Many colleagues have asked what I think will emerge in workplace learning in 2015. Some put it this way, "Have you read anything worthwhile that summarizes trends for 2015?" Or this, often this, "I should be assessing my learning organization as we move into a new year. It's an opportunity. Got a bumper sticker on trends, 2015?" I don't have that bumper sticker. What I do have is enthusiasm about reflecting on emergent directions in workplace learning. I've been reviewing what others (such as Malamed, Deloitte/Bersin, and Taylor) have to say on this matter. Here is where I think workplace learning will trend in 2015. I'm consciously … [Read more...]
Colorful Consulting: Lessons from Larry
July 10, 2013 by
Today I learned about consulting from a surprising source. It began at lunch yesterday, when my usually positive pal Ellie remarked that my hair wasn’t looking so great. I think the word she used was listless. The cut was fine. But she wondered about the color. What was up with the color? In order to tell this story I have to admit that I’ve been throwing color at my hair for years. Recently, I’ve encouraged my stylist to use a bit less color, to help me transition to a more real me, a salt and pepper me. But it has been a few steps forward and then about the same number of steps backwards. Just when I think I am ready to let the … [Read more...]
Worried about software? Consider performance support
February 19, 2013 by
I can't get enough of performance support. That passion began early, when I encountered the limitations of my own memory. It continues to this day as I discover even more flaws in my memory. Of course, I rely heavily on technology to help me travel, pack, commune, invest, eat and maximize the software residing on my computer. That's all good for me. But what of the enterprise? Performance support is a great idea that is finally working its way into learning and talent enterprises. This movement is driven by impatient executives, managers, and employees. They will not wait for a class to be scheduled. They recognize limitations in … [Read more...]
On the brink with mobile– what learning executives say
September 8, 2012 by
Words without actions Words without actions. That's how I described the status of mobile learning in an article in eLearn magazine ten months ago. My point then was that mobile offers immense potential for learning and support but that it is not yet making much of a difference in the enterprise. When San Diego State University (SDSU) colleague Jim Marshall and I surveyed more than a thousand educators in companies, agencies and universities about their eLearning practices, they reported reliance on traditional eLearning approaches, like scenarios, virtual classrooms, and online assessments. Performance support and mobile devices only rarely … [Read more...]
Needs analysis– something old, something new
May 31, 2012 by
When I was a young professor of instructional design and technology at San Diego State University, students often sought advice on how to make decisions about outcomes and strategies. At that time, back in the late 70s, mostly they were concerned about instructional design for face-to-face classes. Even when working on classroom programs, they were flummoxed by the scores of decisions they had to make. My students wanted help with planning. Some call that planning needs assessment. Others prefer needs analysis. Many weigh in for performance analysis or front end analysis. One nickname that makes me smile is disambiguating whatchamacallit. … [Read more...]
