” the online world is rather less impressive when it comes to generating job growth.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
It’s telling, in this regard, that <b>the companies most often cited as digital-era successes, Apple and Amazon, both have business models that are firmly rooted in the production and delivery of nonvirtual goods. </b>Apple’s core competency is building better and more beautiful appliances; Amazon’s is delivering everything from appliances to DVDs to diapers more swiftly and cheaply to your door.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
By contrast, the more purely digital a company’s product, the fewer jobs it tends to create and the fewer dollars it can earn per user — a reality that journalists have become all too familiar with these last 10 years, and that Facebook’s investors collided with last week. There are exceptions to this rule, but not all that many: even pornography, long one of the Internet’s biggest moneymakers, has become<a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/10/business/fi-ct-porn10" style="color: #666699;" title="Los Angeles Times article"> steadily less profitable</a> as amateur sites and videos have proliferated and the “professionals” have lost their monopoly on smut.</blockquote>
The internet is free, and the content is going to be more and more self-generated, and catching eyeballs will require being more and more ENGAGING and AUTHENTIC. <b>And SHORTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get to the f-ing point in 10 seconds!!!!!!!!!!! The more you need to tell me about your product or service, the less I need it!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't convince me, I'm already doing that myself!!!!!!!!!</b><br />
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As I sat behind the camera taping a 2 hour ppt presentation given by a 70-year-old retiree a couple weeks ago (to be archived for future use....hahahahaha), my one overwhelming thought was, "If I have to sit through something for 2 hours, it better be Avengers quality."<br />
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AND, this comes back around to my current thoughts on the massive culture shift that we're going to be experiencing in 5 years, stretching for the next 10-20 years as the boomers retire and transition to those pleasant sunny acres in the sky:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Creating online content is not intuitive to most boomers. </li>
<li>Creating online content is very intuitive to most gen-y-ers.</li>
<li>Gen x is the fulcrum around which these two massive generations will transition during this culture shift. It's the generation that will allow relevant knowledge and processes to pivot from the old school boomer way of doing things to the new wave of no-attention-span nu skool gen y way of doing things.</li>
</ul>
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Simple example: right now I have to explain to, clients of a certain age, how to download email attachments, how to properly extract files from zipped folders, those kinds of things. Technology may or may not change to simplify this sort of task, but the people who will be doing the task will most certainly be changing.</div>
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What are you thoughts on the upcoming culture shift?</div>
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What are you doing right now to be engaging, authentic, and are you GETTING TO THE POINT!?!?!?</div>
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Some additional food for thought: right now you can have media content online within a couple hours - - or in most cases a couple minutes - - of creating it. You can have media content on broadcast channels and publications within about a day of creating it. As long as you have the money to create and the money to pay for the schedule. Rapid internal ideation is key key key.<br />
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If you would like a very simplified version of my August 2011 proposal, which includes step by step instructions, metrics for ROI, and things like that, shoot me an email and I'll send it to you. NSA.<br />
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btw, just for fun, my favorite campaigns right now are on the radio, and the only product name I'm recalling is Cabot Stain: <br />
<a href="http://washington.wgu.edu/billboard">http://washington.wgu.edu/billboard</a>
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Cabot Stain "How did this DIYer turn so pro?"<br />
The hot dog commercial that talks about springtime being adequate grilling weather, and taking off your jacket to: put on a lighter jacket.<br />
<br />Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-3604699121129440742012-04-21T23:32:00.000-07:002012-04-21T23:32:15.998-07:00CSI: Denver - - Tim Tebow is Missing***this is a draft, I'm sure, certain even, that the final will be award winning***<br />
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LORAINNE SCHOEMAKER: Has anyone seen Tim Tebow since that last amazing game where football things happened but we didn't win?<br />
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TO BE CONTINUEDScott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-8809699888335213192012-02-20T11:45:00.001-08:002012-02-20T11:45:14.134-08:00a quick rant about flexible spending accounts <a href="http://ping.fm/93NsT">http://ping.fm/93NsT</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-65282759916683541292012-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:002012-02-20T11:44:09.137-08:00Flexible Spending Accounts<div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Cool, I lost you already. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These are called HSAs, MSAs, HRAs, FSAs, HDHPs. <a href="http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/Articles/Pages/BoostingHSAs.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">My inspiration to write this comes from this link.</span></a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There, I <i>truly</i> lost you. I rock.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem with Flexible Spending Accounts (beyond having another financial acronym) is that you’re giving stressed out tired employees one more thing to do, one more piece of paper to manage, and the<u> perceived</u> bother of managing that paper does not outweigh the <u>perceived</u> savings they can achieve.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’ve targeted CPAs you’re in luck, they will take probably take advantage. If you’re targeting anyone else, consider it luck if they do take advantage.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Flexible Spending Accounts save people money.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If it’s your job to help people use their Flexible Spending Accounts, help them understand, and repeatedly reinforce, what’s in it for them (WIIFT? WIIFU?).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">An HR person telling me to use my Flexible Spending Account and providing me with endless handouts about it <u>never </u>worked.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hearing directly from my manager how much he saved with 2 kids in daycare, and how easy it was to set up and use, DID WORK.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But it didn’t stick. NOPE. (And at base I’m a video editor who thrives on monotony…I should be taking moar paperwork to a lobster dinner.) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My manager’s Flexible Spending Account success was just one story. It wasn’t repeated. BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE USED IT!!!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Training programs for Flexible Spending Accounts have continuously been “Here’s the information. Now do it.” To be successful they need to have multiple success stories, and they need repetition! And why not toss in a gaming element as well? Show off how much employees are saving with their Flexible Spending Accounts. Compete. Celebrate. Win stupid prizes. Have something to show for it!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And make a big difference in employees lives because they WILL save money through their Flexible Spending Accounts….that you educated them all about through a personal, extended release strategy.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
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I’m Scott. I help the people at corporations and organizations create web based training and eLearning tutorials. Specifically, I help you write it, I create the video and graphics that go with it, and I help you put it all together.</div><a href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/" target="_blank"> Scott Bell</a><br />
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<a href="http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/blog.png" width="57" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Media-and-Design/118100194923601"><img alt="" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/facebook.png" width="57" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbell76"><img alt="" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/linkedin1.png" width="57" /></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/greenlemur76"><img alt="" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/youtube1.png" width="57" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/MediaScott76"><img alt="" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/twitter1.png" width="57" /></a><a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/elearing_oversimplified_by_sco.html"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4772" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/elearning.png" width="57" /></a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-85759437400702291082012-02-19T08:36:00.001-08:002012-02-19T08:36:59.536-08:00wrapping up eLearning with frosting, bows and glitter <a href="http://ping.fm/WDjtq">http://ping.fm/WDjtq</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-75163865591649320342012-02-19T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-19T03:00:04.614-08:00eLearning: Summary<a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Download the full PDF article by clicking here.</span></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">So, this has been a journey!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hi. My name’s Scott. I help the people at corporations and organizations create web based training and eLearning tutorials. Specifically, I help you write it, I create the content (sound, video, graphics, etc.) that goes with it, and I help you put it all together.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While writing this article, I came across a quote: <i>Learning is chaotic.</i> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today’s hard and fast rules for learning do not apply to every learner, and will not be the same hard and fast rules for tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As creators of training materials, we try to build a framework around this chaos called learning. We have to be adaptable and change with the times.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Learning is an interruption. If we are going to be successful, we have to be disruptive.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m writing this summary on the day that some training courses I created for the University of Washington Social Work Continuing Education Department have been glowingly approved. Direct quote from the project manager, via my email: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Maiandra GD', sans-serif;">Scott - Thank you Thank you Thank you. These 3 courses really look great!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Maiandra GD', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">And one of the project manager’s bosses:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Maiandra GD', sans-serif;">Scott, these look great! I appreciate your rapid response and flexibility. <br />
These are fantastic products!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
For this UW project, I<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Helped write the narration scripts (they drafted, I revised)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Created the content, which means:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Sourced the voice over talent<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Used at least 6 different programs to create the graphics and<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Edit the video<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Created downloadable course transcripts, and then<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Assembled the video, graphics, transcripts, quizzes, into training courses on their system<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Two years ago, I created content for a 25 volume online University-style training system for a multinational insurance agency. This is my Real World Example B from that section of this article.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As of this writing, that training required for all sales agents, and profits have risen.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For that project, I<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Interviewed SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and then drafted and revised their speaking scripts<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Hired and supervised two freelancers to help me out with videotaping, video editing and graphics<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Assembled the video, graphics, training manuals, subtitles, quizzes, pages, chapters, and modules on a beautiful custom system<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back in the wings right now I have a training project for a state agency. My source material is Power Point files. With them I am:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Writing the narration script<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Sourcing the voice talent<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Hiring help for particular parts<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Putting everything into self-contained courses with Articulate<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Posting the finished product to the agency’s system<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is this starting to look familiar?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Unique needs can be approached with simple steps and still create a unique, desired outcome.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I step in and execute those steps. There might be a whole lot of steps (every need is unique), but I make my clients feel like it’s easy.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My clients (or more directly, my clients’ Project managers, managers at businesses and organizations, educators, human resources) already have their daily jobs to do. When something like “build a training program for X,” is dropped on their plate, it can be a large order. It took me 20-some pages to describe the various moving parts. Particularly where creating the content is concerned; they may have never written a narration script, they might not understand the difference between the content itself and the way it is organized. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>I don’t think they should have to know any of this.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is absolutely nothing wrong with not knowing how to do these things. They are tasks best left to specialists. There is no shame in not knowing how to do something, as long as you know how to hire someone who does.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A competent content specialist will be able to mesh his work seamlessly with your project.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Since 1994, I’ve been doing exactly this for all kinds of clients. All kinds. As I listened to a friend of mine giving me feedback on this article, he said something like, <i>“Scott, do you know what a truly powerful force you are, how you have been so helpful to me and others as a project manager and content creator. How you are able to quickly size things up then synthesize, reorganize and guide people. Do you have any idea what a benefit that is?”</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I do. That’s why I wrote this. What he said. I like to call it my <i>blender head</i>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzBv6rkoQIE/TziSRXE3heI/AAAAAAAAAG0/6UrSHqJ4wSE/s1600/blenderhead.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzBv6rkoQIE/TziSRXE3heI/AAAAAAAAAG0/6UrSHqJ4wSE/s1600/blenderhead.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 9pt;">haha, that’s a </span><a href="http://musicmoz.org/Bands_and_Artists/B/Blenderhead/"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">band logo</span></a><span style="font-size: 9pt;">. Who knew?</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">BUT, back to the <i>others</i> described above:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Something I’d love to do for these educators, and any client with the need and the fit, is take advantage of Apples iBook Author, and start creating-then-posting fully engaging interactive iBooks to iTunes U, and otherwise branded eBooks for other convenient devices.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Something else I’d love to do, since I’m playing with ZebraZapps right now, is include this game-changing power (“game changing” - - get it? Lol.) of game creation in more and more courses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What do you want to do?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What do you want to create?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Learning should not be a hurdle to progress or a brick wall to growth. <br />
It should be fun. And it has to be helpful - - to both the employee and employer.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i> -me<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m Scott. I help the people at corporations and organizations create web based training and eLearning tutorials. Specifically, I help you write it, I create the video and graphics that go with it, and I help you put it all together.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em;"><a data-mce-href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/" href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Scott Bell</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em;"><a data-mce-href="http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/" href="http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/blog.png" height="56" src="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/blog.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; 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border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.625; margin-top: 0.4em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px;" width="57" /></a></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-34853249544417348262012-02-18T08:54:00.001-08:002012-02-18T08:54:33.307-08:00today we take eLearning to the masses with MGMT and Delivery (not a new band, just a method) <a href="http://ping.fm/dxakH">http://ping.fm/dxakH</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-82433144981797243752012-02-18T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-18T03:00:04.679-08:00eLearning: Management, Presentation, Delivery<a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Download the full PDF article by clicking here.</span></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Once you have the Training and Content (the path, with all the twigs and rocks and stuff along the path), you need a system that will hold your program together and deliver it to your learners.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How does all of your content, all of your quizzing, all of your data gathering, come together? Through your Learning Management System (LMS) and Content Management System (CMS), or the combo: LCMS. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_content_management_system#Learning_content_management_system_.28LCMS.29"><span style="color: white;">What are these things?</span></a> Click that link and read the full Wikipedia entry for numbing detail. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">None of these acronyms <i>create</i> content. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They do give your learners an infrastructure for viewing the training; organizing and presenting your content, quizzing, data gathering, etc.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Does your eLearning, web-based training program, need one of these systems? Yes, in some form. Will it be ridiculously confusing if I go on and on about them? Yes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bottom line is that you need to deliver your training to your learners, in the form and format most helpful to them, and the people who create your training content need an organized way <i>to</i> deliver it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_content_management_system#Learning_content_management_system_.28LCMS.29"><span style="color: white;">Again, mind numbing detail is available by clicking this wiki link.</span></a></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You can buy this system off the shelf, or you can find one via the open source world, or you can hire a firm to build one customized to your specifications.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I support building one customized to your specifications. Here’s why:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Off the shelf, open source, or custom build, there will be rules and a learning curve….you rarely just set these things up and go.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->With a custom build, you are making the rules<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Off the shelf, open source, or custom build, you will need technical support. Each has support limitations, but I have found that:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->When a knowledgeable firm does your custom build, you have available, helpful technical support. You are one of a handful of clients, and your needs will be important. You will actually matter to them, and their responses will show that.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Off the shelf will provide ok support, but you are one of a large group of clients, and support will likely involve call centers, automated menus, and other frustrating things.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I have never experienced helpful support on an open source product.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Those things said, I want to say a few more things to discourage you, in general, from going with an open source LCMS.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Linux is open source, and free. If Linux was <i>both</i> Free and Easy, everyone would use it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Wordpress is open source. Wordpress requires technical support from technical geniuses and technical coaches, most of whom are not free.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->You generally get what you pay for. Right? Right.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Your time has value. Right? Right.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, Filezilla is open source, and I love it. It always works for me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All that said, a few words to encourage a Custom Build.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->It’s built to do specifically what you need. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->You have a choice of programming languages that will do various things for you.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--> Example: a custom system built on Microsoft .NET can give you web, windows, tablet, phone, xBox (how incredible would it be to deploy your xBox-compatible training program?)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->These options might be paid add-ons or plug-ins with other systems.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->You make the rules<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->You are not compromising your training to fit it into a generic system’s template<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->You are working with the firm to design<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How your training will look<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How learners will interact with your training<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How you manage your training content<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level3 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a lot of options out in the world. I have my opinions. You need to pick the presentation and organization method that best fits your needs.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Which brings us to Delivery. Yes, it’s different from organization and presentation. How will you get your training program to the learner’s fingertips? Delivery has two layers: The Pipe, and the Devices.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I kinda feel like drawing pictures again…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Delivery: Pipe<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your learners are staying in your office building, in your town, potentially even in your state (Rhode Island is tiny…), your Pipe can be potentially be <b>Local Distribution</b>. This can happen via your own highly responsive corporate servers, or a local data center.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZD2tVTQZQA/TziCVdbfBRI/AAAAAAAAAGk/EfaXVb-j7FY/s1600/local-distribution1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZD2tVTQZQA/TziCVdbfBRI/AAAAAAAAAGk/EfaXVb-j7FY/s400/local-distribution1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, if your learners are spread far and wide, across states, the country, the hemisphere, the world - - or if your servers simply are not robust enough to handle your training experience, you will need some hearty distribution. There are services for this. A couple are Amazon hosting (EC2 at this writing), and Windows Azure. This is “the Cloud.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hJx0wUm7dc/TziCeHC_hCI/AAAAAAAAAGs/ThjZeOhEjKI/s1600/wide-distribution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hJx0wUm7dc/TziCeHC_hCI/AAAAAAAAAGs/ThjZeOhEjKI/s400/wide-distribution.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You might even think of iTunes, Newsstand, and iTunes U as <i>cloud</i> services - - because you use them to access data/media from anywhere with a signal. YouTube is video in the cloud….so if your training is all video, and you don’t care about security, and have some other method of reporting, your training could potentially live on YouTube.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Delivery: Devices<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">These are the computing devices that the learner can use to access training.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Desktop PC <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners probably have one at work, likely to have one at home<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy to set up a workstation where learners can log in and access training<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Windows or Mac<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Physical keyboard and mouse<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Wifi or Ethernet internet connection<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Not portable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Laptop<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners possibly have one at work and at home<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Windows or Mac<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Physical keyboard, mouse options (physical, trackpad, multi-touch)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Wifi or Ethernet connection<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Portable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Desktop PC’s and laptops have been around for the longest, as a device type they have logged a lot of training time. Right now, they are what the majority of people are used to using. Your training content can be robust, sugary rich media, or simple.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Tablet<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners possibly have one, or their employer might provide one<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Mac, Android, possibly Kindle Fire (Microsoft is building a prototype)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Touch screen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Will use gestures and need a design that allows users to click with big ole fingers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Wifi internet<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Highly portable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Smartphone<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners possibly own one, employer might provide one<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Mac, Android, Windows<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Touch screen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Gestures, design for finger clicks<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Wifi or 3G/4G internet<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Highly highly portable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I understand it, designing for tablets and smartphones is basically the same (iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Android Tablet). Same display size ratio, simplicity, larger buttons for clumsy fingers. It’s been a little amazing – and makes complete sense - to see how iPads have become learning devices of choice for educators and government agencies. They’re just so portable, and just so intuitively easy to use.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In my mind, I’m lumping “eReaders” in with Tablets. So much can be done with interactive eBooks and iBooks that I think it’s just a matter of time before they completely take over the market. When you combine engaging, interactive eBooks with simple delivery via Amazon and iTunes, and program in a pipe back to the database for reliable reporting, you have a brand new way to think about textbooks and the way people learn.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">WHEW!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That just about wraps things up. I know, for some of you this is far too oversimplified. For others, it’s far too much to take in. No matter where you are in my galactic continuum, I hope this article has helped you generate your own notes and questions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow is the last little bit - - See you then!<o:p></o:p></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-9572022490823808962012-02-17T10:02:00.001-08:002012-02-17T10:02:51.849-08:00today's sweet eLearning fizziness is Content and Training types <a href="http://ping.fm/PM8We">http://ping.fm/PM8We</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-49671064445632659242012-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-17T03:00:08.535-08:00eLearning: Types of Content and Types of Training<a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Download the full PDF article by clicking here</span></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">What is “Content?” It’s what you’re reading right now. It’s the front page of Yahoo or Google. It’s everything on YouTube. It’s all the tiny pieces in the <i>Operation</i> board game from Milton Bradley (caution, small contents can be a choking hazard).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-GmW9StYi8/Tzh9eRytXmI/AAAAAAAAAGM/kbBD__cMWzQ/s1600/path.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-GmW9StYi8/Tzh9eRytXmI/AAAAAAAAAGM/kbBD__cMWzQ/s320/path.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If we think of eLearning and web based training as a path through a forest, “Content” is all the dirt, stones, twigs, bugs, grass, flowers, arrow signs, etc., that make your training interesting and unique.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Content is what you consume with your senses. Training is the path you take to consume the content. When content and training are combined, they create the lesson.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Should you outsource your content creation, or keep it in-house? There is no right or wrong answer, it’s entirely up to you and every organization is different. Perhaps you have an in-house media team that exists just to create whatever content you need, and they can easily fit your new training content into their production schedule. Perhaps your in-house team is already overwhelmed and they would pull out their remaining hair if you dropped a training project on them. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You do what is best for your learners and your organization.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In this section, I’m going to break down Types of Content, and then talk briefly about Types of Training. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>TYPES OF CONTENT:</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Text<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Words on a screen, words on a page, words and symbols on a white board. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The most basic type of content<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy to create, we are all used to typing text<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Low file sizes , making it easy to deliver<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Writing Professionals are available to help create compelling text<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The “Social Learning” Type of Training can be all text.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy for the average learner to consume<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners with special needs will potentially need assistance consuming text<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I’m creating any type of content, I begin with text. It’s the outline for a project. It’s the script for a voice over. It’s the written description of what will happen - - what the learner will hear and see - - in the training. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Audio<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Spoken words (voice over), music, sound effects<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy to create low quality audio<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy to outsource high quality audio to wide variety of professionals<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Affordable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Low file sizes, making it easy to deliver<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy for the average learner to consume<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners with special needs will potentially need assistance consuming audio, the typical scenario pairs audio with text.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Highly portable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Audio is the first step in adding life to a training project. It doesn’t have to involve creating a complex soundscape. You don’t have to work with some long haired hippie spouting off about <i>Theatre of the Mind!</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79YM_8fLwEc/Tzh90yAiZjI/AAAAAAAAAGc/ziYnPmxE7hw/s1600/hippe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79YM_8fLwEc/Tzh90yAiZjI/AAAAAAAAAGc/ziYnPmxE7hw/s320/hippe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> It can be as simple as choosing a friendly warm voice for your voice over. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is very important to have “good” audio on a project - - because it’s the first thing that your learners will connect with. Bad audio - - static, too loud, too soft, too muffled, out of sync with images - - makes learners instantly tune out.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Audio can also add depth and fun to your training, because it generates an emotional reaction. Last night <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088247/">“The Terminator”</a> was on TV. I’m a guy, so I watched it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The repetitive, simple music that always accompanies the Terminator’s presence quickly generates a sense of foreboding and builds my emotional connection with the images on screen.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sound effects and music make learning more fun, and add another layer of interaction to games. Going back to the <i>Operation</i> example, learners jump and laugh when that annoying buzz shocks their ears. The buzz sound reinforces the “Don’t touch the sides!” lesson.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Visuals<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Static Images<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Photos <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->images of real people, places, things<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Illustrations <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->drawings or artistic renderings of people, places, things, concepts<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Charts and Graphs <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->illustrations and/or photos that deliver measured information and/or results<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Graphics <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->images made of various pieces, including the items listed above, possibly mixed with text.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Moving Images<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Video<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Moving, non-static images of people, places and things <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->“Plays” or “Loops” for a set amount of time<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Generally has a two-dimensional feeling of depth<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Can also be a sequence of Static Images<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Animations<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Moving sequences of Static Images, possibly incorporating Video<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Generally have more “life” and depth than standard Video<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Interactive Images<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Touch-screen devices can have interactivity built into images, allowing them to zoom, pan, manipulate 3D objects, and reveal information. See <a href="http://www.apple.com/education/ibooks-textbooks/gallery.html">Apple iBooks</a>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Tools to create low quality visuals are accessible and improving every day<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Professionals are available to create high quality visuals<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The range of what can be done visually is highly dependent on the projects budget<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Medium to large file sizes, and multiple formats in use; delivery needs to be planned in greater detail than text or audio<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Highly flexible medium; you can create and incorporate practically anything<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Easy for the average learner to consume, depending on available devices<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Learners with special needs may need assistance consuming visual content, the typical scenarios can allow for a text transcript and if needed, a separate audio file.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones have made visuals more portable than they once were.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A picture is worth a thousand words. Visuals are currently the easiest way to disrupt someone’s day. A lesson that might take up several pages of text can be passed through a meaningful video in just minutes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are going to include Visuals in your training program, and you’re even the least bit uncomfortable, inexperienced, or confused about it, please please please contact a specialist. A specialist will work with you to create a far more moving learning experience, and will already know how to deal with the obstacles that always come along for the ride when working with visuals.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Games<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Interactive<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The learner physically and/or mentally has a role in creating an outcome<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The learners decisions result in a reward or consequence <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Can be as simple as a quiz<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Can be more complex, incorporating Text, Audio, Visuals<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Creation is getting more affordable<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->A professional can help you with creation and delivery<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Can be digital, mental, physical<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Digital formats vary<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Flash is common, which can be good or bad<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Games have been around forever….they are as simple (and complex) as physical card games, dice games, Tic Tac Toe, Rock Paper Scissors, elementary games like Red Rover, computer Solitaire. Games encourage learning because the learner thinks about a strategy, within certain rules, and is rewarded for winning. Games are learning contests.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Games can be enjoyable as social or solitary experiences. People are predisposed to playing games. As long as it presents an “easy challenge” to participate in, is rewarding to complete, and is relevant to the training, a game incorporated into the training process can be a wonderful interactive learning opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Allen Interactions recently released ZebraZapps, which lets a content creator easily build games that will help learners learn. I’m playing with ZebraZapps right now, and LOVE it! The Thiagi Group has used games to make learning fun and effective for thousands of learners at top companies. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Games engage, games work.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A game can be part of a learner’s training experience, and a game can be its own self-contained Type of Training.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Types of Training are the paths (through the forest) along which the learner consumes Content. We’ve covered Games; here’s a quick look at two more Types of Training:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>TYPES OF TRAINING</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Games – noted above; people learn how to win a game<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->University setting<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Compared to reading a book and taking a test<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Materials are presented; the learner is expected to learn<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->May have interactive components, but the learning is not necessarily interactive<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Example: rather than ask a question, you review the materials presented seeking an answer.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Social setting<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Interaction between trainers and learners<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Group discussions between classmates, possibly including teachers/trainers<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Similar to posing a question on Facebook or in a group chat, then receiving an answer or information about the answer from an instructor or the group at large<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some people learn best by reading. Others learn best by listening. Others learn best by watching. Others learn best by doing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is no rule against mixing all Types of Content with all Types of Training. By selecting the right mix of content, and organizing it into the right mix of training, you have unlimited potential to teach your learners in the ways that they learn best.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What <i>can</i> hold you back from achieving that “right mix” is technical stuff. And that’s what we’ll look at tomorrow: Management, Presentation, and Delivery of this delicious training gravy!<o:p></o:p></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-33521141763758013562012-02-16T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-16T03:00:02.977-08:00eLearning: Ensuring Effectiveness<a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Download the full PDF article by clicking here.</span></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">People will not learn just because you want them to. Remember that human behavior has to be part of your effective training plan. No training program will be effective if it is not embraced from the top down.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 41.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->In corporate and business training, top management must clearly and openly make training a priority, take part in the training, and possibly conduct parts of the training.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 41.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->In Continuing Education, trial results of a process or procedure must be clearly stated. Evidence must be available to support the learner’s “Why?” A respected name or a popular procedure or process will deliver the top down embrace, helping people want to engage in the training instead of feeling like a prisoner.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 41.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Embracing the training from the top down is necessary for both the analysis that needs to happen to create effective training, and the follow-up that needs to happen to make sure people are learning. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Without human behavior, that top down embrace, your training will run into obstacles. These include:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Company policy<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Managerial attitudes<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Lack of importance placed on the training<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->“The last training we did was a waste of time.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Changing expectations<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Changing processes and procedures<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The list can go on and on. Without the top down embrace, these and many more obstacles will prevent effective training. So get that top down embrace.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you have the top down embrace (have I said that enough?), start planning for the positive results you want to achieve. Begin with the end in mind. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Create training that will produce demonstrable results.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Kirkpatrick model has been used to measure training program effectiveness since the ‘50’s, and still holds true. Here are four ways to measure effectiveness:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Reaction.</b> How did the learners like the training? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">You can glean this information from a questionnaire, from comments.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Find out what learners want to learn, what do they want to get out of the training?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><i>Content Hint:</i> Design for your learners. People who love to read do not necessarily enjoy playing video games, and vice versa. Teach your learners with the things they enjoy doing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Learning.</b> Did the learners actually learn? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">This can be shown through pre and post quiz scores, feedback from people who observe the learners.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><i>Content Hint:</i> Pre-quizzes can whet your learner’s appetites for what lies ahead.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Behavior.</b> Did the training cause the learners to improve their job performance? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">On the job observation. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Do the learners refer to things from the instruction, either overtly or contextually?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><i>Content Hint<b>:</b></i> The learner will integrate pieces of training that most closely resemble his daily job tasks/concepts more quickly and easily than pieces that do not resemble daily job tasks/concepts…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">That’s a really long way of saying that people learn by doing. For example, if you’re teaching an electrician how to measure voltage with a new meter, teach with the new meter.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Results.</b> <b>People RESPECT what the Boss INSPECTS.</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Are the learners performing? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Are profits rising where they were projected to rise? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Are more products being sold? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Has the time it takes to complete a task dropped, or are tasks being completed with fewer errors? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in;">Is a concept being embraced?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in;"><i>Content Hint:</i> Remember, people learn what they want to learn. Results will be more easily obtained if learners want to learn the material. What is the learner’s “Why?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For me, “Learning” and “Behavior” blend together in this model. They may or may not for you. Either way, this is a starting point for measuring your trainings effectiveness. When you begin with Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results in mind, you will create more effective training.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Up there on “Learning,” I popped in pre and post quizzes. This is part of what makes eLearning so rewarding, in my humble article-writing opinion. When learners take a quiz, the results are saved in a data base, and can be reviewed by supervisors, managers, department heads, organizations - - anyone with the right level of access. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot more than just quiz data can be gathered and reported:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How many times did the learner “log in” to the training?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How much time did the learner spend on particular sections?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Are Extra Credit, Bonus Activities, or Additional Reading Materials being used?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How much did the learner play with an interactive tool, such as a voltage meter?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How many times did the learner choose an incorrect quiz answer?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How many learners from one department, city, county, state, country, are using the training?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->How many learners are not completing all the training? Where are they stopping?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Which part of the training are learners interacting with the most?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You can gather real data on any aspect of your training program, and use it to make your training even more effective. AND use it in the evaluation to trace results directly back to an especially popular portion of the training. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Embrace. Analyze. Follow-up. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These three elements are key in making your training effective.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What’s hitting the blogosphere manana?!?! We’re going to take a look at Types of Content and Types of Training!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">RSS Feed will keep you up to date.<o:p></o:p></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-65982716504732358412012-02-15T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-15T03:00:02.773-08:00eLearning: Costs<a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank">Click here to download the full PDF article</a><br />
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In the Real World Examples post we looked at Problems and Goals. It would be really wonderful to be able to create training that turns every Problem into an achieved goal. <br />
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However, creating training costs money, and training needs to pay for itself, and you need to know that the training will pay for itself BEFORE you invest in it. You can do this with Return On Investment (ROI) or Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) formulas.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Training costs money internally: in the production hours that a staff gives to the training program. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Training costs money externally: in creating, distributing, and maintaining the training program.</b></div><br />
I’ve looked all over the place for a simple way to examine training costs. The best examples I have seen are <a href="http://www.mercersystems.com/storeonline.html" target="_blank">Michael Mercer’s, from his 1989 book Turning Your Human Resources into a Profit Center</a>. However, most of his examples only cover what I call the internal cost. <br />
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I’m going to combine two of Mercer’s examples so that both internal and external costs are factored into the Cost of Solution.<br />
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What follows is my version of Mercer’s EEO example, complete with nostalgic 1989 numbers.<br />
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The Story (direct from Mercer): “A division of a major oil company found itself bogged down in a costly, yet quite avoidable, business problem as a result of quite a few sexual harassment complaints… The company seldom doubted the accuracy of the claims. They 'spent a great deal of money' to pay off the complainants. These charges were avoidable; therefore, the decreased profitability was unnecessary.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9afbFOClMJQ/Tzh09lNosLI/AAAAAAAAAFs/D2XPjshOx1I/s1600/costs-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9afbFOClMJQ/Tzh09lNosLI/AAAAAAAAAFs/D2XPjshOx1I/s320/costs-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr674WzM9Uw/Tzh0-K3zw3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/4yEnNL0QXqM/s1600/costs-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr674WzM9Uw/Tzh0-K3zw3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/4yEnNL0QXqM/s320/costs-2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJgh-_x7JgA/Tzh0-eC69gI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Mk9Ehsr5sGQ/s1600/costs-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJgh-_x7JgA/Tzh0-eC69gI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Mk9Ehsr5sGQ/s320/costs-3.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Let’s project this out 5 years:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span></span>Before implementing the training program, the 5-year cost of your Problem was going to be <b>$722,000 x 5 = $3,610,000. Over THREE MILLION DOLLARS (in 1989)</b>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> - </span></span>After implementing the training program, the 5-year cost of your Problem is projected to be <b>$67,600 x 5 = $338,000. Still <i>less than the 1-year cost of your original Problem</i>.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course this model does not account for raises, various salary levels, etc. etc. etc. <b>It is simple.</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">And remember, I am looking at web-based, eLearning style training, not a crew of live trainers descending on an office suite to hold sessions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I use the EEO example because it clearly illustrates costs that you might not immediately consider:<o:p></o:p></div><ul><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your Problem might be sexual harassment, but the costs of this problem spill over to other areas, including </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">turnover</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">; involving the cost of hiring and training new employees.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Maintenance of the training program; updating the training program for changing times.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cost of bad press in the community.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">With EEO in particular, cost of your reputation.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cost of getting on the governments radar.</span></li>
</ul><o:p></o:p><br />
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Nothing is static. What we need to learn changes, as do the ways that we learn. Businesses expand or pull back. New mission statements roll out. Health care benefits and companies change. People change.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nobody likes to be surprised by costs. Examine your costs from every angle, and make sure you partner with a training professional who does the same.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Remember to subscribe to the RSS to keep up!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow’s Topic: Ensuring Training Effectiveness<o:p></o:p></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-20492467344569849092012-02-14T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T03:00:04.693-08:00eLearing: Targeted Questions and Real World Examples<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank">Download the full PDF article by clicking here.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Web based training. eLearning. Online training. Computer based training. It’s called many things.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever you are choosing to call it, your company or group has decided that you need to offer instruction, and that the instruction will happen on some type of “computer” or digital device.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating instructional materials is a project. Every project needs a plan. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating instructional materials that learners will access on a “computer” presents its own unique planning needs. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Unique needs can be approached with simple steps and still create a unique, desired outcome. <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In this section, I am going to give you some targeted questions to use when planning your eLearning project. I’ll follow these questions with some real-world examples, then will apply the questions to the real-world examples to show you what we can learn.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This is an overview.</b> Remember, this is all food for thought. Your eLearning professional will help you dig down into the nitty gritty details.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Targeted Questions<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">A series of targeted questions will help you begin. Targeted questions will give you targeted answers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>What is your goal and/or problem?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Who will be learning?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Ages and Learning Styles?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Are there special needs - - Will blind or hearing impaired learners be using the training?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>What is the task or concept they need to learn?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Where are these learners located? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>In local branch offices? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Across North America? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">c.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Throughout the world?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Do these learners speak different languages?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Where will these learners need to access the training?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>What “computers” or smart devices are available to the learners in these locations?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l11 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>How will you measure success?*** Today we will skip this question. Michael Mercer provides concrete steps to measuring success in his book <i><a href="http://www.mercersystems.com/storeonline.html">Turning Your Human Resources Department into a Profit Center</a></i>. I will get into Mercer’s approach as simply as possible later in the series.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These questions help you do four very important things:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> - </span>Identify your Goal and/or Problem<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> - </span>Identify your Audience (learners)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> - </span>Identify the ways your Audience will consume the training<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> - </span>Determine the training effectiveness<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Real-World Examples - - - <i><u>Tomorrow </u></i><u>we talk about Costs</u><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The following examples are hypothetical. I am listing several examples in the hopes that you will find one that applies to you. I have direct experience with some of these examples. Others are taken from interviews, conversations, and Mercer’s book (above, noted with *). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b>A.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>TECHNICAL / TASK / CROSS TRAINING*<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b>The general goal is to improve on a specific skill.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The way that your company processes product shipment information has changed, and the data entry employees are taking too long to transition to the new system. “Help” is available but ineffective, on-the-job coaching is stealing productive time from other employees. This problem is contributing to a loss of revenue in shipping delays, and internal delays that occur because the data entry employees are not performing their tasks proficiently.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the problem?</b> Data entry employees are not up to speed on the new software system. <b>What is the goal?</b> Get the data entry employees to use the new software proficiently.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Who will be learning?</b> Data entry employees.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Ages?</b> 25 to 57….I think a few are in their 60’s. <b>Learning Styles?</b> No idea.***<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Special needs?</b> Two data entry employees are hearing impaired.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the task or concept they need to learn?</b> Task: how to bring information into the system, merge required fields, quickly troubleshoot for errors, then send information out of the system.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where are the learners located?</b> One processing center in Riverside, CA.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Languages?</b> All data entry employees work in English.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where will these learners need to access training?</b> We will set up a space in the office. We would like employees to have the option to learn from home, and might provide an incentive. Half of the employees carpool at least 30 minutes to and from work <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What “computers” or devices are available in these locations?</b> The office will have a minimum of one Windows 7 desktop pc with an internet connection set aside specifically for this training. Most of the employees have a computer with internet at home. Most of the employees have some type of mp3 player. Few own smartphones or tablets.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b>So, what does this brief bit of information tell us?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>All learners will have access to a Windows PC with internet. Delivery can be local.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>The training can live on the internet but needs to be accessible to employees when they don’t have internet access. It also needs to be accessible to the hearing impaired.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>The training can be in English.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Since this is training to complete a technical task, an interactive “game” that mimics this task could help the employees learn.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">***When we don’t have an answer to a question, we need to dig for more information.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>B.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>ORIENTATION and SALES<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in;"><b>The general goal of orientation is to make new employees profitable as soon as possible. In this example, SALES training is directed at salespeople.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Your life insurance agency experiences high turnover with new salespeople. You discover the new hires are leaving because they are not making sales, and therefore not making money. You then discover that many sales managers are not training their new hires. Your agency will not grow unless your new hires can successfully sell. New hires need to fully understand the products they are selling, and the techniques used to sell.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the problem?</b> New hires are leaving because they aren’t making any money. <b>What is the goal?</b> Get the new hires making money so that they stay.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Who will be learning?</b> Newly hired sales agents. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Ages?</b> <b>Learning Styles?</b> Wide variety of ages and backgrounds.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Special needs?</b> Possibly hearing impairment.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the task or concept they are expected to learn?</b> Some tasks and some concepts. They must understand basic life insurance products enough to be able to match these products to clients and upsell. They must know how to take a saliva test sample. They should learn how to complete paperwork, although people at the office can help with that. They need to learn our sales script and a few basic sales techniques.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where are the learners located?</b> Every state in the US, and all across Canada….North America.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Languages?</b> Possibly French Canadian. <b>Spanish.</b> We have some agents who speak English as a second language.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where will these learners need to access training?</b> On the road. We like our new hires to spend a lot of time on the road. You never know what will be available in our offices. Most agents have the most time on the road.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>ADDITIONAL QUESTION:</b> <b>“Are these people independent contractors?”</b> Yes.<b>***</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What computers or devices available in these locations?</b> Whatever the agents can get their hands on. Most have a laptop. Many have iPhones or Android phones. Most new hires will have mp3 players or access to CD / DVD players. Some do everything on paper and file it when they get back to their offices.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>What does this tell us?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>The learning environment will be highly varied and far flung. Cloud based training is likely to provide the best delivery. Mac and PC compatibility. Mobile accessible.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Training needs to be accessible to hearing impaired.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Interactivity or “games” would potentially work well for teaching the tasks of obtaining a saliva test sample and properly completing paperwork.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>The training can roll out in English, consideration needs to be given to French Canadian and Spanish.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>***</b>When asking learners to complete training “on their own time,” be mindful of <a href="http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-flsa.htm">FLSA regulations.</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.25in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>C.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in;"><b>General goal is to make your education product available to professionals.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The American Dental Society (ADS) hosts a yearly conference in Hawaii. Attendees get to see a fun show, and have opportunities to take classes where they earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. Many states require CMEs for medical professionals to maintain their licenses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">One reason for the conference’s popularity is that professionals earn their CME’s at a much lower price than they would at home. The ADA wants to create a “library” of the CME classes so that professionals can access classes anytime from anywhere.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the problem?</b> There isn’t a problem. <b>What is the goal?</b> Create a library of widely accessible ADA Conference CME courses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Who will be learning?</b> Medical professionals. Specifically dentists, orthodontists, dental assistants, dental hygienists. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Ages?</b> Late 20’s on up. <b>Learning Styles?</b> Different people take different courses…a Dental Assistant will not typically have the education level of a Hygienist or Surgeon, for example. Styles will need to change to fit the audience taking the course.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Special needs?</b> This needs to be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCORM">SCORM</a> compliant.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the task or concept they are expected to learn?</b> This will vary depending on the training. Some will involve learning procedures (tasks). Others will involve learning new concepts.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where are the learners located?</b> Mainly North America.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Languages?</b> English speaking. If there is a demand for other languages we will consider it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where will these learners need to access training?</b> Wherever they are comfortable. Most will be at home. Some may choose their offices. Others might commute or travel and want to do this during the commute or in a hotel room. We just want it to be available.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What computers or devices are available in these locations?</b> iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablets, laptops, desktop computers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><b>What does this tell us?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>The learning environment will be everywhere. Strong emphasis on mobile devices, multiple platforms.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Training must adhere to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCORM">SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model)</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Training will be available at a cost, will need to show proof of completion. Learners will need to report completion and credits earned.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Interactive pieces will be helpful for teaching procedures </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>A.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>RETENTION and ADVANCEMENT<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in;"><b>General goal is to demonstrate to employees that we have already trained that they have a positive and clearly defined future with us so that they will remain with us for the long-term. This is internal public relations with an eye on the future. This can be offered in-house and/or in partnership with a college or tech school.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The employees who should be your company’s future leaders are leaving your company to work for the competition. One or two leaving kind of surprised you, but now it’s happening more. Employees say they are leaving for growth opportunities and money. You know the competing firm has a great reputation among talented young professionals. You are investing in employee development and you want to keep them around as they grow.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the problem?</b> Our employees are going to the competition where they see clear career development and long-term opportunities. <b>What is the goal?</b> Build for the future by stopping the outward flow of employees whose training we have paid for.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in;"><b>Part A:</b> Create and implement an organization-wide succession planning process to include, at minimum, all supervisors and above, and selected “high potential” employees. We want to do all the “paperwork” online, then follow-up in person.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in;"><b>Part B:</b> We will create special training for our specific systems and procedures, and may partner with local educational institutions for general training needs.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Who will be learning?</b> All employees will be part of the data collection for Part A. Identified “high potentials” will take the courses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Ages?</b> 18-67 for data collection. We’ll know the rest after data collection.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in;"><b>Learning Styles?</b> Don’t know.<b>***</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Special needs?</b> Not that I know of…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the task or concept they are expected to learn?</b> Mainly concepts. Management skills, people skills. We really want to find out what these people want to achieve, that’s the only way we can show them <b>What’s In It For Them</b>. Some departments use proprietary systems and procedures.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where are the learners located?</b> 10 offices in California and 2 in New York.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Languages?</b> Everyone in the company speaks English.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where will these learners need to access the training?</b> Anything proprietary needs to stay in the office, keep it protected, all that. We will set aside time to complete the courses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What computers or devices are available in these locations?</b> We have Windows 7 computers hooked up to our own servers. It’s fast.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b>What does this tell us?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>The learning environment should be password protected. We can try corporate servers first. If corporate servers are too slow a different approach will be needed. Windows 7 compatible.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>A hierarchy of reporting will be necessary. Top Leadership, HR, Managers, etc.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Any plan for training content may need to change based on input from succession planning “paperwork.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">***When we don’t have an answer to a question, we need to dig for more information.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>B.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>COMPLIANCE TRAINING, and SITUATION HANDLING for MANAGERS and/or EMPLOYEES*<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in;"><b>General goal is to prevent problem situations.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Your company just narrowly avoided having its first Equal Employment Opportunity charge <b>become a state and federal lawsuit.</b> Managers put in a lot of time to avoid the hearing, but it would have been far more expensive and time consuming to go through the hearing. You want to do what you can to prevent this situation from arising again.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What is the problem?</b> An employee acted inappropriately and almost caused a time and money consuming EEO hearing. What is the goal? We have developed procedures to prevent this kind of situation. Now we need to teach these procedures to our workforce.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Who will be learning?</b> Every employee, top to bottom, side to side.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Ages?</b> <b>Learning Styles?</b> Like we said…Everyone. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Special needs?</b> Yes. This training needs to be accessible to all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>What is the task or concept they are expected to learn? Every employee will need to learn our procedures and be tested on their retention of the information. It’s not so much a task or concept….it’s a list of instructions for dealing with situations.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where are the learners located?</b> In Cincinatti, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. In Mexico and South America, the Phillipines, Guam.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Languages?</b> Spanish and English.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Where will these learners need to access training?</b> We will set up stations at workplaces. Some of these locations are really remote.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>What computers or devices are available at these locations?</b> They will use Windows machines, but some will be on XP, some Vista, some 7. We’ve tied everyone in to the company intranet, so even the remote locations will have at least one workstation that is online.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">What does this tell us?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Localization will be needed; multi-lingual training<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Training will need to be engaging without a large file load<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Proof of satisfactory completion will be needed<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCORM">SCORM</a> compliancy required<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of these real world examples may fit your situation perfectly, or you might find one that is a close fit. Either way, the targeted questions help you define your project and narrow your needs. Your eLearning professionals will also help.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’re a Human Resources professional, you might very well be screaming and pulling your hair out now. Maybe you’re throwing things and cursing, <b>“This isn’t enough information, these questions need to dig deeper, these people haven’t found the root of their problem, THIS ISN’T ENOUGH INFORMATION!!!!!!”</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t mean to cause you pain. This is a very basic, very simple overview of real life situations. If I included every possible angle, this segment of the article would go on and on and on.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These are simplified examples - - Please do look at your own situations from every angle for questions, answers, and issues. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">TOMORROW: We take a simple - - Yes, Simple - - look at Costs.<o:p></o:p></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-17007466186615178512012-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T07:15:47.127-08:00eLearning Oversimplified - Introduction<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Learning should not be a hurdle to progress or a brick wall to growth. <br />
It should be fun. And it has to be helpful - - to both the employee and employer.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i> -me<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hi, my name’s Scott. I help the people at corporations and organizations create web based training and eLearning tutorials. Specifically, I help you write it, I create the content (sound, video, graphics, etc.) that goes with it, and I help you put it all together.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the next seven days I will be sharing an article that I have written on eLearning. I’m going to share it in chunks because it’s a lot more than I tend to read at one time…however,<a href="http://www.4shared.com/office/TjbQkUYr/eLearing_Oversimplified_by_Sco.html" target="_blank"> if you would like to read the whole thing RIGHT NOW, I’ll offer that in a PDF link</a>. Please subscribe to my RSS feed to receive updates.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My article covers many basics of eLearning, including Planning, Rationalizing Costs and Benefits, Measuring Effectiveness, Types of Content and Types of Training, Organization and Presentation, and Delivery Methods. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s a mouthful, but I’m going to try to say all of this in a way that doesn’t twist your tongue or boggle your brain.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is going to be simple food for thought; take what you will for your situation, and think about deeper questions for your situation. </b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A bit about me: I’m 36. The only way to be on my radar is to email me or send me a link, and make sure that the information is compelling to me personally.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s my profile. How many of me work at your company? Are you engaging with this “me,” or are you helping “me” fill up “my” trash bin?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s a very different profile: Employees requiring training are going to be very different in just two years. Approximately half of the workforce will be Millenials by 2014 (<a href="http://www.astd.org/NR/rdonlyres/79244409-2020-4905-B136-D5C1A06BC0D3/31220/081141SocialLearningFlyerforALC3.pdf">ASTD</a> link). These are people who have had internet access their entire life, expect rich media, and caused the social media explosion. <i>You think I throw things away fast?</i> How is your company engaging with these employees under the age of 30? (<a href="http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/technology/Articles/Pages/2012Predictions.aspx">SHRM</a> link)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s one more profile: My son is six years old. He loves playing Angry Birds on my iPhone. It’s intuitive. Assuming he gets a job when he’s 18, god willing, he will enter the workforce in the year 2024. That’s only 12 years away, yet <b><i>he is never going to have to use a physical keyboard or mouse</i></b>. His generation is growing up with the world at their fingertips, and it’s only going to get closer. He’s going to require a far more intuitive engagement than a static power point ever provided. Don’t even get me started on textbooks <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">That said, here’s an amazing question to consider: when it comes to manipulating the parts of a laptop or desktop computer to use some unknown unresponsive interface that is supposed to help people learn, how much does my 6-year-old have in common with a Baby Boomer? <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_Ze1gwCnBI/TzgWskZ_RqI/AAAAAAAAAEk/0vlsepZquWQ/s1600/boy-boomer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_Ze1gwCnBI/TzgWskZ_RqI/AAAAAAAAAEk/0vlsepZquWQ/s320/boy-boomer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Is your training plan fun? Is it going to be intuitive? Does it give your learners the instruction they need to contribute more, to earn the credits that allow them to keep their licenses, to grow in positive directions? Does your training add to profitability? Does it have a purpose or does the training exist for trainings sake?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The very first time I had to take an eLearning course (<i>had to</i>), it was terrible…a power point with zero frills that the company had managed to put online.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBioakkivvM/TzgXryPh1NI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bSBd2DfTQws/s1600/WithAQuiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBioakkivvM/TzgXryPh1NI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bSBd2DfTQws/s1600/WithAQuiz.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This was a safety course for Charter Communications, at the time, the nation’s third largest cable company. The topic: staying safe while installing cable service at a customer’s house. It covered dogs, meth heads and gun wielding customers, even brown recluse spiders. Too bad I was working as the Creative Services Supervisor at the time, interacting with local businesses to create their TV commercials….and had never done an install. I was a prisoner to training had nothing at all to do with my job. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Charter’s safety training was a corporate mandate. The quizzes, a way to “check off” that all employees had completed the course. ALL employees. (executives included?)<b> </b>That was the measure of success. “Everyone passed the online safety course, so now we’re a safer company.” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOa9upmC8ec/TzgXsMgDWYI/AAAAAAAAAEw/gmHrkbAIiRE/s1600/high-fives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOa9upmC8ec/TzgXsMgDWYI/AAAAAAAAAEw/gmHrkbAIiRE/s320/high-fives.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The other “high tech” training method involved packing a large room with employees and popping in a DVD. Watch this. Learn this. Now. NAOW!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">That was only 10 years ago, and sadly both of these methods are still used quite often today. However, today’s technology takes learning a lot further than a mandatory power point or a DVD in the lunchroom, and offers far greater metrics to measure success.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Again, I’m Scott. I help the people at corporations and organizations create web based training and eLearning tutorials. Specifically, I help you write it, I create the video and graphics that go with it, and I help you put it all together.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow is topic number 1: Targeted Questions and Real-World Examples</div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-70988124113974685582012-01-20T17:11:00.001-08:002012-01-20T17:11:10.083-08:00More digital learning, from Apple. iTunesU iBooks <a href="http://ping.fm/DkmQI">http://ping.fm/DkmQI</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-7011606898012218252012-01-20T17:09:00.000-08:002012-01-20T17:09:59.774-08:00More digital learningThis will be quick :) <a href="http://images.apple.com/education/itunes-u/" target="_blank">Apple iTunes U</a> and <a href="http://images.apple.com/education/ibooks-textbooks/" target="_blank">Multi-Touch Text Books</a><br />
<br />
If you're an educator or trainer and you're not getting all over this yet, better jump in nowScott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-1873591872343647082012-01-12T17:18:00.001-08:002012-01-12T17:18:08.788-08:003 common sense ways freelancers can save money <a href="http://ping.fm/QeUUD">http://ping.fm/QeUUD</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-36113564737244189152012-01-12T17:16:00.000-08:002012-01-12T17:16:37.121-08:003 Ways Soloprenuers can SAVE MONEYSaving money in business is common sense. Depending on the economy, saving money can also equal surviving. Here are three things that ought to be a rehash of common sense.<br />
<br />
(editor’s note: saving money does not directly correlate to making money)<br />
<br />
It’s the middle of January. This week when I have asked fellow freelancers how business is, the response has been frightening and consistent: “It’s…weird right now.” My answer is the same.<br />
<br />
So let’s save some money!<br />
<br />
<b>Gas and Toll Roads</b>: Define your “qualified prospects,” and only meet with them face to face when there is going to be a high probability of a return on your investment of time and travel.<br />
• How many of your face to face meetings are with qualified prospects? <br />
• How many of your face to face meetings are not with qualified prospects? Rather, simply introductions? <br />
- How many of those could you easily meet with on the phone, skype, google talk, etc.?<br />
<br />
How do you figure this out?<br />
• Create a profile of the people and companies from whom you have generated the most revenue.<br />
• Meet with these prospects face to face. Feel everyone else out.<br />
<br />
When a new prospect objects because they’re a good ole boy that has to shake your hand before they can truly know you, invite them to your neck of the woods.<br />
<br />
<b>Web Video</b>: Everyone knows web video is the greatest thing since hanger steak with green peppercorn sauce and steamed broccolini. Do you have a smartphone or web cam? Then you can do this yourself, update them regularly, etc. It will help both your pocketbook and your SEO. <br />
<br />
Unless you have:<br />
• Several hundred dollars burning a hole in your pocket, or <br />
• A fragile ego, <br />
there is no reason to NOT do this yourself. Get over yourself. Have sound. Have picture. It can really be that simple. <br />
<br />
Don’t get me wrong, creating one “introduction” or “how to” video that goes everywhere is only going to help you. Regularly adding to your list of videos, basically video blogging, is going to do you a lot more good. Take a risk, you glorious risk taking solopreneur bastard, try doing this yourself.<br />
<br />
Like a new member of <a href="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/" target="_blank">Deborah Drake’s</a> <a href="http://biznik.com/groups/writers-support-group-for-reticent-bloggers" target="_blank">Blogger Group</a> said, “What’s the worst that could happen?” <br />
<br />
(editor’s note: I personally do not video blog….because I already work in video all day long. For me it’s not a distraction or something new and shiny. I do type out a blog, because that is a fun distraction for me.)<br />
<br />
<b>Be Consistent</b>: Without consistency, your investment of time and/or money holds no value.<br />
• When you join an organization, association, networking group, BNI, or City Chamber, actually go to the meetings. Get involved. Especially if you’re paying dues!<br />
- Evaluate your memberships: are you getting face time with and/or introductions to qualified prospects? If so, great! If not, why are you there?<br />
<br />
• If you’re blogging, video blogging, writing articles, doing any kind of online promotion of yourself, do it regularly. Few things are better for your SEO than creating new content on a regular basis. Few things will waste your time more than creating new content one time only, or creating new content occasionally.<br />
<br />
• Get up in the morning, get caffeinated (I really enjoy Kroger drip TM), and get to work, daily.<br />
<br />
As a video guy, if you need some help figuring out how to create your own web videos, I’ll be happy to help. If we schedule a time to meet over the phone it’s free. If we have to (cough, er, um, “get” to) shake hands, I’ll charge you (because I’m worth it...or maybe I’m born with it….either way, we’ll make it easy breezy beautiful).Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-91721656361700826312011-12-23T12:54:00.000-08:002011-12-23T12:54:00.223-08:00What Does Your LMS Look Like - - part 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">First off, LMS = Learning Management System. It's a way for schools, companies, institutions to manage their online classes, courses, training materials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">This is a 2nd version of thoughts I've had for this post, because I just read this quick article: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/business/online-textbooks-aim-to-make-science-leap-from-the-page.html?src=recg" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Online Textbooks Aim to Make Science Leap From the Page</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">My favorite quote from the article, besides the fact that it's a digital text book for only $49:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1in; margin-right: 1in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Still, this isn’t your usual technical tome. The pages have some pizazz: they are replete with punchy, interactive electronic features — from dynamic illustrations to short quizzes meant to involve students rather than letting them plod, glassy-eyed, from one section to the next. Audio and video clips are woven into the text.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">To relate this directly to video right quick, this is what I mean when I say that video needs to be thought of as just another image rather than some special piece of media. The technology is, and has been, there, and it's just going to keep getting easier and cheaper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">During 4th quarter I've been developing three clinical training modules for UW's LMS. Each module consists of at least four "movies" seperated by quizzes. I'm building the training with a combination of Final Cut Pro, Motion, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Camtasia, and <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Prezi</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://thetpconsulting.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Gerald Grinter</span></a> introduced me to Prezi a couple months ago. Very basically, Prezi is a power point alternative that lets you lay out and display ideas as though you are working on a whiteboard. I tried it out for 30 days, found it very intuitive and instantly incorporated it into my workflow, and I've bought a 1 year subscription to the software.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">In any line of work it's about using the right tool for the job, then using the tool to craft the right product. (I say this as Gerald's sites tab is up displaying "Getting the Right Tools for....") Prezi instantly fit into my workflow because of the time it shaved off of building animated graphics in After Effects or Motion compositions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">And getting back to the article I mentioned above, Prezi is one way to create pages that "have some pizazz."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1in; margin-right: 1in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">“We want students to measure a chapter not by how much they read, but by how much they learn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1in; margin-right: 1in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1in; margin-right: 1in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">“This is a world where students have many devices, and they expect to have whatever they need when they need it,” he said. “But no matter what device they go to, the browser is there, and therefore our textbook is there, too.” For offline use, students can download a digital edition to read on a desktop. They can also print copies if they prefer a paper version.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">The point of Learning Management Systems is to make learning accessible; to promote learning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">If a student learns best by reading a printed book, that method is available<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">If a student learns best by listening and taking notes, that method is available<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">If a student learns best by watching a concept or process become fulfilled before their eyes, that method is available<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">And if a student learns best by do, that method is available through interactivity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">The 2nd part of my LMS blog is going to be more about devices and structure, and it's a tougher writeup....drafting now, will post when it's ready.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Scott Bell - - </span><a href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/" style="color: #333333;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1b8be0; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">MediaDesignSeattle.com</span></a><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-39016265318894654082011-12-16T17:24:00.000-08:002011-12-16T17:24:03.136-08:00Mac or PC? non-question<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">I spent way too much time weighing the options today...PC or Mac? Mac or PC? Turns out it doesn't matter. Get what does what you need it to do.</span><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; width: 584px;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in; width: 263.25pt;" width="351"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">stuff<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in; width: 88.5pt;" width="118"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">17" MacBook Pro<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in; width: 84.75pt;" width="113"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Dell / Alienware<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Already have MS Office 2010 PC…$200 for Mac version<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Already have Final Cut Studio 2007<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><br />
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<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Adobe CS 5.5 will run on both/either….$2600<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Webcam standard<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Standard backlit keyboard<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">x<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><br />
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<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Graphics Card<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">AMD Radeon<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Supercharged<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Price<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">$2,549<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">$2,699<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Processor<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">2.4 quad i7<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">2.4 quad i7<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">hard drive<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">750<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: dashed #BBBBBB 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: dashed #BBBBBB .75pt; padding: 4.5pt 7.5pt 4.5pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 6pt; margin-right: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">750<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">First, that's a high price to pay for convenience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Second, Mac wins in my little charade. I was really gunning for PC. I honestly weighed so many options so many different times that the chart probably isn't a perfect representation. My last attempt was just outfit a Dell PC with as close as possible to the same specs as the Mac.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Question I asked yesterday was, </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Why would a video guy consider PC over Mac?" </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I do not feel that the Mac towers I've used since 2007 have performed as well as PC's that I have maintained. Yet they cost a lot more and their specs are crazy high powered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I bought into the concept that Mac is a closed off world. According to my chart above, that is incorrect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Apple's focus since the iPod has been gadgets; web appliances. I'd love to run After Effects and Photoshop on an iPad, but as far as I know, I can't yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 30pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I have been locked into the idea that I can get a similar PC for a far lower price than a Mac. Not the case. Research today, chart above.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">So, it looks like when I do consolidate, it will be a Mac. I can plug ancient Final Cut Pro into a Mac, not a PC. I can still run MS Office, Adobe CS 5.5, and all my other little software odds and ends on a Mac.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Now, there's the other question: What if I didn't have to travel with full video editing capabilities? I could quite honestly get away with only using my iPhone. Or my Windows Phone. Or my Droid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">So for now, stickin' with what I gots. Re-evalute when it comes time to make life convenient.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Scott Bell - -</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1b8be0; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">MediaDesignSeattle.com</span></a> - - <a href="http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1b8be0; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">BLOG</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-64022061088567665502011-12-03T10:39:00.001-08:002011-12-03T10:39:13.460-08:00Recipe for my all nighters <a href="http://ping.fm/aftNO">http://ping.fm/aftNO</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-55088250555526461192011-12-03T10:34:00.000-08:002011-12-03T10:38:09.259-08:00Recipe for an All Nighter<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Food is just as important as caffeine. And you might say, "Why is an all nighter necessary in the first place? Plan your day better, Scottula." I'd love to, but some days/weeks it just doesn't work. The phone rings with a followup I've been waiting for. An email comes in that moves a project to step 2 and that needs to be dealt with before someone else's schedule fills up. The child gets home from school. Things happen. Days are rarely quiet when I need them to be - - and the flip side, deathly quiet when I don't want them to be. So this is absolutely not complaining. Just passing my recipe along.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">All day caffeination is not a good thing. It makes you shaky and it builds those little interruptions into more mountain than molehill. Stick to your regular daily caffeine intake. Then at 9 or 10 o'clock start upping the ante.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">English Breakfast tea with a dash of milk and sugar is great for my work night. Two or three of these between 10pm and 1am do a very good job. Mix in any sweets and chips with cheese. Tostitos Queso? mmmmm, such good crack. Fritos and melty cheese? mmmmmm. A health slice of pie and/or some ice cream. An orange or an apple. Those "Cutie" oranges are perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Around 1am it's time for a sandwich or the leftovers from supper. (Dogs will freak out.) If the tea no longer tastes good, it's time to brew a pot of coffee. At 2am a glass of wine is nice. It balances out all the caffeine, and for me, it helps me chill the f out and get deeper into the groove of what needs to be done. 2 glasses of wine at this point will put you right to bed, so don't do it!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My next break tends to come around 4am. This is close enough to breakfast time. Two microwaved eggs, some toast. At 5am or 6am the computer ought to be grinding away on its own business, so some exercise is a good idea. And then? The regular daily routine can kick in. Breakfast #2, shower, coffee, onward. Depending on how the days go, I'm anticipating one or two more of these by the 15th. I've always been a night owl anyway, this is a relatively easy routine for me to slip into. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">It's all good. Tis the season ;-)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 19.5pt;"><strong style="color: white; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">How do you tackle an all nighter?</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> I know, yes, I KNOW, a lot of you are crunching on the things to get done before the year ends.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Scott Bell</span> - - <a href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/">MediaDesignSeattle.com</a> - - <a href="http://www.authenticwritingprovokes.com/inspiredwriting/" target="_blank">Tuesdays With Deborah</a></span></div>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-25466716874719234472011-11-23T08:06:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:06:00.704-08:00Lingerie to TractorsThat is what I did last Wednesday and Thursday. In my sometimes odd line of work, I sometimes get a call from Comcast to take on a side project. A week ago it was a video production consultation with a lingerie boutique in Seattle. The next day I caught the Bremerton ferry to do a consultation with a truck / tractor dealership. The people were very different, and great to meet.<br />
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What is a video production consultation? I wear strictly the Producer hat, meet with a potential new client, learn about their business, their clients, and who they want to attract, and let them know how the video production process works.<br />
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I take notes, and when I get back home I draft scripts for their tv commercial, make sure the concept fits within the client's budget, then send the scripts to the client for review.<br />
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We revise, we change things on paper, and when the client is satisfied they sign off on it.<br />
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Next, the video production machine swings into action. A video shoot is scheduled and executed if needed. Graphics are purchased and/or created. The voiceover is ordered. Everything arrives in the editing booth at the appointed time on the scheduled day. 3 hours later we have a first draft.<br />
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I don't suppose that shifting gears from lingerie to tractors in a day is something most people are used to. In local advertising it's nice to have a whole day <em>to</em> shift gears.<br />
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And so it goes. It's a nice machine. ....And last week Bremerton has some fall leaves left in spite of the wind.<br />
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Scott Bell<br />
<a href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/" target="_blank" title="Media Design Seattle">http://MediaDesignSeattle.com</a><br />
BLOG: <a href="http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="My Blog">http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/ </a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800422542674896052.post-44606379723361154202011-11-20T22:10:00.000-08:002011-11-20T22:10:05.165-08:00Graphic Recording<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-luFRumOM-Ic/Tsnqnv2bijI/AAAAAAAAAEA/5oG7vI8VXdc/s1600/mark-behringer-merge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-luFRumOM-Ic/Tsnqnv2bijI/AAAAAAAAAEA/5oG7vI8VXdc/s320/mark-behringer-merge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For 4 hours last Friday, Mark Behringer, Anna Ulanova, and I did the shoot for some graphic recording. We were a bit pressed to cram it all into 4 hours, and even more pressed to cram everything that we needed onto my 64gig card. But we made it. The footage is now transferred to my computer, and I plan to chop it up over this week.<br />
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I expect it to be a very cool production. The art behind graphic recording is something that we’ve seen more of over the last couple years, and it’s quite amazing to witness. Like a “live” flip book? Perhaps it’s even more amazing because we all wish we could illustrate so easily.<br />
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The shoot went well. Mark and Anna were terrific. I didn’t yell at them too much, so far as I can tell. And we barely squeaked out of Mark’s daughter’s home before she had to get her children fed and out the door. Always something cool about tearing a room apart and putting it back together. Watch Mark’s site for the finished product.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjfgsy9AwMc/TsnqsyUzr8I/AAAAAAAAAEM/HOwSr-QaFZA/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjfgsy9AwMc/TsnqsyUzr8I/AAAAAAAAAEM/HOwSr-QaFZA/s320/final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Scott Bell<br />
<a href="http://mediadesignseattle.com/">MediaDesignSeattle.com<br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://mediadesignseattle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BLOG</a>Scott Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05386998410729930876noreply@blogger.com2