The Net Generation And Why Technology-Based Learning Will Play A Bigger Part Ever In Our Learning I recently read a highly insightful paper from the NeuroLeadership Institute about how our brain learns, understands, and ultimately retains and remembers the knowledge and information it acquires. I don’t want to recount all the points addressed in the report, that’s not the purpose for my writing this particular piece, but two of the key points I did note from the insightful "Learning that lasts through AGES" paper was the part played by the environment on the way which people learn, and how people absorb knowledge. It’s those two points that I want to address. As a learning provider, I do agree with the value of knowing about the science behind learning. Having a scientific perspective on how we learn will enable learning providers and companies to better understand the impact, and ultimately the value, of their chosen approaches to how learning is delivered, and the impact this will have on their workforce. So taking the matter of the environment first, I do think the ultimate game-changer has to be on the design of workplace learning environments, now and in the future. Learning Technologies: Defining the learning environment in line with the demands of the Net Generation Today’s workforce can now enjoy online and virtual classroom training, not just the traditional classroom style. Technology is everywhere! The Net Generation just can’t remember a time when a computer wasn’t used for some kind of learning experience. It’s because of their "tech-savviness" that more traditional Learning and Development practices and approaches are coming into question. The Net Generation is growing exponentially and its intuitive and instinctive use of technology is quickly shaping and determining how workplaces work and what training methods they will buy into. The "Net Gen" is fluent in the language of technology and the work seamlessly in the virtual and the real world. They’ve grown up "Digital"; previous generations are still getting to grips with it. As such, current and future generations are evolving on a daily basis to become even more tech-aware.  As a consequence of this, employees will have very high expectations for their training and how it’s delivered in order that their demanding expectations are met. That’s why we now all need to be more aware than ever of the mind-set of the current and upcoming workforce. Challenges For Learning And Development  So what does the Net Generation want from learning technology? Interactivity! Some, (not all!) traditional classroom style training methods won’t tick this workforce’s boxes forever, as it won’t fulfill their learning potential and expectations. They want to be able to use the learning technology, but they want that technology to ultimately be relevant and interactive. (Remember, they had exposure to computers, tablets, and smart phones at school, and then at college or in higher education, so they need and want to take their computer skills way beyond just the basics.) With this in mind, Net Gens will expect training technology in the workplace, just as it did in college or university, to allow them to engage with peers and trainers quickly, but in a centralized way. That’s why Virtual Training really meets this current, and future, change in the learning mind-set. They are fluent in Digital and, because of this, are used to preparing their own schedules, to collaborating constantly, and for wanting ongoing feedback and training, and for wanting access to the tools and technology to master their jobs. Forget telling them what devices and platforms to use. Companies can probably learn a thing or two about cutting-edge Learning and Development technology just by listening to the Net Gen! They are a creating a demand that needs to be met. What comes after the current Net Generation?  Needless to say, the workforce beyond the current Net Generation will exceed and surpass it. As such, companies will need to completely change their infrastructure of learning technologies. By then, hopefully companies will all understand how technology can be used to reach people in an effective way. The Human Resources decision makers and Learning and Development teams will just be older Net Gens with a legacy of knowledge behind them, and so have a greater and be more attuned to the training needs and expectations of the upcoming workforce. The writers of the report to which I referred at the start ask "How do we ensure people are interested in learning what is presented, and how then do we present the information to ensure that the knowledge is sustainable, accessible, and easily applied in adaptive and contextual ways?". For me, it’s Virtual Training and the hum that also being made about things like holographic technology (expensive though the latter might be for companies, but that could potentially be used to enhance company Learning and Development), that I think meet many of the scientific points raised about the way in which we learn, and the way people will want to learn in the future. Until then, it will take tremendous effort and buy-in from both companies and employees alike to really understand and integrate latest emerging learning technologies effectively. But the benefits will be well worth the effort. This post was first published on eLearning Industry.

The biggest challenge of instructional designers, while developing an eLearning course, is to maintain the motivation levels of learners. As it’s very difficult for the instructors to connect with the learners directly, it’s important to design the course in an effective and communicative manner. It is essential that an online course is understood by different types of learners. Strategy differs from learner to learner. There is a close relationship between a learner’s personality and his lifestyle. Personality governs the way a learner controls intuition during the learning process. But, how can you deal with different types of learners in an online course? Well, here is an info-graphic which provides insights into the delivery of online training to different types of learners. Hope you find the post interesting. Please do share your views. Related Posts5 Ways to Make E-learning Interesting - An Infographic7 Tips To Create Effective Sales Training Courses For Gen Y Workforce - An InfographicCorporate Governance through Safety and Compliance Training - Free Resources

How To Maximize F2F Training Time If you're involved in corporate training, then most likely you have been a training stakeholder (Instructional Designer, trainer, business leader, or subject matter expert) involved in a conversation that goes something like this: "Is there any way you can shrink the time and duration needed for training, reduce training-related expenses, and increase learner engagement?" While this can be exceptionally frustrating to those involved in the Instructional Design, development, and delivery of corporate training, the desired business results are very real. As Learning and Development specialists, we must agilely respond with creative solutions that yield desired business results. Here are 3 steps to maximize F2F (Face-To-Face) learning and F2F training time, and also to address the questions often asked by corporate leaders. 1) Use The Eyeball-To-Eyeball Filter.  Research shows that even in our K-12 school systems teachers believe there are benefits to leveraging technology to motivate students and expand and reinforce learning content (Fulton, 2014, p. 113). While our workforce is becoming increasingly more filled with digital natives, we must remain mindful of the fact that this will only increase with each passing year. The "use of technology is not just cool, it's expected" (p. 86). The notion of active learning or what is becoming commonly known as "flipping the classroom", adheres to the premise that F2F instructional time must be reserved for rich dialogue and the application of learning - and traditional "teaching" occurs out of the classroom, often delivered via video. In my corporate training strategies, I’ve found that this proves highly effective to reduce the cost of training with out-of-office time, and increase learner engagement and motivation with immediate application of learning. I call it results of using the Eyeball-to-Eyeball Filter. In essence, nothing gets through the filter that doesn't necessitate F2F, or eyeball-to-eyeball learning time. This includes the dialogue between colleagues as well as conversations with an instructor or facilitator of learning and individual learners, or small groups of participants. It also includes activity-based problem solving where the application of learning is required. The flipped classroom approach necessitates that we deliver nuggets of essential learning content virtually if it does not require real-time conversation. When our learners show up for synchronous, instructor led training, their already-gained knowledge is ready to be put to the test through active learning and experimentation together. If we can deliver content and address training objectives virtually, then we do just that. What remains becomes the content to hang on an interactive, person-to-person learning activity in the corporate classroom or even on-the-job training environment. Very quickly word spreads and employees know that the online, initial learning activities that precede F2F training are essential to their success in the active learning environment in which learners are at the center. 2) Sell The Value Of F2F Training Time.  To increase the likelihood that adults will engage in learning and developing, one of the first principles of adult learning is to respect the learners. What do we highly value? Our time and our money usually top the list. If we waste either one, we risk adult learners entirely shutting off the learning process. So effectively communicating that we understand the importance and value of learners’ time is a critical fact to convey. However, if all we do is say that, we really have accomplished little. But when we SHOW this belief through designing and building engaging, short-sized (and when appropriate even humorous), interactive, virtual learning modules -instead of gathering them face-to-face to convey factual knowledge or give them a talking head video online that requires zero interaction-, we immediately gain a little buy-in. When we design virtual learning modules aimed at the heart of developing necessary skills to be successful in the learners’ work roles, we are speaking their language. People want that. They want to be successful in their work! So we must deliver tasty and digestible nuggets of learning to be consumed 24x7 when their appetite strikes. And when people are primed to show up for an instructor-led workshop or training session, they arrive prepared to build upon what they have learned online. Our respect for adult learners must span the gap between virtual and F2F training. "Digital content is only useful when it is accessible, relevant and timely" (Daniels, 2013, p. 307). We purposefully sell the value of F2F training time when learners come to understand that what is presented to them online prior to it are the building blocks for dialogue, collaboration, and active learning when we are together. Changing this mindset and culture takes time; it requires strategic planning and messaging. With less time needed in an actual classroom, the urgency to learn what is before us focuses learning. Flipping the classroom and leveraging technology to shrink learning time is more than snippet-sized videos! It changes what occurs during F2F training. A wide variety of virtual training content and modules should equip learners to arrive in a classroom environment ready to use higher level thinking skills (Bloom's Taxonomy). Rather than just simply needing to recall, describe, or regurgitate information, learners are prepared to create, analyze, compare, etc. As adult learners consume corporate training designed in this manner, their expectations of instructor-led class time change as we demonstrate the value of F2F training time. Gone are the days where employees anticipated snoozing in a classroom while away from their regular responsibilities. It is easy for learners to buy what we are selling when the value of F2F instructor-led training gives them the results they are after. 3) Deliver Engaging, Bite-Sized Learning Chunks Through a Simple Learning Management System (LMS) And Tracking System.  Continually increasing the skill set of Instructional Designers to craft engaging, interesting, and interactive virtual modules is important. However, without a Learning Management System to deliver these courses in a simplistic and easy to grasp process, all bets are off that the virtual learning will stick! A straightforward and fail proof process must be presented to learners. A Learning management System that is not agile or intuitive enough to support the learning process in a natural flow and sequence for learners will thwart progress. In fact, it may even prove to be a detriment to the learning culture of the organization. Beyond the technology and learning platform, a testing team to ensure all functionality works properly from the learners’ perspective must be actively in place. If the perception exists that we didn't care enough to ensure everything functions smoothly, then the perception that we will also waste their time in the F2F learning environment is not far behind. By far the best Learning Management System solution I have found is Velop. Myriad design preferences and very easy to use controls exist for Instructional Designers who don’t need to know coding. The look and feel of courses are easily redesigned as desired. Any type of registration (pay or not) process is easy and user-friendly. What I appreciate most is that the technology is simply a vehicle to deliver virtual training and easily get us to our desired destinations. Velop in no way becomes types of barriers, hurdles, or challenges to learners. Facilitators for instructor-led training have quick and simple access to track not just completion rates of their learners, but also detailed information about the learning paths selected by various learner groups and by role. Velop allows us to dissect information about our learners’ preferences, styles, and personal processes and learning habits. This type of data helps the continued refinement of virtual training content. Velop includes not only competitive pricing structures, but the best customer support I have ever experienced with any product. Moving your corporate training towards a learner-centered environment that helps people use higher order thinking skills more rapidly still requires highly effective classroom trainers. I remember one of my trainers expressing grave concern over the use of online virtual training modules for new hires to complete prior to arriving at new hire orientation. "But I am a storyteller! That is my style of training, and that’s what makes me effective", said this trainer with concern etched on his face. Flipping the classroom did indeed require a revised training process when facilitating instructor-led training. But this certainly does not negate the need for a highly skilled training facilitator. "Flipped learning will never replace the teacher [trainer], because the most important part of a flipped class is the face-to-face time where the teacher [trainer] can differentiate and build relationships with students" (Morris and Thomasson, 2013, p. 72). I believe that the role of the trainer becomes paramount in reaching training goals and objectives when leveraging technology. These 3 steps will help you shrink the time and duration needed for training, reduce training-related expenses (like travel and people being out of their offices), and increase learner engagement. Since these are the typical demands we are faced with from key business leaders, we must be prepared to respond with strategic action. As a learning leader, which of these steps seems most important for you to take at this time? Who will you choose to discuss this with as you consider how to maximize F2F training? Works Cited Daniels, K. (2013). Professional development. In J. Bretzmann (Ed.), Flipping 2.0 - Practical strategies for flipping your class, (pp. 291-311). The Bretzmann Group. Fulton, K. (2014). Time for learning: Top 10 reasons why flipping the classroom can change education. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin. https://www.velop.org Morris, C. and Thomasson, A. (2013). English. In J. Bretzmann (Ed.), Flipping 2.0 - Practical strategies for flipping your class, (pp. 37-73). The Bretzmann Group.   This post was first published on eLearning Industry.

Litmos LMS Tutorial: Setting Language in Litmos LMS This Litmos LMS Tutorial presents how to change the language for your Litmos LMS. The post Litmos LMS Tutorial: Setting Language in Litmos LMS appeared first on VivaeLearning: The Best Free Video Tutorials Online.

The first step of an instructional design process is analysis. We analyze the inputs provided by the stakeholders, but most of the time, we don’t receive all inputs at once. And this is true especially for curriculums with many modules. But we are asked to analyze those inputs and come up with a strategy and a prototype, which is quite challenging. This is what exactly happened with me. But, it worked! In this post, I will share how important it is to consider many factors while coming up with a strategy. Assuming that all the modules would be developed the same way, we first analyzed the audience and their demographics, and then, the content. The learners are government officials, NGO partners etc. and Indians. It’s said that this audience treat the trainer as a ‘guru’ and would love to listen to him, discuss and learn things. They were all adults (35-50 years). Keeping all these factors in mind, we thought a class room training environment with a discussion between the trainer and trainees would be ideal. So, visually, we came up with a scenario involving a training room, a trainer and 4-5 trainees. We ensured that the characters were in Indian attire and ‘gave’ them designations. The trainees were inspectors, sub inspectors, constables etc. from different departments. The trainer was a commissioner (an official with a higher designation). Since they love to listen, we presented more content in audio where the trainer talks and discusses with the trainees and less content on the screen. Coming to the content, since it was about compliance to the act on prohibition of drugs, scenario-based learning would be the best method to teach the content. Instructionally, the content should have a logical flow, so we used the trainer to introduce the act, then present the guidelines and give more details about the act, and lastly, ask some questions. We made these questions engaging by adding some humor. Since the content is about the act and violations of the act which would lead to severe punishments, we used the game ‘Hangman’. Choosing an incorrect option would send the character/avatar to the gallows. We also used buzzers (sounds) for correct and incorrect answers. At the end of each chapter, we included scenario-based questions to complete the learning. To make these scenarios interesting, we gamified them by including elements such as time and score. With all these, we developed a small prototype using Articulate Storyline. This tool helps develop the course quickly and is also compatible with iPads and tablets. It’s very important that we analyze the audience and content thoroughly, so that we get some ideas in the initial stages to come up with an effective strategy. To check if we are up to the expectations of the client, its better we send the strategy in a written format and also a 2-3 slide prototype or a draft proof of concept. Related PostsImportance of Content Comprehension in E-learningWhy Should Instructional Designers Use Prototypes for E-Learning?Discover The Kid in You Through E-learning

Building on the success of the previous 9 years of Immersive Education (iED) conferences, IMMERSION 2015 will feature a unique "modular" format. IMMERSION 2015 addresses the personal and cultural impact of immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (e.g., Facebook's Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, HTC Vive),  augmented reality and mixed reality (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens), holograms and holography, wearable computing (e.g., Google Glass and Apple Watch), mechanical and neural brain interfaces, cybernetics, affective computing (systems that can recognize, interpret, process, and simulate human feelings and emotions), neuro-gaming technologies that are used to create adaptive and radically compelling entertainment experiences, 3D printing, personal robotics, telepresence, virtual worlds, simulations, game-based learning and training systems, and fully immersive environments such as caves and domes. As a special event that is open to the public, the first two days of IMMERSION 2015 features general-interest keynote addresses, talks, panel discussions and exhibits. The event concludes with hands-on workshops and a special 2-day technical conference specifically for researchers, academics, teachers and corporate trainers. The 2015 Immersive Education (iED) conference, IMMERSION 2015, will be hosted by Paris-Sorbonne University ("the Sorbonne") on September 7 - 10, 2015. This post was first published on eLearning Industry.

Since a couple of weeks, we have been discussing the importance of closed captions in eLearning. We have seen how the Notes Pane in Articulate Storyline is used to display closed captions when you use its built-in player. Also, we have seen one of the two methods to create a closed caption in case of you use a customized player. Today, in this blog, we will discuss the second method, where each line of the transcribed text comes in sync with audio similar to movie subtitles. Step 01: Create a button or an icon on the slide (depending on your interface requirements) that can be triggered to display the closed captions. Step 02: In the base layer, select the CC button/icon and add a trigger to it as shown in the screenshot below. Step 03: Add a new layer for the transcribed text. Step 04: Create a similar CC button/icon in the new layer. Step 05: Select the CC button/icon in the new layer and add a trigger to it as shown in the screenshot below. Step 06: In the base layer, create a text variable as shown in the below screenshot. Step 07:  Again, in the new layer, add a box where the transcribed text can be displayed and write the name of the text variable you have just created, between 2 percentage marks. Step 08: Create small rectangles outside the slide. Number of rectangles depends on the number of breaks you give for the whole transcribed content. Step 09: Timeline of the rectangle patches must be aligned as shown in the screenshot below. (It depends of the ‘readability time’ you give for each sentence.) Step 10: Now, adjust the text variable as shown in the screenshots below. That’s it! Preview or publish and check the functionality. This is the second method to create closed captions, where each line of the transcribed text comes in sync with audio similar to movie subtitles. Hope this tip is helpful to you. Please share your thoughts through your valuable comments. Related PostsHow to Add and Sync Closed Captions/Subtitles in Lectora?Creating Closed Captions in Articulate Storyline - Method ICreating Closed Captions in Articulate Storyline - Method III

Essential Online Resources For Efficient eLearning Process In the century of technology, studentship can become an easier period of life. Even if professors assign more and more tasks, students now have the possibility of completing those faster by using the right resources as well powerful online tools and applications. Below, you can find some of the most useful resources when it comes to boosting productivity and staying focused. Check them out and start being an efficient student. Remember - you must study smart, not hard! 1. StudyBlue A fast way of learning is by making and using flashcards. But wait! You don’t have to create them yourself from sheets of paper! They are all done on this website where students can find more than 270 million flashcards! The materials can be used on any device and cover a large educational area. Additionally, on StudyBlue, users can take quizzes, review sheet, study guides and so on. Now you have no excuse for not passing that exam! 2. Audible Audible is an Amazon company that provides users with an enormous data base of audio books. Students have a lot going on, so the best way of reading a book from the syllabus is to actually hear it. Books can be listen anytime and anywhere. Take advantage of the time spent on bus or train, and put on your headphones. Like this, your productivity will be maximized - not even a minute wasted! The first audio book is free, so choose it wisely. Become a better student by not missing a single title from your bibliography. 3. Papersgear No matter how smart one can be, he still needs professional help for editing and proofreading. As the author of the paper, you cannot be objective and spot all the possible mistakes. And everybody knows that high grades depend on the look of the essay, too. Thus, submit the assignment at Papersgear and ask for an expert’s assistance. The quotes are affordable for every student and the team does a very good job. 4. Studious Studious is a smart phone app that assists students in their daily schedule. Users can input their course schedule, and the app automatically silences the phone during these intervals. Then, you can also save exams and assignments deadlines and dates. Ultimately, students can input various notes. In this way, you can focus more on learning and less on remembering important academic events. 5. OpenStudy Openstudy is like a universal study group. Students from all around the world can register and contribute to the community. Users can ask for help for any subject and also offer guidance to others. You can even become a Qualified Helper and get paid for the work done. By joining this platform, students will not feel alone anymore. They will support and help each other as much as possible. 6. iStudiez Pro If you are an Apple lover and own all the devices, then you also must use iStudiez Pro. This app helps users stay organized and have a plan for each day. In less than one second, the account synchronizes the events on all devices. 7. Wolfram Alpha Students need reliable info for absolutely every course. Wolfram Alpha database will always provide them the so needed answers. It is compatible with Apple devices and it uses other features of these products like maps and copy-paste command. It contains knowledge from all educational areas. 8. RealCalc Math is giving you nightmares? Don’t worry, almost all students struggle to pass this course. RealCalc app is essential when it comes to accurate calculus. Users can install it on their phones and done - they have a professional calculator in the pocket! It covers traditional algebraic operations, powers, roots, logarithmic and exponential functions and much more. 9. BenchPrep You need to study for some courses you didn’t even attend? Then use BenchPrep tool to find the right materials and start learning immediately. The website contains an impressive library of preparation tests, flashcards, lessons and questions. In conclusion, if you are a smart student, you will use technology for something else than social websites and TV series. Some people have worked hard to develop these tools and apps, so take advantage of their innovations. Become a brilliant student by being productive and efficient. This post was first published on eLearning Industry.

Training managers should always measure the effectiveness of their online training programs. This is important because it helps calculate the return on the capital invested in the eLearning program. Moreover, if you want to know whether your eLearning program is successful or not, you should know how to measure it. But, how do you measure the effectiveness of an online training program? Well, here is an info-graphic which lists a few methods to measure the effectiveness of training programs. Please share your views about the post. Related PostsE-learning for Enhanced PerformanceHow to Calculate the Return on Investment of E-learningPlanning Training Programs for Immediate Knowledge Application

Litmos LMS Tutorial: Google Login With Litmos This Litmos LMS Tutorial presents, how to use Google login with Litmos for easy LMS login. The post Litmos LMS Tutorial: Google Login With Litmos appeared first on VivaeLearning: The Best Free Video Tutorials Online.