April 28, 2011
In the digital training world, the most effective learning medium remains CD-ROM instruction. And, today those CD-ROMs can be effectively networked throughout an organization. No longer does one have to deal with multiple copies of individual CD-ROM discs. No longer are there any limitations to wide, always-available, training. In essence, networked CD-ROM instruction is light years beyond most current E-Learning examples. CD-ROM instruction has the unique power of rich multimedia learning (too...
April 26, 2011
You’re well aware of E-Learning today. You are also aware that the promise of “anytime/anywhere” is without learning precedent. And, you may even be cognizant of the fact that E-Learning is the most cost effective training medium currently available. But, the returns have been mixed. Two-thirds of e-learners do not complete the courses they are assigned. Retention levels of those same e-learners are far behind the retention levels of those trainees who,...
April 19, 2011
According to Wikipedia, Aesthetics is defined as “a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, and with the creation and appreciation of beauty.” It is important for all of us to remember that aesthetics also plays a vital role in the success –- or, failure –- of the training programs we offer our students. Too often, the importance of aesthetics in E-Learning design and development is, unfortunately,...
April 14, 2011
On Anderson Cooper’s CNN program, “AC360,” last week I saw a segment regarding the Philadelphia School System’s “Parent University,” the brainchild of Superintendent Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman. The Philadelphia School District’s own description of this initiative reads: “Parent University, a program started under Dr. Ackerman’s directive shortly after her arrival in Philadelphia, is an innovative approach to assisting parents in supporting their children’s academic progress. The nationally recognized program provides opportunities for...
April 12, 2011
In simple terms, we define “Usability in E-Learning” as how user-friendly or appealing the program is to its users. In practice, usability goes deeper than this, and is closely related to how much users actually learn from using your E-Learning courseware. There is a marvelous website, www.usabilityfirst.com which will give you in-depth information regarding the subject, “Usability in Learning.” The site clearly explains why usability is important: “From the user’s perspective usability...
April 7, 2011
This past weekend, I received a copy of a recently published White Paper, “Planning and Implementing a Technology Driven Learning Strategy,” authored by Ian Smith, Founder and Manager Director of InterAction Training of Sydney, Australia. I could not have been more impressed! For any of you charged with a training responsibility, I consider this a MUST READ! And, definitely read it before meeting with any training vendors as it will prepare you...
April 5, 2011
PowerPoint, as it is used today, has been criticized as an effective information or instruction tool by various respected individuals. Best known are probably Edward Tufte, Yale University’s professor emeritus of political science and statistics; Scott McNealy, founder and ex-CEO of Sun Microsystems; and Julia Keller, cultural critic for the Chicago Tribune and winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. Their opinions should be carefully considered. My concern, however, is...
