Today’s students are no doubt immersed in a variety of technologies from a young age. They’re wired, digitized and quite frankly, their skills and knowledge never cease to amaze me. They have no fear so they experiment, think and innovate in ways that have no limits—which from an educational point of view is just awesome! Tools, apps and devices present students with endless ways of expressing themselves via audio, images, video and multimedia projects. But as educators, it is not only important to encourage our students to push the technological envelope, but it’s equally essential that we teach them to navigate the digital world in a responsible manner. Unfortunately, students (and people in general) have the tendency to ignore the fact that media is regulated and requires compliance of copyright rules and fair use guidelines. Just like they need to be taught the basics of math and science, students need to learn that just because media is accessible, downloadable and free that this does not necessarily mean it’s acceptable to reuse it in a project of their own—especially without possible restrictions. That said, the nifty infographic shown below can serve as a great resource for teaching students how to properly cite images and graphics obtained from the Internet. Thanks to Med Kharbach, author of the Educational Technology and Mobile Learning blog, for sharing this useful visual!

Myths and Mysteries of Informal Learning Infographic Informal learning is the unofficial, unscheduled, impromptu way most people learn to do their jobs. People acquire the skills they use at work informally — talking, observing others, trial-and-error, and simply working with people in the know. Formal training and workshops account for only 5% to 20% of what people learn from experience and interactions. Most corporations however over-invest in formal training while leaving the more natural, simple ways we learn to chance. The Myths and Mysteries of Informal Learning Infographic outlines why we shouldn’t ignore informal learning and describes the models developed by Jay Cross, Dan Pontefract and "70:20:10″, which put a framework around this style of learning. Read also: How to support informal learning Why Matching Informal and Formal Learning Is in Style Via: www.goodpractice.comThe post Myths and Mysteries of Informal Learning Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

Check out this article which claims: "Science of mind is one of the most important intellectual developments in the last half century. It should not be obscured by neurobabble." This might be a follow-up post to an earlier one I wrote that showed how easily we are fooled by scientific claims.  

The Neon Elephant Award 2010 went to a researcher whose work has had a profound impact on the workplace learning-and-performance field. Click here to see who won... Click here to learn more about the Neon Elephant Award...

The Learning Landscape Model is a research-based model---evolved over the last decade---that can be used to guide workplace learning-and-performance designs, discussions, and explorations. It is based on the fundamental cognitive architectures of learning, remembering, and prompting as three distinct cognitive operations, all of which are needed to maximize workplace learning-and-performance results. While previous models have often forgotten forgetting or forgotten prompting mechanisms (like job aids), the Learning Landscape is complete. Perhaps more importantly, it is actionable, for example, it can be utilized to have productive discussions between us as learning professionals and our business partners. Finally, the Learning Landscape Model can be used to improve learning measurement significantly over the 4-levels or roi models. Check out the video of the Learning Landscape Model... Or utilize this link if your filters don't allow YouTube...

The Top 15 LMS Stats and Facts For 2015 Infographic There are many research studies, polls, and reports that offer us invaluable insight and forecasts about Learning Management Systems. The Top 15 LMS Stats and Facts For 2015 You Need To Know Infographic presents the important LMS Stats and Facts For 2015 that will give you a glimpse into the future of LMSs and who are the key players today. If you’re looking for a new LMS, then these figures may even help you fine-tune your list of necessary features and functions your LMS should have. To find out more please visit: Top Learning Management System Statistics and Facts For 2015 The LMS Market It is estimated that the LMS Market will grow by about 23.17% [1] between the years 2017 and 2018. Currently, it’s a $2.5 billion industry in the corporate sector, without calculating revenue from the academic sector, as well [5]. LMS Popularity In Terms Of Number Of Users In terms of actual users, Moodle has the most users in the LMS market. It currently boasts an estimated 73.8 million users. Edmodo comes in second and Blackboard rounds out the top 3, with around 20 million users each [2]. LMS Popularity In Terms Of Number Of Customers Satisfied customers can give a clear indication of who is successfully building customer loyalty through effective business practices and a winning product. Edmodo has the largest number of customers, an estimated 120k. Moodle is second on the list, with 87.1k customers and Collaborize Classroom is third, with 48k customers [2]. Cloud-Based LMSs vs. Installed LMSs In 2015, there seems to be a tendency towards cloud-based LMSs, as 87% of the respondents were found to use a web-based LMS, compared to only 13% who have an installed LMS [5]. SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) LMSs At the end of 2015, the SaaS market revenue is expected to be about $22 billion. The most popular cloud-related corporate projects are: 1. Internet Private Cloud (35%), 2. Cloud Provider Assessment and Strategy Planning (33%), 3. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) at (31%), and 4. SaaS (30%) [1]. LMS Usage Per Industry LMS usage is not only limited to corporations and educational institutions. Recent Report [5] shows that the top industries that use LMS software are: 1. Education 21% 2. Technology 12% 3. Manufacturing 9% 4. Healthcare 7% 5. Consulting 7% 6. Software development companies 4% 7. Non-profit organizations 3% 8. Real-estate 3% 9. Event management 3% 10. Governmental institutions 2% LMS Access How users access LMS systems is another aspect to consider. A recent survey [4] demonstrated that: 1. 89% access LMSs from their desktop computer, 2. 76% from their laptop, 3. 25% from their tablet, and 4. 19% from their smartphone User Satisfaction With LMSs In terms of user satisfaction, 63% of users seem to be very satisfied (25%) or just satisfied (38%) with their LMS [5]. Other aspects on which users seem to perceive that LMSs have a positive impact include: 1. Higher course completion rates (65%), 2. Cost effectiveness of training (45%), 3. Increase in employee’s productivity (37%) and 4. Higher retention rates (21%) [5]. LMS Perceived Benefits With respect to perceived LMS functionalities: 1. 73% of those surveyed, indicated a belief that LMSs main function is testing, 2. 68% training administration, and 3. 53% record keeping [4]. Though from another study we have additional information about user perceived benefits, indicating their belief that: 1. LMSs may be ideal for blended learning (53%), 2. They can function as portals (53%), and 3. That they may be excellent tracking tools (41%) [5]. LMS Perceived Functionality Deficiencies Among the desired features users believe their current LMSs are lacking are: 1. Live and video conferencing options (38%), 2. Mobile learning options (27%), 3. Gamification (22%), and 4. Social learning options (20%) among others [5]. LMS Corporate Investment Plans No significant changes are expected in 2015 with respect to corporate investment plans on LMSs, as 90% of small-to-medium businesses and enterprises indicated that their 2015 budget to spend for LMSs is approximately the same with previous years [4]. LMS Customer Loyalty Customer loyalty is another important indicator of the perceived impact of the LMSs on users. Research has indicated that 1. Only 31% of LMS buyers have switched from their previous LMS to a new one. 2. On the average, 32% of organizations have been using their actual LMSs for the last 2 to 5 years [5]. Reasons For Switching To Another LMS Despite proved loyalty to their current LMS, organizations that have decided to switch to another LMS solution, express as main reason for such a shift the following [5]: 1. 66% additional features required 2. 28% lack or inadequate provider’s support 3. 22% the LMS was too difficult to be used 4. 13% changing needs due to rapid organizational growth that the current LMS system could no longer support 5. 6% have switched to another LMS system because of the cost, fact that shows that organizations are willing to pay for LMS solutions that meet their needs. LMS Selection Criteria The most important factors that influence the purchasing decision of an LMS, based on the Capterra’s LMS research [5] are: 1. Functionality by 53% 2. Price by 32% 3. LMS support provided by 5%, 4. Implementation training 4% 5. Company reputation by 3% 6. Software popularity by 3% Time Needed For Making A Purchasing Decision With respect to the time needed to make a final decision about the proper LMS to buy, research has shown that: 1. 69% of decision makers’ need up to six months before placing an order. 2. 35% of these decision makers evaluate four or more LMS alternatives before making their final decision. 3. 21% of these decision makers evaluate three LMS alternatives. 4. 28% of these decision makers evaluate just two LMS alternatives. 5. 6% of these decision makers admitted that they have reached to a decision after evaluating one LMS only [5]. An LMS is an invaluable tool for eLearning professionals and all signs point to it being so for many years to come. Hopefully these key LMS statistics and facts for 2015 have offered you the information you need to choose the learning management system that’s just right for your learners’ needs.   Via: elearningindustry.comThe post Top LMS Stats and Facts For 2015 Infographic You Need To Know appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

Now more than ever teachers are embracing technology and finding new and innovative ways to integrate devices, apps and tools into the classroom. In fact, many educators claim technology is a catalyst for more effective teaching and learning. Did you know that 75% of teachers surveyed state that technology reinforces and expands content, motivates students and accommodates multimple learning styles? With stats like that, it’s no wonder teachers love technology! Hopefully you are—or will become—one of them! Check out the infographic below to learn more about the edtech phenomenon!   A shout out to OnlineUniversities.com for creating and sharing this super cool visual!

As an entrepreneur, I'm always curious about entrepreneurship. I came across this article by Cardiff Garcia in The Observer (the magazine of the Association for Psychological Science). It highlights similarities and differences between entrepreneurs and most people. You can read the article (best method), or just read my synopsis (okay method): How Entrepreneurs are the Same (as most other people): They don't care any more about financial success than most people. They don't care more about money. They don't care any more about following family traditions. They score the same on the trait of conscentiousness. They do not crave more risk. They are no more ruthless. They are not more spontaneous. They are no more outgoing. They are not more agreeable. They don't have better problem solving approaches. How Entrepreneurs are Different (compared to most other people): They possess a greater belief that they will succeed when compared to most people. They are less likely to care what others think of them. They display more intensity toward their work. They are willing to sacrifice more (in terms of time with family and/or money earned). They find it harder to balance work and their family lives. They find it harder to get support from friends and family for what they do. They score higher on "need for achievement," for example by setting difficult but obtainable goals. They score higher on "self efficacy," the belief that they can accomplish certain tasks (not tasks in general as it turns out).  They are much more stress tolerant. They are more likely to expect success (generally and in specific situations). How Entrepreneurs are About the Same or Just Slightly Different (compared to most other people): Slightly more autonomous than most other people. Slightly more likely to believe they control their own destinies.  Just marginally more risk takers. How entreprenuers are Sometimes Different (than other people): Entrepreneurs in tech industries are more innovative, but entrepreneurs in other industries are not. The Article's Bottom Line Being an entrepreneur is tough. Entrepreneurs need to be up for the rigors of entrepreneurship.

IBM's Watson beat two Jeopardy champs in answering questions this week.  Does this mean that soon computers will be able to replace people in answering questions? For us as workplace learning-and-performance professionals, does this mean we'll be doing less training of people, and more training of machines? Probably depends on lots of things as to how soon this happens. For example, folks doing technical support probably won't be replaced as soon if the systems/equipment on which they are providing support are updated regularly or modified substantially. Anyway, this will affect our field---indeed it is already affecting our field to some extent as computers already provide support for folks who are answering questions---but when this reaches a tipping point we'll just have to wait and see. Article in NYTimes NPR On Point Radio with Tom Ashbrook    

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