CEdMA-Europe Members' Newsletter - November 2007

Workshops
 

The attendees at the November conference discussed the programme for the first half of 2008 and so we have a slight change from what you were told previously.

23 January, "What will be the next big thing for the Training Market?"

The overwhelming choice to start the year was a workshop dedicated to what big thing or things we are likely to see which may change the way we our future business goes. This will take place at CA Datchet on Wednesday 23 January from 1300 to 1700.

Helping us look at the "traditional" education market will be David Pardo, MD of Pardo Fox whose IT Skills Research work is widely-known and well-respected in the IT Training industry. Although he will be presenting on trends and technologies, he has indicated that he expects a truly interactive session in the CEdMA Europe tradition.

We are also going to discover just exactly what "Second Life" is and how it may become important in the training business. Some US colleagues of CEdMA Europe Members have already started experimenting, but we are very fortunate to have Dave Taylor, knowledge transfer leader from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). NPL is one of the first national research laboratories to exist in Second Life - an online three-dimensional world where users can explore, build, socialise, and participate in their own economy, but Dave's brief is its potential use in education and training.

Agenda

1300 Coffee
1330 Introduction - Mike
1335 Trends and possible surprises for the IT Training Market - David Pardo
1500 Break and Networking
1530 Second Life and its possible relevance to Training - Dave Taylor
1655 Summary
1700 Close

Please let Mike know if you or any of your colleagues will be attending, so that we can make sure we have enough seats, coffee, biscuits, and so on.

12 March, "Increasing Penetration in the Installed Base"

If you are getting to the end of the first quarter and are struggling with that increased revenue target (isn't that everyone?), you really should be looking at how to "milk" the installed base, so this workshop at SAP Bedfont is a "must-attend". We'll follow our successful formula of having a facilitated session which will be documented as a "Best Practice" paper.

11 June, "Coping with Change"

This workshop at Symantec Reading will address a number of issues under the umbrella of "Coping with Change", including Mergers and Acquisitions, the resulting training integration, supporting global accounts and handling global deals, and keeping it legal. Again, "Best Practice" papers will result from the discussions.

Note: we are moving to workshops on Wednesdays in 2008.

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Conferences

8-9 November: "Optimising your P&L" - Report

The Autumn Conference took place at Milton Hill House, at Steventon, near Oxford on Thursday and Friday 8-9 November. The theme was Optimising your P&L. 26 attendees from 17 companies attended. Unfortunately, we lost five very late owing to illness and pressure of work. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and we just coped with the 26 plus three others in our allocated room. Nevertheless, overall satisfaction with the conference remained at 4.7 (out of 5), but satisfaction with the facility dropped from 4.7 to 3.8, one of main reasons why we shall return to our May 07 supplier in May 08.

8-9 May: "Routes to Market"

The Spring Conference will take place at the superb Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club which is conveniently situated within a 10-mile radius of Birmingham, Coventry and Warwick, seven miles from Birmingham International Airport and close to the A45 and M42.

The Theme is "Routes to Market" and there will be sessions on different routes to market, increasing the attach rate, using the web as a sales channel, telesales, and selling via an external channel.

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Recent Articles from the Education and Training Press

News

Quick News Digest from IT Skills Research (Nov 07)

Industry News from IT Skills Research (Nov 07)

IT Training Press Releases (Nov 07)

Industry News Headlines from CLOmedia (Nov 07)

Market Monitor 2007 Q3 (from IT Skills Research) - Nov 07

© IT Skills Research Programme 1998-2007, last modified 23 Nov 07

E-Learning Market Briefing from Kineo (Nov 07)

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Reviews and Current Trends

Training 2007 Industry Report (Nov 07)

US organizations shelled out $58.5 billion for training this year (including payroll and training budgets), with $16.3 billion earmarked for external learning products and services, according to Training magazine's exclusive analysis of employer-sponsored training in the US.

Training Magazine, © 2007 Nielsen Business Media, Inc

US Learning and Development Expenditure Rises to $129.6 Billion
(Nov 07)

Use of e-Learning has streamlined learning and development initiatives.
T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

2007 ASTD State of the Industry Report (Nov 07)

The State of the Industry Report is ASTD’s annual review of trends in workplace learning and performance. The report includes data from ASTD BEST Awards Winners, ASTD Benchmarking Forum Members and past years' data from 1999 to date. T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

CertMag's 2007 Salary Survey (Dec 07)

Since its launch in 2000, the Salary Survey has become an institution of sorts, a barometer by which IT professionals around the globe measure where their career is versus where it should be. This year's survey features date compiled from 35,066 respondents in 195 countries, along with analyses from the editorial team. CertMag, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Technology in Action Awards (Nov 07)

Highlights from the winning projects of Training's first Technology in Action (TIA) Awards, plus lessons learned from their creators.

Training Magazine, © 2007 Nielsen Business Media, Inc

Training 2008 Directory of Products and Services (Nov 07)

Training's first comprehensive industry directory is organized by categories including Audio/Data/Video Learning, Authoring Tools/Systems, Performance Support Systems, and Simulation Development Tools.

Training Magazine, © 2007 Nielsen Business Media, Inc (warning 8Mb)

Update for Training Professionals and about Suppliers (Nov 07)

Gartner predicts 6.7% growth in the IT services market for this year. There is a 50-50 divide in opinion on whether there is a skills gap in the UK IT industry, according to research. IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Customer Disservice Warrants Better Training (Nov 07)

64% of HR executives believe there is more demand for customer service training. T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

Measuring e-Learning Success (Oct 07)

This Guild Research 360° Report ideals with two fundamental issues that are at the core of learning endeavors: 1. When you test, are you truly able to show that someone has learned something; and, 2. Are you able to show that your learning interventions benefit your organization? ©2007 The eLearning Guild (warning 7Mb)

The CLOs Investment Portfolio - All about the LMS (Nov 07)

Growth in learning budgets has slowed, probably as a result of lower profits. Areas in which companies are investing are carefully chosen, and they reflect the priorities and aspirations for the greatest opportunity. The learning management system (LMS) remains a popular and powerful choice to help companies achieve their objectives.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Will Microsoft be able to go the distance? (Nov 07)

Microsoft's new distance learning offering are reviewed.

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

IT Degree ROI - Which Majors Make the Biggest Salary (Dec 07)

Obviously, the earning power of an individual college major varies according myriad factors - school, industry, company, location, individual talent, and so on. Nevertheless, it's still quite possible to draw some general conclusions about dividends various majors will pay, particularly within IT.

CertMag, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Mystery shopper to test professionalism (Nov 07)

The Institute of IT Training has launched a mystery shopper service to help training companies asses their customer-facing processes.

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

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Training Manager/Director Development

Real-Time Context - Click Green for Breaking News (Nov 07)

The "water cooler" of 2007 includes e-mail, the phone and even rapid text messages. Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

The bar has been raised (Nov 07)

You have a learning ecosystem already, but it needs cultivating.

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Is Your Learning About Mastery or Competency? (Nov 07)

Every learning organization needs to do a learning asset analysis to better understand how its learners grow though formal and informal instruction.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Five Organizations Embracing Emerging Learning Technologies (Nov 07)

CLOs seeking ways to incorporate innovative learning technologies can start by looking at the innovative features being incorporated into their current learning modalities. Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Rediscovering the Essence of Learning (Nov 07)

Our companies and organizations need every employee to be brilliant to unlock and deliver compelling value for those we serve. They don’t need the CLO and learning department to be average. In fact, they can’t afford it.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

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Selling and Marketing Education

Anatomy of a Great Training Catalog (Nov 07)

Why is it that the most profitable training companies typically have the best catalogs? It’s no accident. They put a lot of time and effort into strategizing cover imagery and messaging, how to group and order courses, and selecting promotions that complement best-selling offerings.
Training Growth Innovations, ©2007 TrainingIndustry.com

Create Engaging Webinars with Audience Polling (Nov 07)

Webinars and other virtual online events are becoming more than just a rage.
Webinars were once a nice informational tool; today they’re an integral thread in the training fabric. Webinars are becoming more and more relied on by both training suppliers and training providers as a way to reach widespread audiences. Training Growth Innovations, ©2007 TrainingIndustry.com

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Learning Methods and Media

Learning Annual Reports Once Again on CLO Agenda (Nov 07)

New hires can get a very good view as to their potential development opportunities and compare this with how competitive firms approach an investment in learning and development.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Taking It Personally - Tailoring Training for more Relevance (Nov 07)

Personalization makes concepts more relevant to learners.
T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

Effective Context Building - Critical for Training's Impact on the Business (Nov 07)

It is indisputable that business-relevant, technically accurate content is essential for effective training. CLOmedia, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Some IT Training Remains Traditional (Nov 07)

Instructor-led training still remains the preferred method for information technology training. T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

What Steve Jobs can teach you about Designing E-Learning (Nov 07)
Here’s a challenge many of us face.  We want to create engaging and interactive e-learning courses.  But because of customer requests or limited resources, we have to cut corners and end up with visually boring e-learning courses filled with nothing but bullet points. The good news is that even if you are in a crunch, there is a lot that you can do to enhance the visual presentation and actually make a better learning experience.

Rapid E-Learning Blog, ©2007 Creative Commons

Featured Product Review - NOAH (Nov 07)

NOAH is one of the most sophisticated avatar authoring tools currently available on the market and is reasonably priced. The animation software allows you to add talking, animated avatars or characters to your company website, CBT, or asynchronous course. © 2007 TMR Publications

5 Ways Web 2.0 Can Make You a Better e-Learning Designer (Nov 07)

This article offers some practical ideas on how to develop your e-learning skills for little or no cost, other than your time.

Rapid E-Learning Blog, ©2007 Creative Commons

Accelerate your E-Learning (Nov 07)

This article looks at how to accelerate the adoption of e-learning in your organisation and create the time and space for learners to use it.

©2007 TrainingZONE

Analyze This! (Nov 07)

New web analytics software enables e-learning developers to see what is working...and what's not. Learning Circuits, ©2007 ASTD

Free Rapid e-Learning Module on How to Design Rapid e-Learning
(Nov 07)

If Rapid E-learning's such a key development in e-learning, why has nobody produced a Rapid E-learning module about how to design it? It's no longer a rhetorical question. Kineo has collaborated with Clive Shepherd and Cammy Bean to create the 60 Minute Masters. The course provides subject experts and designers with the skills and knowledge you need to design engaging Rapid E-learning. Kineo set up a Moodle LMS where you can register in a few seconds, then access the free course and resources. Access 60 Minute Masters
The story of the 60 Minute Masters has several lessons about the practicalities of Rapid E-learning, from how a wiki was used to collaborate on content, to how the process was different from traditional e-learning. Kineo interviewed Clive Shepherd to learn more about the background to the 60 Minute Masters.
Listen to the conversation ©2007 Kineo.co.uk

Rapid e-Learning - Tools and Techniques (Oct 07)

More for Less - Free Tools and Case Studies (Nov 07)

Two recent public presentations from Kineo. ©2007 Kineo.co.uk

Learning for real in virtual worlds (Nov 07)

Virtual worlds should now be taken seriously for learning.

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Mobile Learning or Mobile Miss? (Nov 07)

Although it's gratifying to see all these exciting and positive validations of our early ideas, there are some storm clouds that demand attention.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

The Evolution of the LMS (Nov 07)
The LMS has evolved into an enterprise-wide presence that many consider essential to corporate success. So, how did the LMS evolve to its current role in business? Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Audio Advice (Nov 07)

This article describes how to create high-quality audio for learning. There are two approaches - outsource it, or do it yourself.

Online Learning News and Reviews, © 2007 Nielsen Business Media, Inc

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Case Studies and Projects

Leveraging Change to Build Productivity (Nov 07)

Any senior executive knows the prospects of succeeding at a major change initiative are questionable at best. The research about the difficulty of successful change varies only to the extent of its bleakness.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

From Resistance to Acceptance - How to Implement Change Management (Nov 07)

Change management initiatives must provide sufficient time for employees to adjust to new policies. T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

Copier King receives a corporate toner change (Nov 07)

When Xerox introduced new purchasing software, it was accompanied by a multi-country training program. IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Blended e-Learning meets hospital's need (Nov 07)

Flexibility makes e-Learning useful for hospitals, but a tutor on hand and discussion breaks made it even more popular.

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Promoting Peak Performance (Nov 07)

Michelle Blieberg, global learning officer at UBS’ investment bank, loves a challenge. When she took her current position with the Swiss-based wealth management firm more than three years ago, the learning function was little more than a course catalog. In the course of her tenure, Blieberg has transformed learning into a highly strategic operation that’s recognized throughout the enterprise for its innovative and effective programs.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Ascension Health Maximizes Blended Learning Approach (Nov 07)

Here’s how learning used to happen at Ascension Health, the nation’s largest nonprofit health system: Three to five weeks before a process’ launch, training staff members would jet around the country, visiting every facility.

Chief Learning Officer, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

Managing Global Learning Content (Oct 07)

This case study describes how Yum! Brands identified and adopted a content strategy, developed an information architecture with publishing templates, and implemented a technology solution supporting the global enterprise.

©2007 Bersin and Associates

How to Build an Integrated Talent Management Systems Strategy

(Oct 07)

One of the biggest challenges in HR and training today is the development of an integrated systems strategy. This study provides discussion, guidelines, and important considerations on this topic. ©2007 Bersin and Associates

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Measuring Education Value

Measuring Pains - part 2 (Nov 07)

Learning measurements aren't rocket science, but they are good business and can help you educate your stakeholders and raise important business issues. For your convenience, here's part 1.

Training Magazine, © 2007 Nielsen Business Media, Inc

Intelligent business (Nov 07)

How to make sure IT professionals are equipped with skills to make the optimum use of visualization. IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

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Processes/Managing Costs/Outsourcing

What Does It Cost to Implement Business Process Outsourcing? (Nov 07)

T+D Magazine, ©2007 ASTD

The Role of Learning Business Process Outsourcing (Nov 07)

Learning business process outsourcing (BPO) can facilitate the timely and cost-effective provision of learning within organizations.

Talent Management, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

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Training Professional Topics

On the ground (Nov 07)

What are the good ways of managing a group with diverse prerequisite knowledge of a topic? We asked trainers to share advice and guidance on this delivery method. IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Breaking developments (Nov 07)

How will the next generation of students affect the classroom environment? Born into technology, what will they expect from a course?

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Now That We Have Your Complete Attention (Nov 07)

Here's an  eight-point program for presentations guaranteed to keep your listeners on the edge of their seats. Copyright © 2007 Mansueto Ventures LLC

How Well Do You Think on Your Feet - or Seat (Nov 07)

Here's 16 tips for powerful sit-down presentations to inform and persuade.

©2007  Dianna Booher, Booher Consultants, Inc.

The Power of Communication (Nov 07)

Are communication skills important in business? It's a silly question to be sure; however, just how important is communicating effectively? Could it be the most important variable? The answer may surprise you. © 2007 eZine.com

Boost Your Presentation Performance (Nov 07)

If you're in business and you work in any department where you need to communicate with others - inside or outside your organization - then, guess what? You've got to make presentations. But there is some good news. 

Presentations, © 2007 Nielsen Business Media, Inc

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Education Administration

No articles this month.

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Skills Gap/Technical Certification

Mix and match suits ITQs (Nov 07)

Four years after ITQs were launched, e-skills UK is running trial to add more units to them. IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Stepping stone makes testing less of a trial (Nov 07)

As the software testing industry matures, ISEB is keeping up by restructuring the practitioner level and adding an intermediate step.

IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Paper tigers take on real world (Nov 07)

Are simulations good enough to assess candidates or should they be tested in real-world conditions? IT Training, ©2007 The British Computer Society

Citrix - Preparing IT Pros for an Evolving Landscape (Dec 07)

Citrix Systems now offers a series of new administrator-level certifications. These are designed to help IT administrators manage complex systems, enhance performance for remote workers and keep pace with the latest IT developments. CertMag, ©2007 Media Tec Publishing Inc

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And, Finally.....

The Microsoft story (computers, WYSInotWYG, ironic reference to computer software problems)

In 2050 A.D. Bill Gates dies in a car accident. He finds himself in the Purgatory waiting room, when God enters...

"Well, Bill," says God, "I'm confused. I'm not sure whether to send you to Heaven or Hell: you helped society enormously by putting a computer in almost every home in the world, and yet you've also created some of the most unearthly frustrations known to mankind. I'm going to do something I've never done before: I'm going to let you choose where you want to go."

Bill replies, "Well, thanks, God. What's the difference between the two?"

God says, "I'm willing to let you visit both places briefly to help you make your decision."

"Okay, where should I go first?" asks Bill.

God says, "That's up to you."

Bill says, "OK, let's try Hell first."

So Bill goes to Hell. It's a beautiful, clean, sandy beach with clear waters. There are thousands of beautiful women running around, playing in the water, laughing and frolicking about. The sun is shining, the temperature is just right. The whole thing looks perfect, and Bill is very pleased.

"This is great!" he tells God, "If this is Hell, I REALLY want to see Heaven!"

"Fine," says God, and off they go.

Heaven is a high place in the clouds, with angels drifting about playing harps and singing. It very nice but not as enticing as Hell. Bill thinks for a moment and announces his decision.

"Hmm, I think I prefer Hell." he tells God.

"Fine," says God, "As you desire."

So Bill Gates is taken to Hell.

Two weeks later, God decides to check up on Bill to see how he's doing in Hell. When God arrives in Hell, he finds Bill shackled to a wall, screaming amongst the hot flames in a dark cave. He's being burned and tortured by demons.

"How's everything going, Bill?" God asks.

Bill replies, his voice full of anguish and disappointment, "This is awful, it's not what I expected at all, I can't believe it. What happened to that other place with the beaches and the beautiful women playing in the water?"

God smiles and says, "That was the screen saver."

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Feedback, please!

I would really like to get input from you, the readers.  Please give me your feedback and point me towards any article or source that you think the rest of the membership might enjoy. Thank you.

Mike Dowsey

Business Development Manager

CEdMA-Europe

mike@dowsey.net