Useful website

Recently I have been researching on the web for freelance and part time opportunities. Though there are few good sites that give useful information, there is still need for more of them.

I came across this interesting website for part time ideas.Though it still looks relatively new it can be worth a visit.This site shows lot of ways to earn money by trying different ideas.

You can check it out here.

Useful Screencasting Tools

As e-learning professionals we often work with animations and demos where the user is shown something being performed on the screen.As an extension to this there are lot of tools to help you capture what is happening on the screen .These are known as screencasting tools.

I found a post which summarises all the screencasting tools available and for free.I think it is a great resource.You can read the post here.

Useful Resource

The Top 100 Tools for Learning in 2008 is out. This list has been compiled from the contributions of numerous learning professionals worlwide by listing their Top 10 tools for Learning.

You can view it as a Slideshare presentation or download as a PDF file.

Get it now.
http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/recommended/top100.html

Another Great E-book

This ebook 25 Engaging Interactions for ELearning, discusses various interaction techniques to keep the learners interested and engaged in your learning. It gives examples for 25 different types of interactions and explains each one in detail. Some of these interactivities may be familiar to us.There are also new ones like find the mismatch, order of importance, incomplete stories, etc. A very interesting book and moreover it is free.

You can download it here.

http://www.elearningpulse.com/eBook/EngagingInteractionsForELearning.pdf

Are you in the right career?

In the previous post, multiple intelligence theory we saw that each individual has seven types of intelligence.Today let us see the possible career choices for each types of individual.

Linguistic intelligence

These individuals have the ability to use words and language.

Careers: Poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, translator

Logical-mathematical intelligence

These learners think conceptually in logical and numerical patterns making connections between pieces of information.

Careers: Scientists, engineers, computer programmers, researchers, accountants, mathematicians

Visual -Spatial intelligence

These individuals have the ability to perceive the visual.

Careers: Navigators, sculptors, visual artists, inventors, architects, interior designers, mechanics, engineers

Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence

These individuals have the ability to control body movements and handle objects skillfully.

Careers: Athletes, physical education teachers, dancers, actors, firefighters, artisans

Musical intelligence

These individuals have the ability to produce and appreciate music. These musically inclined learners think in sounds, rhythms and patterns.

Careers: musician, disc jockey, singer, composer

Interpersonal intelligence

These individuals have the ability to relate and understand others. They know how to communicate with and understand other people and how to work collaboratively.

Careers: Counselor, salesperson, politician, business person

Intrapersonal intelligence

These individuals have the ability to self-reflect and be aware of one's inner state of being. These learners try to understand their inner feelings, dreams, relationships with others, and strengths and weaknesses.

Careers: Researchers, theorists, philosophers

Corporate Learning Trends and Innovations 2008

Do you want to find out the latest happenings and the emerging trends in the e-learning industry? Do you want to network with fellow innovators?Then mark your calendar now. The Corporation Learning Trends and Innovation 2008 starts November 17th. The event is live, online and free. These are the confirmed presentations.

Alvaro Fernandez: Brain Fitness for Peak Health and Performance
Dave Gray: Visual Literacy, Learning Innovation
Kevin Wheeler: The Future of Talent
Dave Pollard - Working Smarter: Improving the personal productivity of knowledge workers.
Dave Wilkins - The Amazon Model and Forum Model - the intersection of LMS and Learning 2.0
Jane Hart - 25 Free Tools Every Learning Professional Should Have in their Toolbox
Mark Sylvester - Social Networking as a Strategic Part of Your Learning Strategy
Nancy White - Online Social Architectures - Networks and Communities
Robin Good - Best Online Collaboration Tools for Learning
Tony Karrer - Work Literacy - Implications for Learning Professionals
Jay Cross, Jane Hart, Harold Jarche, and Clark Quinn: Learnscape Sandbox
Marcia Conner and Jon Husband: ROI of Web Learning
Allison Anderson: Corporate Learning Ecology
George Siemens: Strategy in Climates of Change
Conversation with David Weinberger

You can sign up here.

For more details, visit http://www.learntrends.com/

Great Books for Free

So you want to accumulate wealth and dont know how? Get the words right from the horse's mouth and for free. Now you can get these great books for free for you to read and follow.The titles include Think and Grow Rich, The Way to Wealth, and The Richest Man in Babylon. So what are you waiting for?

Get them here.

Free book on e-learning

So you want to know the basics of e-learning? Then this book is a great resource.This book also discusses various e-learning tools, instructional design strategies for e-learning, and methods for delivering e-learning.

You can read it here.

http://iit.bloomu.edu/Spring2006_eBook_files/

Free e-books

I found a site which has loads of free e-books on different subjects. You can download them for free here. Really useful resource!

http://www.e-book.com.au/freebooks.htm

SCORM

In the e-learning industry we often hear the term SCORM. Today let us see what is SCORM really about. SCORM is the acronym for Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). A sharable content object(SCO) is an independent piece of content that is reusable,interoperable,durable,and accessible. Let us see each of them in detail.

Reusable- The content can be used numerous times for different learners, on different situations, and on different platforms.

Interoperable - Content will function in different software and hardware environments, and on multiple applications.

Durable- Content need not be modified if there is an upgrade from one software system to the other.

Accessible- Content can be easily identified and accessed depending on the training needs.

Today lots of organizations have a lot of training programs for their employees.These training programs may be interlinked in some way or other.Let us assume that company A wants to give a training on how to grow Apples. Company B wants to give training on how to grow Oranges.
Now let us assume that company C wants to give training on how to grow Fruits.Instead of doing it from scratch it can simply reuse the content from both A and B if the content is SCORM compliant. The SCO's can be tracked by using an Learning Management System(LMS). Thus SCORM compliant courses save both time and money.

So are your e-learning courses SCORM compliant?

E-learning demos

I came across this site which has some cool e-learning demos ranging from e-learning financial services to virtual reality. Check them out!

http://www.real-sense.com/products/demo-zone.html

Free e-Book

E-learning Guild is giving away a free e-book, 144 tips on synchronous e-learning.You can download it here.

http://www.elearningguild.com/content.cfm?selection=doc.1025

Experiential learning

Experiential learning theory is another motivational theory in addition to ARCS. This theory was developed by David A. Kolb.It states that in the learning process knowledge is created by the transformation of experience.

This theory consists of four cyclic stages of learning. They are:

Concrete experience

In this stage the learner experiences or undergoes an activity.

Observation and reflection

In this stage the learner reflects back on his experiences.

Forming abstract concepts

In this stage the learner attempts to conceptualize the theory or model of what he has observed.

Testing in new situations

In this stage the learner plans to actively experiment the theory or model in new situations.

Kolb also identified four learning styles which correspond to these stages. These styles are:

Assimilators

They learn better when presented with sound logical theories to consider.

Convergers

They learn better when provided with practical applications of concepts and theories.

Accommodators

They learn better when provided with “hands-on” experiences.

Divergers

They learn better when allowed to observe and collect a wide range of information.

So which type of learner are you?

Structured Writing

Structured writing is a way of evaluating, arranging, and delivering different types of
information. It gives you a good starting point for any writing project and it can be applied to
any type of information, even spoken!

There are many key elements to good structure. Always Use clear, concise modules that convey a single topic, procedure or idea. You need to group related modules together and use short, meaningful headings and sub-headings.Always be consistent in the use of graphics.

There are many benefits of a structured writing. Structured writing ensures  that information is easily accessible and understandable. Content can be produced quickly and can often be re-used. It enables the setting and maintaining of excellent standards in all types of communication,
throughout an organization.

The most important factor for any writer is to always remember the user.They must be able to get to what they want quickly and easily. Don’t assume that the user will read through all the documentation sequentially.Always be conscious of how the user will access the information being presented.Make sure the user can find the right section of text quickly.

Multiple Intelligence Theory

This theory was developed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983.According to this theory every individual has seven types of intelligence.

Linguistic intelligence
Ability to use spoken and written words.

Logical-mathematical intelligence
Ability to use numbers and reasoning.

Visual -Spatial intelligence
Ability to visualize things and spatial dimensions.

Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence
Ability to control body motions.

Musical intelligence
Ability to master rhythms, tones and beats.

Interpersonal intelligence
Ability to communicate with people and form relationships.

Intrapersonal intelligence
Ability to understand one’s own emotions and inner state of being.

In our schools and society in general we focus more on the linguistic and mathematical intelligence ability. This theory emphasizes that we must also appreciate individuals who show gift in other intelligences. It also says that teachers must use a variety of ways to using music, cooperative learning, art activities, field trips, and inner reflection methods in class rooms.

This theory can be also applied for adult learning and development. For example if you are a highly Logical-mathematical individual and working in a job that demands heavy physical work, then you will be sure to be drained out. You will do better in a job that involves logical reasoning such as a programmer or analyst.

This theory also has its fair share of critics. Some argue that learning is synonymous with individual personalities and cannot be categorised.But this theory is widely popular and very interesting as well. Don’t you agree?

E-learning interactions in Flash

Recently I started learning Flash in detail and I must say it is truly addictive. Today I would like to share about the in-built function in Flash that can be used for e-learning interactions. In most e-learning courses at the end of each chapter or lesson, we access the learner. The most commonly used assessment techniques are multiple choice, true or false, drag and drop etc.

In Flash CS3, these interactions are in-built and ready to use, so that you needn’t create them from scratch. On the toolbar, navigate to Window > Common Libraries > Learning Interactions. Here you can find various assessment methods such as Drag and drop, Fill in the blank, Hot Objects, Hot Spot, Multiple Choice and True or False.

You can just drag any of the items to stage and start working. You can modify them according to the needs of your course and learners. I think this is a great resource for any e-learning developer.

E-learning Resources

I came across this site which has some free books on e-learning interactions, rapid e-learning, synchronous e-learning, Moodle, LMS and many more. These are really great resources and are absolutely free! Grab them now!


http://c4lpt.co.uk/resources/freebooks.html

E-learning demos

I would like to share few e-learning demos that i recently came across. This site has demos on cable box installation, Telephone customer service, Microsoft Netmeeting, and a overview on Fire extinguishers. Quite interesting! Check them out.


http://www.gpworldwide.com/elearning/demos.asp

Microsoft E-learning

Microsoft is the worldwide leader in e-learning providing an easy and effective learning experience . The biggest advantage with Microsoft is that the course content is created by the Microsoft experts themselves and so it is straight from the horse’s mouth.

Microsoft courses provide lots of interactivity with games, adventure activities, and their hands on lab give you a real-time exposure of the software. So taking their course can help you enhance your current skills, learn about a product, or even prepare for a Microsoft certification exam.

So what are you waiting for? Try an e-learning demo now.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/elearningdemo/nav/coursePlayer.htm

E-learning for kids

I recently came across this great website dedicated to fun and free learning. It consists of courses in math, science, reading, health, and computers for children in the age group of 5 to 12 years. It is a global non-profit organization run by volunteer staff consisting of e-learning and education experts.

You can also get involved and contribute to them depending upon your profile. You can do a monetary contribution. If not you can provide them your expertise and knowledge. You can develop e-learning for them or contribute your existing content. Do check them out!

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

Problem- Based Learning (PBL)

The Problem Based learning or PBL is widely used in higher education and K-12 settings. In this method the students will learn by solving real world scenarios and problems. Here the problems are open-ended and do not have one right answer.

The students will be divided into small groups and they will be provided with a messy real world problem. The students need to investigate the problem and find meaningful solutions which will then be agreed upon and implemented.

In the traditional approach, the teacher provides facts to the students and then recalls them by various methods such as memorization, tests etc. In this method the students apply their knowledge directly to the problems and the teacher will act as a facilitator and guide them through the learning process.

PBL develops critical thinking, improves problem-solving skills, and enhances the transfer of knowledge to new situations. The major drawback for PBL is that students may not know what is important for them if they don’t have any prior experience. Also for the teacher PBL can be very challenging to implement as it requires a lot of planning and hard work.

Merrill's Component Display Theory

Merrill’s Component Display Theory (CDT) may not be as famous as ARCS or Gagne but nevertheless interesting. This theory discusses ideas and methods that can be used for instruction. It gives a Performance/Content dimension to instruction by linking the desired level of student performance with the type of content.


According to CDT, content can be divided into four types namely: Facts, Concepts, Procedures and Principles.


Performance is how the student applies his learning. The level of student performance is divided into three categories namely: Remembering, Using and Finding. By linking both you get the following matrix.



Facts Concepts Procedures Principles

Remembering



Using



Finding








This matrix is setup to determine the level of performance needed for an area of content. As an instructor, you can determine the goals for the learner using the above matrix. You want them to remember the facts or apply the principles, you decide. Interesting isn’t it?

Gagne’s nine Events of Instruction

Robert Gagne’s nine events of Instruction provide a guideline for developing instructional content.

Gain Attention
Do something to gain the learner’s attention. It is somewhat similar to a TV program where a teaser is shown to gain our attention and we definitely end up watching the complete program. You can gain attention of a learner by various means. You can tell them an interesting story, show a demo, or even ask them to solve a problem.

Inform learner of Objective
Inform the learner about what they are going to learn so that they will prepare for what is coming up next. In other words, tell them what you are going to tell them.

Stimulate recall of prior Knowledge
It is always easy to build on what you know. If the learner has a prior knowledge about the subject you can stimulate it by asking questions and help them build on their skills.

Present the Material
Here you go! Provide them the training material. You can chunk your content into various levels of difficulty in order to maximize learning.

Provide Guidance for Learning
You must help the learners to maximize their learning by providing them learning instructions. You can use a different medium or channel to achieve this.

Elicit Performance
In e-learning terms this can be called as a practice session. You ask the learners to do something with their newly acquired knowledge.

Provide Feedback
You need to provide feedback to the learner and tell them the correctness of their learning. Tell them why they have done a good job or not a good job. Always provide specific feedback.

Access Performance
Analyze whether the learning has taken place. Give information about general progress.

Enhance Retention and Transfer
Put the learner in a similar problem situation or provide additional practice in order to enhance retention. The learner must be able to transfer the learning to their future assignments.

ARCS Model

According to John Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivational Design, there are four steps for promoting and sustaining motivation in the learning process: Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS).

Attention
For any learning to happen you must first gain the attention of the learners. You can use various methods to gain attention. It can be as simple as a game or a humor activity to get the learners involved with the subject matter. You can also pose questions or problems for them to solve.

Relevance
Only if the learners find relevance in the content they would be motivated to learn. You can tell them how the new learning will help them build on their existing skills. You can also inform the learners how the course will help them in the future.

Confidence
You must help the learners to gain confidence that they can succeed. You need to provide them objectives and also help them feel that they can achieve those objectives. You also need to ensure that the learners are aware of the performance criteria on which they will be evaluated.

Satisfaction
Learning must be rewarding or satisfying in some way. You also need to provide feedback on their performance. When they are satisfied with the results they will be motivated to learn more. You must be also take care that you don’t exaggerate the learner’s performance by over-rewarding easy tasks.

Benefits and Drawbacks of e-learning

The reduced overall cost is one of the main advantages of e-learning. These can include the salary for instructors, transportation, boarding and lodging for the students, etc. Also if you are a working professional you can learn a new technology right at your desk without spending too much time away from your job. Also the e-learning courses are available on demand. You can take them at flexible hours or even at home. Sounds good, doesn’t, it?

The other major advantage is that you can take up the courses at your own pace. So if you are an expert you can skip few sections and get ahead, a novice can take the course at his own time to avoid any frustration. I don’t think that is possible in the traditional classroom method.

E-learning courses are a lot more interactive, thanks to technology. So the learners are now more engaged rather than getting bored over loads and loads of text. Most e-learning course provide a quick assessment or evaluation at the end. This would give a satisfaction to the learner that he has indeed retained some learning.

Now let us see the disadvantages of e-learning. The magical classroom bond between teacher and student, and among the students themselves, cannot be replicated through communications technology. Also some technology issues during learning can prove a bane in e-learning. The existing technical infrastructure may not be able to achieve the training goal. It can be as simple as a slow net connection or non compatible software.

Also the reduced social interaction can be a big drawback. There is no peer-to-peer communication or learning that is happening. Though there are few drawbacks e-learning is here to stay, and is rapidly growing as an efficient form of delivering learning content.

ADDIE model

There are more than 100 different learning models available in ISD, but most of them are based on the ADDIE model. Though it’s criticized for being too systematic, it is still popular.

It’s an acronym that stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation.

Analysis – In this phase you will understand and identify the gaps in learning. You will also analyze the audiences existing knowledge and skills.

Design – Here you will finalize the learning objectives, assessment instruments and the actual content.

Development – The actual creation of the learning materials is done in this phase.

Implementation – In this phase the training materials that you created are delivered to the learners.

Evaluation – In this phase you will evaluate the effectiveness of your training material.

The ADDIE model can be very constraining and linear in its approach. So whats the answer?

Keep waiting........

Instructional Design - An Overview

Instructional Design is a method of arranging content in order to achieve maximum knowledge transfer. You need to determine the current state of learner understanding and also define the outcome of your instruction. The outcome of this instruction may be scientifically measured or completely hidden.

There are various instructional design models available.The most common among them is the ADDIE model. Learning theories play an important role in the design of instructional materials. Theories such as behaviorism, constructivism, social learning and cognitivism help in defining the outcome of instructional materials.

More of theories and models coming your way..............