How to use eLearning scenarios to impact learning and accelerate expertise.Post from: The eLearning CoachELC 003: Why You Need Scenario-based eLearning

I would really like my next tablet to be a Microsoft Surface loaded with Windows RT. Suddenly Microsoft’s tiled non-skeuomorphic interface looks cool compared to the endless pages of icons lined up in rows. Even the 16:9 wide-screen format looks cool compared to Apple’s old school 4:3. But the problem I have with Windows 8, and therefore the problem which Microsoft has as well, is the lack of apps in the Windows 8 App Store.  When it comes to apps Windows 8 is a desert compared to Apple’s or Android’s oases. This is a big shame because I am a prime customer for Microsoft. I run Windows 7 on my desktop and laptop and the primary tools of my trade are Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Being able to use these tools on my tablet device, even in cut down form, would be a real boon for me. Currently I have to mess about converting PowerPoint to Keynote and using a weird collection of writing apps (I’m writing this in Byword) when I am working with words alone. The real danger for Microsoft here is that I am faced with two choices - struggle on with my mixed Apple/Windows set-up or decide to go for an all Apple ecosystem. Steve Ballmer must be hoping that not too many take the latter option. Corporate customers of course are less responsive and apart from executive toys and BYOD iOS is hardly becoming the corporate workhorse that will oust Windows. Still it’s got to be a worrying time for Microsoft. Can it get into the tablet market while there is some of it left? The post Thinking about a Windows 8 Tablet? appeared first on Designed For Learning.

Instructional Design Guru app gets transported to the world of Android.Post from: The eLearning CoachDesigning mSupport For Android

Learn to match your storytelling with the natural tendencies of the brain.Post from: The eLearning CoachELC 004: How To Write Compelling Stories

I’m currently participating in a MOOC (massive open online course) delivered by Paul Kim at Stanford University and which is running on Stanford’s own Venture Lab learning platform. I’m primarily interested in learning about the platform and what it’s like to actually learn in this way but the course I am taking is also interesting in itself since it’s called: Designing a New Learning Environment. This first video introduces the platform. More to follow as I work my way through the course. The post Stanford Venture Lab MOOC appeared first on Designed For Learning.

Do you withstand heavy blows and continue to move forward?Post from: The eLearning CoachKorean Zombie Instructional Design

Flip your design process for awesome results.Post from: The eLearning CoachSubtractive Visual Design

This is the second video update on the Stanford Venture Lab MOOC that I’m following. The work is ramping up a bit but I’m still managing to fit the assignments in. With such a large number of learners there is no way that staff can grade or feedback on assignments so the solution is peer evaluation. This video shows how it works on the Stanford Venture Lab platform. The post Peer Evaluation on a MOOC appeared first on Designed For Learning.

Awesome tips for designing and shooting video from a media specialist. Post from: The eLearning CoachELC 005: How To Stop Making Boring Videos

I’m currently on one of Stanford University’s MOOC courses. It’s free, can be done completely online and is pretty flexible as to how you organise your study time. It only requires 4 hours per week but when you have a day job, a family and other interests beyond a computer screen that four hours can be hard to find. I’m never quite sure where I am. Am I up to date with the lectures and reading? Is there a conversation I need to respond to? Worst of all, is there an assignment that needs to be submitted? With the flexibility of online learning comes the discipline of keeping on top of it all but the Venture Lab learning environment does a reasonable job of providing a dashboard of upcoming activities. A friend of mine is also taking an online programme and she has the same problem. She is never quite sure where she is and what she has to and she is on a full blown 2 year MBA programme! Most of the online learning I am involved in is of the bite sized variety but when programmes extend over a longer time period and include deadlines for assignments or other assessed activities it’s particularly helpful if the learning environment can help you to monitor and manage your learning. There are two key elements here; progression and planning. Progression Progression charts your progress through the learning materials. In its simplest form it shows you what you have already done (watched, read, downloaded, submitted). Progression is important for tutors as well as learners. Progression is a really key aspect of online learning because of its flexible nature. One of the things I always look for in a new LMS is the way progression is measured. Some of the fancy new platforms like Treehouse use gamification techniques such as badges and levels both to monitor progression and encourage completion. Course Progression on the Udemy Online Learning Platform Planning Where progression is about the past, planning is about the future. What have I got to do, when will I do it, what dates are critical? Planning is also key for tutors and in synchronous programmes tutors often drip feed learning activities as the course  develops. Typically a new set of activities will be released each week. The Stanford MOOC adopts this approach though it’s not strictly linked to weeks. The most useful view for planning is a calendar with the various activities highlighted. Standford’s Venture Lab doesn’t use a calendar but its list of upcoming events works pretty well. Progression and Planning on the Stanford Venture Lab Platform The post Time Management for Learners appeared first on Designed For Learning.