Giving Pinterest Another Try

I started a Pinterest account quite a while ago, but my interest in it waned quickly. It really did not fill any need for me. In the last few weeks I decided to give in another try. 

So what have I been pinning? Here are the categories I have so far:

• eLearning - I pin interesting eLearning infographics, pages, resources, etc. 
• eLearning Screenshots - Various screens from courses I have made. Since most of what I have developed sits within a learning management system (LMS), inaccessible to non-coworkers, I thought it nice to share at some screens from a few of my favorite courses. Only a couple of courses are represented now, but more to come. 
• Maryland History - I love local history and especially historical pics. 
• Rhode Island - That's where I'm originally from and it's always nice to pin some pics that remind me of home. 

As you can see, I have been getting some use out of it and starting to appreciate its value. 

Happy pinning!

Do You Know What We Do? #eLearning Infographic

I was having a discussion with some fellow eLearning designers and we got deep into the complexities of working with subject matter experts (SME). Many great ideas came out of the discussion (e.g., guidelines, agreements, best methods of identifying SMEs and a lead SME, etc.). One thing I brought up was that so few SMEs realize what is involved in the process of creating elearning courses or any instruction for that matter. I mentioned that I have been wanting to create an infographic demonstrating the process of developing elearning, from inception to loading it to the LMS. It would be helpful to SMEs and the elearning designer trying to bring them into the fold... and down to reality. 

Well, one of my fellow elearning designers said, "Have you looked? There's probably already one out there." So, I looked and found the following infographic.

It is a good overview of the process of creating effective eLearning... and I'm glad they (Leanforward) added the word "effective." After all, much less is involved in developing "ineffective" learning. The times listed do have to be taken with a grain of salt. Although I think they are not too far off in many scenarios, there are many variables that affect the time involved (e.g., complexity of content, multimedia used, level of interactivity, developers skill level with development tools, etc.). The competencies and time needed for implementation, (e.g., loading to the LMS or web, testing, enrolling staff, etc.) is not addressed. Something to also consider mentioning when sharing this with your SMEs.

I think it will be a good thing to also share with anyone interested in entering the elearning field - So, they know what they are getting themselves into and the competencies they will need.

In addition to this infographic, Graphs.net has quite a few more eLearning infographics of interest.

Getting Started in eLearning

I think like most people in our field, I am often asked how to get started in eLearning. Well, the eLearning Industry site has released "How to Become an eLearning Professional," an ebook of tips for people interested in getting started. It has practical advice from 23 leaders in the field. It will definitely be a resource I share with people interested in entering our field.

While we're on the subject, I will add that anyone getting started in elearning need to be prepared to invest the time to acquire the competencies needed. There are many misconceptions about our field that mislead people in believing they can start by simply acquiring the "right" development tools and jumping right into making courses. As anyone working in the field will probably agree, it is not as simple as mastering the development tools. It also involves becoming competent in elearning design. Without a focus on design, and I have seen this many times, one will just spin their wheels (e.g., develop courses that do not provide effective instruction, do not address the audience's learning needs, etc.).

If you are interested in elearning, do not look first to the development tools, but rather how to DESIGN learning. Here is a list of ISD graduate programs, which I believe are worth the investment. I know not everyone is interested in the graduate school route and in that case you may look to certificate programs or workshops whether at an academic institution or through groups like ASTD or the eLearning Guild.

Reading elearning blogs is also a good way to learning more about elearning and finding additional useful resources for getting started. Plus, blogs often provide opportunities to pick the brains of many knowledgeable practitioners. eLearningLearning is a good place to find such blogs. Following elearning designers on Twitter is another good way to expand your personal learning network (PLN). 

Good luck and don't forget to check out the "How to Become an eLearning Professional" ebook.

Some #DevLearn Thoughts and Resources

I've been catching up at work since my trip to the DevLearn Conference. Although I do not have the time needed to write a very lengthy post about my wonderful DevLearn experience, I at least want to post a bit about some of the things that impressed me and also provide some post-conference resources.

By the way, the only complaint I have about the conference is that there were just too many great presenters. I continually found myself deciding between multiple interesting sessions occurring at the same time. Some of the sessions I enjoyed are listed below. Many of the other presentation slide decks are available on the DevLearn Handouts page. 

• I really enjoyed the keynote from TalentAnarchy. The video and their Hacklab handout are online but Guild membership* is needed. If you are not a member, here is a link to a short video from another one of their "Hacking" presentations.

• Other keynotes along with concurrent session videos including my "Adding More "Character to Your eLearning" session are also available.

• 5 Things Game Designers can Teach eLearning Designers

• Top 10 Authoring Tools for 2013

• Converting Learning Content to Stories People Remember

• Even MORE handouts from the conference

• DemoFest webinar, which features the 2013 winners, is always inspiring 

• I recommend visiting David Kelly's curated backchannel, who has many great resources from the backchannel and also did an amazing job putting this conference together. 

There were so many great sessions, networking and all around e-learning fun, I highly recommend the conference to anyone that can make it next year. 

*Although some of the videos require paid membership, the benefits of membership are well worth the price. If on a tight budget, there is no cost for the Associate level although access to Guild resources are limited at this level. Check out membership options here. 

Off to #DevLearn

I am über excited to be heading to the Devlearn Conference next week and just as excited to be presenting too. I'm willing to bet most of this blog's readers have already heard of this conference. If not, it is the best elearning conference you can attend in my opinion. It is chock full of great sessions, a phenomenal DemoFest,  truly inspiring attendees and even a live #LrnChat. However, it can get overwhelming, but do not fret because there are plenty of helpful resources for anyone attending and here are a few. 

• The Devlearn Docent program - A great for first timers who would like some expert guidance during the conference. 
• IDGlobalEvents Blog DevLearn post - Wonderful tips for anyone attending.
• The DevLearn App - An app with many features including session descriptions, a personal schedule, social networking with other attendees and speakers and much more.
• The #Devlearn backchannel - Great way to participate, interact and share your experience. FYI: If you can't attend in person this is the next best thing.

If you are there please look for me and say, "Hello." Hope you can attend my session too (304 -Adding "More" Character to Your eLearning). 

See you in Las Vegas!

My #DevLearn 2013 Poster

With the help of the Pulp-o-Mizer, I have completed my Devlearn session poster. 

Hope to see you at Devlearn 2013.

I'm Presenting at #DevLearn

I am very excited to be presenting at the eLearning Guild's DevLearn Conference this October. If you are heading to the conference this year, I hope to see you there. If you cannot attend, keep an eye on their Twitter hashtag, #DevLearn, which is a fantastic conference backchannel.

I will be discussing using characters in eLearning, a topic near and dear to me. Below is a description of my session.



Adding More "Character" to Your eLearning

Designers of eLearning continually search for ways to ensure their courses are engaging, interactive, and relevant to their audience. Marketing of online courses and use of social media in learning is also a continual struggle at many organizations. Use of characters can help these efforts; however, designers face common pitfalls like creating characters that are one dimensional, overused, or inappropriate for the content. There is also little use of characters beyond courses, for example in marketing of courses to learners and using them in social media and informal learning where they can be of immense help.

Participants in this session will learn how to effectively use characters in the design of learning programs. You’ll see examples of eLearning courses that successfully use characters, and you’ll learn how to weave characters into your learning designs resulting in more engaged course participants, personalized learning, added entertainment value, and an avenue for your learners to interact more directly with the content. You’ll get specific strategies for using characters in marketing your courses and employing them in social media and informal learning.

In this session, you will learn:

• Creative ways to incorporate characters into eLearning programs
• Practical tips for bringing your characters to life
• How to use characters in social media and informal learning strategies
• How to utilize characters to market courses to your organization’s learners
• Where you can find resources for creating original-character graphics or acquire ready-to-use characters.

The eLearning Guild's DevLearn Conference is a fantastic conference for anyone in eLearning whether just starting out or an expert staying sharp. Take a look at this year's sessions. Hope to see you there and hopefully you will also stop in to attend my session.