Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 4, 2012.#751 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology. 55,841 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando - 1,384 Registered! 1. Mobile Learning or Mobility or Tomorrow?2. Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter - Oops?3. Chairs for Soft and Sharp Interviews! 1. Mobile Learning or Mobility or Tomorrow? So many of us are excited about Mobile Learning and the application of mobile devices to worker/workplace productivity. Yet, when we go out to the field and ask for concrete examples of Mobile Learning that are in place and working, there is more silence and aspiration than evidence.  The MASIE Center is conducting an in-depth exploration of Mobile Learning and, in a few days, we will send you a TRENDS Survey to look at current plans, hopes and needs.  But, we need to tone back a bit of the conversation about Mobile Learning and consider if we are in "Phase 1", which is more about mobility. In other words, we are looking closer at how workers, with their own or corporate devices, are computing, communicating and collaborating with mobility. Clearly, there will be growing options, apps and designs that will give our organizations and learners increased ability to learn, practice, get support, collaborate and improve with the expanding devices. But, before we yell "Mobile Learning is Here", let’s understand that we are just getting started and evidence-based experiments and innovations are more the reality today. Exciting times ahead, but let’s watch the "hype" meter. 2. Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter - Oops? I got my iPhone 5 and am quite happy, EXCEPT…there is not currently available an adapter to allow my new phone, which uses the Apple Lightening plug, to connect with the many devices that are for the iPhone 4 and other earlier devices. So, my phone does not work with the in-car power/connector, won’t fit into my cool portable speakers for iPhones and other things. Last night, I went to several stores to buy an adapter, but it is not shipping "yet".  The catalog says in a few weeks.  Ugh! Once you build an infrastructure of devices and adapters, if you are going to change to a new format, make sure that real-time adapters are available. Ugh! 3. Chairs for Soft and Sharp Interviews! Yesterday was "select-a-chair-for-keynoters-to-sit on" day. It is actually quite an elaborate process, including choosing color, height, leg length and even squishy factor for the seat. We want our speakers like General Colin Powell USA (Ret.) to be comfortable and also sharp in the chairs. So, it was a day of choice and factor filtering. Follow along with my Design Decisions at http://www.learning2012.com/item/choosing-a-chair-for-stage.html Yours in Learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

TO: Learning, Training & Performance ColleaguesFROM: Elliott Masie, The Learning CONSORTIUM Please take this 3 Minute Mobile Learning Pulse Survey! http://www.masie.com/mobilepulse Everyone is talking about Mobile Learning. Some of the conversation reflects real projects and innovations. Some is just "Hype" - overstating the current reality of Mobile Learning. The MASIE Center invites learning colleagues from across the globe to take a few minutes to share your confidential views, hopes, frustrations and projects about Mobile Learning. Results will be shared at both Learning 2012 and also online at the end of October. Survey at: http://www.masie.com/mobilepulse Yours in Learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - November 29, 2012.#757 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,869 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - Jan. 2013 1. Mobile Learning Survey Results & Trends!2. Video Segments from Learning 2012 On-Line.3. Graduate/Research Internship at MASIE Center. 1. Mobile Learning Survey Results & Trends! We are pleased to publish the results of our global survey on Mobile Learning Trends. Based on responses from 823 global organizations, the Mobile Pulse Survey has interesting trends and challenges facing corporations as they pursue Mobile Learning. Report Segments: "Interest in delivering learning on mobile devices is high but implementation is in the very early stages of development. Approximately 80% of organizations reported at least a moderate interest in mobile learning. So far that interest has primarily translated into projects to explore and test mobile learning and developing some content designed for mobile devices. At the same time, less than 30% of organizations have an enterprise strategy for mobile learning." "Surveyed organizations acknowledge that leveraging mobile devices for learning provides some important affordances, but also have critical and constraining concerns. Key affordances include: the ability to provide learners with access to learning that is "anytime and anywhere"; reinforcement and updating of previous learning; maintaining proficiency and using otherwise unproductive time for learning activities. Chief among the concerns are the lack of sound designs for mobile learning (which can frustrate learners), technical issues that negatively impact the brand, the hype that leads learning organizations into adopting technologies that do not prove fruitful, and the potential that mobile learning will devalue in-depth knowledge and learning." The complete report and all results are online, without charge, from The MASIE Center at: Mobile Pulse Survey:http://www.masie.com/mobile2012 Special thanks to Videhi Bhamidi, Research Intern at the MASIE Center and recent graduate of Oxford in eLearning, who coordinated this survey. In the coming weeks, we will also publish her work on specific areas of Mobile Learning "Routes" as we consider the future of design for learning with mobile connectivity. 2. Video Segments from Learning 2012 On-Line: We have posted hours of video content segments from the keynote speakers at Learning 2012 (for those who gave us permission to circulate their presentations). You can view segments from Charles Duhigg, Susan Cain, Richard Culatta, Marshall Goldsmith and many more at http://www.learningtalks.com  Access the Learning 2012 menu for these segments. The MASIE Center has an Open Sharing model for our content and programs and are honored to make these available to the learning field. 3. Research Internship at The MASIE Center: The MASIE Center and Learning CONSORTIUM are searching for a Research Intern to be in residence in Saratoga Springs for 4 to 5 months. The ideal intern is either currently in graduate school or recently graduated from a program focused on learning, technology, business or human resources. They will be working with Elliott Masie and our team on research projects in our Learning LAB. We are eligible to sponsor a qualified candidate from a global location for an Internship Visa. There is a stipend and structured learning experiences. If you are interested, please send a note to emasie@masie.com and we will send you information. Please forward a short note about your background and interests. Previously, we have hosted interns from Korea, Brazil, India, Canada and other locations, as well as US based colleagues. Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Sept 20, 2013.#792 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,234 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2013 - Nov 3 to 6 - Orlando - 1,079 Registered Already! 1. From a TV Show to a Button: Upgrading Changes!2. Absentee Voting Reminder. 1. From a TV Show to a Button: Upgrading Changes! I had a huge "AHA" this morning. And, it was about how much the world of system changes has evolved in the past 20 years. This morning, I upgraded my iPhone and iPad to iOS7. This is not a review of these new systems, but about the shift in ease of upgrade. In a nutshell, I went to the Settings menu, pressed one button that said iOS7 Upgrade and waited for 15 minutes while the full operating system of my device was changed, a new code was downloaded and all of my content and apps were still there. One button and 15 minutes later, my device was upgraded. Now, let me take you back to January 1995. I was asked by Microsoft and Bill Gates to be the host of a TV show called Windows 95, a new operating system they were planning to release in August 1995.  Each month, I flew to Microsoft and hosted a two hour satellite and cable TV show with interviews and demonstrations for techies and geeks around the world. They let me ask almost any question and we had queries come in by fax and email in real time from around the world. For eight months, the technology world and users prepared for the upgrade. I remember receiving a list of 200 things that could go wrong as a user or organization made the upgrade. Believe it or not, for 100 days, every day I received a FedEx with 25 diskettes (pre CD) to try the latest improvement. And for the most part, applications were not going to work "out of the box" when the Start button appeared for the first time on users’ screens. Yes, Microsoft and the user community around the world made it through the upgrade. But, how things have changed. We have come to expect, assume and demand almost seamless upgrades. We want, for the most part, the technology to be in the background and our user experience to be in the foreground. We now have the web and apps for $1.99 rather than programs for $800.  And, in 1995, there were millions of hours of classroom instruction on "Intro to Windows 95 for Users"! I just pushed the button and started to explore this morning. Yes, we have come a long way - and may user usability always drive innovation and simpler processes!  On my train ride to New York City this morning, I am writing this TRENDS and playing with my operating system. Thanks designers and programmers for the ease of shift! 2. Absentee Voting Reminder: We want to remind our Learning TRENDS readers who are attending Learning 2013 that November 5th is both Election Day and the third day of our conference. U.S. voters should sign up to vote by Absentee Ballot. Here is a link to a site for resources on absentee voting procedures: http://www.learning2013.com/blog/item/absentee.html Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2013 email: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - October 16, 2013.#798 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,287 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2013 - Nov 3 to 6 - Orlando - 1,507 Registered Already! 1. Gamers Solve Decade Old Enzyme Puzzle in 10 Days!2. My Global Trip to Asia and Middle East Scheduled.3. 167 Learning Sessions and Activities. 1. Gamers Solve Decade Old Enzyme Puzzle in 10 Days! Scientists from Washington University have been struggling for the past decade to decipher the complex structure of an enzyme that exhibits AIDS-like behavior, and which might hold a critical role in building a cure for the disease. Gamers playing spatial game Foldit have managed to collectively determine the enzyme’s structure in ten days.Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/gamesolve This has great implications for the role of gaming and "crowd inventing"!  Now, let’s apply this to our learning design models. 2. My Global Trip to Asia and Middle East Scheduled:  I will be spending a month on a global learning trip - including stops in Singapore, Beijing, Manila and Dubai - starting on November 15th.  If you or your colleagues are in those locations, please send me a note. As always, it would be fun to meet and dialogue with peers from around the world.  Send a note to masie2@masie.com  I look forward to connecting with you and your global colleagues. 3. 167 Learning Sessions and Activities:  In just 3 weeks, we will be wrapping up Learning 2013 in Orlando. The Design process takes almost an entire year and we are honored to release the complete Learning 2013 Program Guide with 167 learning activities described in depth.  There is still time to take advantage of the discounted hotel rates and our Advanced Registration Tuition.  Go to http://www.learning2013.com/guide Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2013 email: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 12, 2014.#817 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,395 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab. 1. Impressions from Talent & HR Conversations.2. My Curiosity Mobile Device.3. Stormboard - Online Brainstorming!4. Massive Learning - Less Instructor Time. 1. Impressions from Talent & HR Conversations:  Hello from Scottsdale, Arizona, where I have been meeting with senior Talent, HR and Performance leaders at the annual i4cp conference.  On Monday, I led a 2 1/2 hour facilitated discussion with 10 senior leaders from companies including Boeing, Yum! Brands, Shell, Agilent and others on Trends in Learning.  Although I was the briefer and facilitator, I came away with several key impressions on trends: * Global Leadership Requirements:  We need to take a fresh look at the competencies needed by leaders of global organizations.  How do we build global leadership capabilities in candidates who have not lived in multiple countries?* Talking Talent and Learning at the Same Time:  The languages of "Talent", "Human Capital" and "Learning" are similar but different dialects that address similar issues with quite different words and phrases.  Learning leaders will need to find ways to be trilingual in these focuses.* Lazy LMS:  There is widespread frustration with the current agility of Learning Management Systems to meet an ever expanding menu of content models.  Most organizations are looking at using the LMS as more of an underneath enterprise system, adding needed functions as software as service or overlays. The best example is the inability of most LMSs to be agile with video as a content mode.* Learning Personalization:  There is serious interest in how organizations build Learning Personalization into current and future programs.  The learner is evolving quicker than our designers or learning systems. If you are interested in exploring these and other Learning Directions, check out my one-day blended program that will soon be offered in New York City, Chicago, Houston and Silicon Valley.  Details at http://www.masie.com 2. My Curiosity Mobile Device:  I just checked how often I do a Google or Bing search on my mobile phone or tablet.  Wow! On average it is between 15 and 30 times a day about thinks like a phrase from a presentation, a name mentioned in a news story or a topic in a conversation.  Check out the search history in your mobile devices to get a sense of your own mobile search intensity.  While many talk about Mobile Learning, I am more intrigued with how we optimize and personalize Mobile Search - including secure access to corporate intranets - right alongside external search engine results. 3. Stormboard - Online Brainstorming!  Check out a new version of a shared brainstorming/mind mapping software.  This is highly visual, sharable and there is a free edition for a small team.  I am experimenting with it for Learning 2014 team design.  Details at http://www.stormboard.com 4. Massive Learning - Less Instructor Time:  "How do we deliver short learning to massive numbers of employees - without having to increase the amount of available instructor time?"  This question quickly follows most discussions about Massive, Open, Online Courses/Content.  The desire for organizations to find new and scalable models for delivering a short program to tens or hundreds of thousands of workers - with a high level of engagement - without the cost of instructor time for each learner is a fascinating aspect of exploring MOOCs. We will delve deeply into this at our rapidly filling MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and Lab, to be held from April 2 to 4 in Saratoga Springs, NY.  There are a few spaces still available and online registration is open at http://www.learningmoocs.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2014 email: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.* Learning Directions Briefings.* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.* Video & Learning LAB.* On-The-Job Learning LAB.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - July 28, 2014.#835 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,577 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning 2014 - Oct 26-29 - Orlando. 634 Registered Already. Announcing: The Gamification Game! Gamification and Learning Explored. The word Gamification evokes many responses from Learning Professionals: * It would be very cool to use competition, rewards and games to engage workers in workplace learning.* Is Gamification really a deep game or a just a quick blast that is limited in impact?* Gamification can be a software layer living on top of a learning activity - integrated easily.* Does Gamification scale and sustain?* How do Introverts respond to Gamification that is often socially tilted?* Where is the evidence on learning impacts of Gamification?* Is Gamification always linked to digital badges or rewards, and is there a non-digital version of Gamification?* How do Gamification systems play with LMS systems? I am fascinated and challenged by the conversations about Gamification. And, there is a need for us to look at the evidence to explore when Gamification works or even interferes with workplace learning. On a personal level, I LOVE the role that Gaming can play in increasing engagement for some people on some tasks. I have played chess as a child, crossword puzzles as an adult and am fascinated with games used in learning and simulation areas. Gamification software is popping up, often targeted at Customer Engagement or Participation Engagement in a corporate collaborative space. Gamification is often linked to "badges" or public awards for degrees of involvement. And, many companies are experimenting with Gamification wrapped around internal social networks or innovation contests. So, what should we do at Learning 2014 (Oct 26 to 29) to explore and examine the role of Gamification and Learning? Many conferences are using functions in a mobile app (like our Engage app) that provide points for people talking to suppliers or networking with others. But, we wanted to go deeper and explore what works or does not work with Gamification, exploring a wider set of Games, Gamification Packages and Methods. We are announcing "The Gamification Game" at Learning 2014. Throughout the conference, we will provide multiple options, experiences and discussions for participants to use, evaluate and explore different Gamification approaches. The "Game" part of this is to explore what is REAL, what is HYPE, what is NOT YET ad what is TOMORROW in this world. "The Gamification Game" will be a vendor-neutral look at these engagement and contest models - with an eye to how they are applied to learning activities. We will use high tech, low tech and even a few games aimed at the introverts in the community. You and your colleagues are invited to participate in "The Gamification Game" and help move the dialogue forward! Complete details at http://tinyurl.com/gamificationgame Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie  

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 11, 2014.#858 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,769 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Innovations Retreat LAB - Jan 7 to 9th. 1. Digital Trust?2. Producing: Process & Details. 1. Digital Trust? A new project that The MASIE Center will be focusing on: "Digital Trust" How does the process of trust change, shift, shrink, expand or evolve as we connect, collaborate and know colleagues (and friends) digitally? How does a new employee at a 10,000 person company trust (or perhaps not trust) colleagues that they meet through a corporate collaboration vehicle such as Jive, SharePoint or Intranet? How does an individual assess - from a trust perspective - content, context or opinions from people they have never met face to face? How does an individual build the personal and professional competency of Digital Trust? In the next few months, I will be publishing a digital book on Digital Trust, bringing together learning and HR leaders from various organizations to explore the dimensions of Digital Trust and more. If you are intrigued by this topic, please send me an email to emasie@masie.com  We believe that the issues of trust, as explored by Steven MR Covey and others, are even more important and perhaps elusive in the digital world. So, send me a note to emasie@masie.com and let’s explore this intriguing topic. 2. Producing - Process & Details: I am writing this Learning TRENDS as I leave Paris for New York, after we just opened a new Broadway show, "An American in Paris". This is an exciting new show that combines amazing dance, sets, music from Gershwin, political themes and an incredible cast. MASIE Productions is honored to be one of the Production Partners for this show, which opened in Paris and will move to Broadway in March 2015. You can scan stories and video from the show at: http://www.anamericaninparisbroadway.com/ I wanted to share some perspectives about "producing" that are wonderfully connected to our worlds of learning. The process of creating a Broadway show, especially a hit, takes years of collaboration, work, labs, demonstrations, casting, fund raising, disagreements, shifts and marketing magic. What we watched in Paris was an amazing point (but not the finish line) of the production and creation process for "An American in Paris". Director Christopher Wheeldon takes the cast and creative team through a daily process of experimentation, rehearsal, feedback and coaching. The leads of the show, accomplished ballet dancers, have been coached in singing and acting, and supported to expand their craft to this new format. Our opening in Paris was received with over 12 minutes of standing ovations - from a Paris blended audience - and the dozens of producing partners traveled to France to both celebrate and learn. We gave a spare ticket to a 21 year old woman who was passing out arts newsletters outside.  We surprised her a few minutes before the sold out show with a free ticket (in an upper balcony) and just asked her to send me a message after she got out with feedback. Here are a few lines from her (Virginie Bénévent): "I love theater and this show blends everything: songs, dancing and acting. It reminds me of Gene Kelly, a genius and master of dance. Plus, it echoes many events of our history in Paris. The props and the setting are perfectly designed - these details are crucial. This a trip in this beautiful story between 2 worlds of art: France and America. The show lasted almost 3 hours but it seemed so short. The final dance was amazing. Elliott, in three words: wonderful, efficient and free." Production is about 360 degree feedback. It is about the ability to listen to the cares and angles of every segment of the audience. It is about creating more than a good show - but rather a GREAT show - and that takes time, risk and discipline as well as agility as artists and producers. When you see an awesome piece of theater, it reflects the works of dozens or even hundreds of artists over years. We never rush being "done" as great theater comes from circles of experimentation and feedback. So, as I fly back from Paris I am thrilled and honored. And, I am making a list of dozens of micro elements of "An American in Paris" that could evolve and stretch in the months ahead. I will share elements of the process with Learning TRENDS readers and hopefully you can see it on Broadway or when we go on tour in a few years. Note: Learning LABS in 2015: We are pleased to announce 3 Learning LABS for Learning Professionals that will be hosted at The MASIE Center in Saratoga Springs in 2015: - Learning Innovations Retreat & LAB: January 7 - 9, 2015.- On The Job Learning & Performance Support LAB: January 20 - 22, 2015.- Video & Learning LAB: February 10 - 12, 2015. We have had many registrations for these programs already and space is quite limited. They are hands-on and roll-up-your-sleeve LABS. Check out the content and online registration at http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieChair, The Learning CONSORTIUM MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM- Learning Innovations Retreat at Elliot Masie’s LAB. - Jan 7 - 9, Saratoga Springs.- On-The-Job Learning & Performance Support = Agile Learning - Jan 20 - 22, Saratoga Springs.- Video & Learning LAB - Feb 10 - 12, Saratoga Springs.- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4th - Orlando, Florida.Upcoming:- Gamification and Learning LAB.- MOOCs and Corporate Learning LAB.- Learning Strategy & Learning Leadership.- Leadership Development Evolves. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

TO: Learning, Training & Performance ColleaguesFROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE CenterDATE: March 3, 2015 RE: Gamification & Learning LAB We are pleased to announce a new program for learning professionals: Gamification & Learning LAB!Hosted by Elliott Masie.May 4th to 6th.MASIE Learning LAB - Saratoga Springs, NY USA.Details: http://www.masie.com Gamification is one of the much talked about elements in the world of learning innovations. There are intriguing early implementations, emerging models for adding gamification to non-game activities (such as learning), much hype and overstatement, and a great deal of both curiosity and confusion in our field. I have designed an intensive, vendor-neutral 2 1/2 day deep dive into Gamification & Learning for a small group of global learning colleagues in early May. Here are the topics that we will address: - Gamification: What Is It?- Gamification & Learning Models.- Gamification of Non-Games.- Does Gamification Work?- When Does Gamification Not Work?- Learning Gamification vs. Marketing Gamification.- Is Gamification Sustainable?- Costs & Expenses for Gamification.- ADDIE & Gamification.- LMS & Gamification.- Gamification Marketplace.- Producing Gamification - The Skills.- Gamification, Introverts, Styles & Emotional Intelligence!- The Strategic Risks & Downsides of Gamification.- Failure & Simulations: "Failing Our Way to Success". - Play as a Human Trait.- Badging in the Workplace.- Usability & Gamification. Our LAB will include hands-on exploration of current and emerging Gamification & Learning models. We will interview (by live video) experts from implementing organizations, Gamification inventors and suppliers, and Academics studying the evidence of Gamification’s impact on Learning. In addition, we will conduct a real-time focus group with a range of employees to assess their readiness and reactions to Gamification leveraged for learning and performance. Complete information and online registration at http://www.masie.com   Please register early as space is tightly limited in the Gamification & Learning LAB. Yours in learning, Elliott MasieChair, The Learning CONSORTIUM MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM- Learning Strategies LAB - With Doug Lynch and Elliott Masie - March 25 to 27 Saratoga Springs.- Gamification & Learning LAB - With Elliott Masie - May 4 to 6 - Saratoga Springs.- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida.Upcoming:- Gamification and Learning LAB.- MOOCs and Corporate Learning Summit. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - April 10, 2015.#870 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,849 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Directions in Dallas, Seattle, Chicago & New York City. 1. LinkedIn Buys lynda.com for $1.5 Billion - Not an April Fools Message.2. Testing Amazon Echo - Talking to My Speaker & Cloud.3. Gamification & Learning LAB - New Section Added in June. 1. LinkedIn Buys lynda.com for $1.5 Billion - Not an April Fools Message: I was quite surprised by a message yesterday announcing that LinkedIn has purchased lynda.com (an eLearning site) for $1.5 Billion. Details at: http://www.cnet.com/news/linkedin-to-acquire-online-training-site-lynda-com/ Why surprised? Just a few days ago, as part of my annual April Fools Learning Trends message, I said, "LinkedIn leaders are convinced that a learner’s resume will have a key role in expanding learning. As a worker enrolls for a class, "LinkedLearn" will relate the content to the learner’s previous positions and work experience. If one shifts their job from a bank to a restaurant, their onboarding eLearning on how to work at the order counter will use visuals and even videos from a banking example. "LinkedLearn" is aimed at truly adaptive learning design. It may also leverage feedback from the last 10 years of a worker’s performance reviews."  This was not a prediction - just a joke. But, I guess good jokes have some element of truth and prediction. It will be interesting to see how LinkedIn leverages the resources and assets of lynda.com in the coming years. Stay tuned for more perspectives. 2. Testing Amazon Echo - Talking to My Speaker & Cloud: This week at The MASIE Center, I have been testing a new technology: Amazon’s Echo. It is a high quality speaker, about one foot tall and 3 inches wide, that takes some of the function of Apple’s Siri and rolls it into a Cloud-based Music, Knowledge and Control Center. First, I plugged it in and downloaded an Echo app to my smartphone. It links to my Amazon Prime Account and the building’s wireless system. Then, just by calling the Echo’s name - "Alexa" - I can then ask for the weather, latest news or almost any song or album. It does an instant search of Amazon Prime Music and starts to play in less than 2 seconds.  And, it also will make me laugh if I say, "Alexa, tell me a joke." Additional features are being added, including control of household appliances and linking multiple Echos together in different rooms. Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/oc/echo  It is $199 and has a 3 month waiting list. I am intrigued about how it could also access a corporation’s knowledge or intranet for spoken assistance to a worker sitting at a desk or working on a factory floor. And, I have had fun with instant songs and much needed jokes. 3. Gamification & Learning LAB - New Section Added in June: We have sold out our first Gamification & Learning LAB, with a waiting list, for May. So, I have opened up a second section that will be held in Saratoga Springs, NY from June 23 -25. Register soon as we are already filling seats in this hands-on LAB.  Details at http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieChair, The Learning CONSORTIUM MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM.- Learning Directions - Dallas, Seattle, Chicago and NYC in June.- Gamification & Learning LAB - Led by Elliott Masie - June 23-25, 2015 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie