In this eSeminar, you'll learn how to use the Action Wizard, one of the new productivity-enhancing features in Acrobat X. Action Wizard lets you easily automate routine, multi-step tasks and then apply the action to a single PDF or batches of files. Learn how to:Create, manage and execute the new Actions capability in Acrobat XUse the Action Wizard to automate routine tasks and increase productivity Check it out: http://acrobatusers.com/events/50359/introducing-acrobat-x-actions    

Do you want a quick and easy way to add interactive elements to your training course?  The eLearning Interactions product is one to add to your toolbox.  You can easily create an interaction - pick the interaction template, insert your content (including text, audio and images) and apply a theme.  You can save the interaction for future editing and/or download it as a SWF file for inclusion in your eLearning course.   Try it for free. You subscribe to the service for either a monthly or annual fee.  You can create as many interactions as you want and you'll have access to any new interactions that are created.  Check it out:  http://elearninginteractions.com/how-it-works/

Came across a blog site that has lots of good resources including lists for free e-Learning books, photo sites, and storyboard templates.  Today's post is the first of a series of posts concerning evaluation in e-Learning and includes links to white papers and information.Check it out:  http://blog.efrontlearning.net/2011/01/introduction-to-evaluation-in-e.html#more

I'm excited about the new mLearning Studio from Rapid Intake.  Anyone will be able to create and deploy mobile learning content with their easy-to-use mLearning Studio; choose templates, add text, images, audio, video and quizzes, then publish. The content is delivered in a fully HTML5 compatible mobile course player with cross-platform support for iPhone, iPad, and Android (2.2 and higher); support for Blackberry coming soon.   Rapid Intake's authoring tools allow you to do what is called a 'joint package' which means you have one course that allows the learner to access it in the format that makes the most sense for the device they are using. If they access it via desktop, it comes up in Flash. If from a mobile device, it comes up in HTML5. SCORM and bookmarking are in sync so that the learner is able to move seamlessly from one device to the other without missing a beat.Sign up for a demo and to be notified on product release!   Check it out:  http://www.rapidintake.com/products/mobile/mobile-learning-studio/   http://shoutout.rapidintake.com/

Creating Mobile Learning (mLearning) to supplement your eLearning program is a bit of a mystery. How do all of the parts fit together? How do you publish uniform content to both Flash and HTML5 formats? How will the mobile content be accessed? How can you make sure you're still able to track learner results on your Learning Management System (LMS)? It seems like these things should be easy, but does anyone offer a simple solution? Check it out:  http://www.rapidintake.com/mobile-webinar/

Think you "know Kirkpatrick"? Attend this session and be among the first to see the latest adaptation of the Kirkpatrick Four LevelsTM.  Thursday, February 17, 2011 Speakers: Donald Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., Author, Speaker, Thought Leader, Kirkpatrick PartnersJames Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., Senior Consultant, Kirkpatrick Partners Wendy Kirkpatrick, Director, Kirkpatrick PartnersThis program includes: The most modern ways to use the Kirkpatrick Model to plan, execute and measure training that creates true business valueA rendering of the updated model that focuses on the importance of the transfer of learning to behaviorTips on how to align training with your most important organizational goalsAn overview of required drivers and leading indicators, and their importance in creating organization value through training Check it out:  http://www.trainingmagnetwork.com/welcome/kirkpatrick_feb17

Everywhere we go, we hear more and more about apps, smartphones, and mobile everything.  Is this a fad, or are we seeing a significant change? Our employees are increasingly mobile and increasingly equipped with mobile technologies. This is a new resource that is largely untapped to improve organizational performance, yet promising large returns. How do we take advantage of it? To truly "get" mobile, we need to shift our thinking. In this session, we will explore the new technologies that underpin the excitement, cover the opportunities on the table, review a set of useful frameworks to help shift our thinking, and talk about the design process and organizational imperatives that accompany this new opportunity.Check it out:  http://www.elearningguild.com/content.cfm?selection=doc.1871

This special one-day training event is non-product specific and ideal for all skill levels of technical communicators and managers, regardless of which product(s) you are currently using.  The Roadshow is an excellent opportunity to advance your professional skills, learn about the latest trends in technical communication, and network with fellow peers in your city.  Event Details:March 28, 8:00AM - 4:00PMHilton Austin Airport9515 Hotel DriveAustin, TX 78719Normally $149, this year's price is now just $99, making the Roadshow more affordable than ever. Be sure to sign up early and reserve your seat!To see the detailed agenda or to reserve your seat, visit: http://www.madcapsoftware.com/events/roadshow.aspx

Come join me - the conference is a real bargain with lots of great sessions - http://elearningdevcon.com/Jun 15 10:20 am - 12:25 pm (2-hr BYOL session):  Creating Branching ScenariosA scenario can put the course content into a context that is relevant to the learners because they can use the information in a real world setting. In this session, you will learn best practices for writing and creating branching or "soft-skills" scenarios. The presenter will demonstrate Rapid Development tools used to create scenarios, and attendees will use one of the tools to create your own branching scenario.Jun 16 9:40 am - 11:50 am (2-hr BYOL session):  Adding Interactivity to Adobe AcrobatIn this session, Debbie will show you interesting ways to use Adobe Acrobat PDF interactive documents - either as a stand-alone eLearning element or as part of a course.  Attendees will create an interactive PDF and insert it into an e-learning course. The presenter will also lead a discussion on using PDFs for collaboration and commenting during the e-learning course development process.Jun 17 9:45 am - 11:50 am (2-hr BYOL session):  HTML5 - What You Need To Know and Why You Should CareHTML5, the new web markup language is supposed to eliminate the need for the Adobe Flash plugin. What does this mean for e-learning developers? Even though HTML5 is not fully supported in major browsers, there are those that are pushing forward and experimenting with its new features. In this session, we will create HTML5 pages and CSS3 styles. We’ll explore key features along with reasons for learning/using HTML 5 instead of Flash. Don’t be scared away from this session if you don’t know basic HTML and CSS - I’ll show you enough to be dangerous!

Several years ago I was going to fly with a friend who'd never been on a plane before. He told me what he hated most about the idea of flying was that he wasn't "in control." This was a person who never let anyone else drive the car because he only trusted himself to make the split-second decision to swerve or brake should trouble strike. In helping him try to manage his anxiety, I joked that maybe I should set him up with one of those children's car seat things where they have a toy steering wheel and stick shift so they can pretend like they're driving. He said he thought it might make him feel better because then he'd at least have the illusion of controlling the plane. I thought of this story as I contemplated Dick Carlson's recent post reflecting on the challenge of implementing social media in the enterprise, which seems to hinge in large part on the idea of "control" or, more specifically, the illusion of control. Those organizations most resistant to implementing social media also seem to be those most hung up on the idea that they must control everything that is being said and done, both in and out of the organization. The problem with organizations, social media and the idea of control is that organizations are focusing on controlling access to social media. They act as though their company-owned computers are the only way an employee can get online. I hate to break it to you, but that's not true. The majority of American households have Internet, so if they want to, your employees can access social media after hours and on weekends. Many of your employees also have their own laptops and WiFi connections that they can use to connect during lunch hours or even, unbelievably, during work. 40% of Americans are using their own smartphones to access the web.  Proxy servers are another way to get around your blocks, especially if your IT department isn't as sophisticated as you think. Controlling access to social media is increasingly becoming a fool's game--a waste of time and effort. And it's not only a waste of YOUR time, but a waste for workers, too. If 22 years of parenting have taught me nothing else, it's that the greatest goad to human ingenuity is telling someone "you can't do that." Considerable time and creativity will be expended in proving you wrong. That's what happens when you try to control access, rather than creating an environment where people are encouraged to engage in the behaviors you want them to choose--also a lesson I learned from parenting.