An Integrated e-Solution for Supporting New Hires

We are currently exploring how to support new hires with an integrated online learning platform that spans their induction period. I have been thinking about what would the ideal environment look like. What role does social media play? The critical discussion point for me is how to create something that blends well with our current communication channels and is not just another separate Intranet site or set of email broadcasts. How can we seamlessly embed this platform in their current working processes and interfaces?

Firstly, I believe its important to determine the business goals and priorites of new hires:

• what do I need to know to do my job?
• who can I contact for help?
• what support networks/groups can I join?
• where can I post a question for a quick answer?
• what e-training exists that I can take when I have a spare 10 minutes?
• where can I sign up for alerts and reminders on training that interests me?
• what knowledge, links, material already exists that I could easily tap into?

Building on this, its key to review what tools and channels already exist in the company that carry this information. Then, from a technical perspective, how we can bring this all together so it becomes "business as usual".

In my view the answer lies in widgets, RSS, web 2.0 mash-ups and tapping into the power of tools like SharePoint and Portals. Not to create something new. But to pull in relevant information, productivity tools and channels into an existing website. Over the coming months, it will be interesting to see how possible this really is to implement. I remain optimistic and excited about the prospect. Stay tuned.

Yammer / Twitter Use for Training?

Interesting blog article about using social media collaboration tools like Yammer or Twitter for training. If you have a group following a Course or Instructor, they can receive immediate notifications via the web, email, or even sms via their mobile phone. After putting your creative hat on it is not hard to see a savvy Trainer sending out reminders for upcoming classes, providing interesting links, inviting new hires to attend seminars, encouraging stimulating class discussions, and offering Yammer or Twitter as an online real-time help/support channel for students. Surely, this is informal learning at its very best? Happy yamming.

8 Ways to Use an iPod in the Classroom

iPods? What are they good for? Absolutely something. I hope training. In fact I strongly believe these easy-to-use pocket-friendly tools can add a lot of value to the training experience. Here are my top eight tips on how to use them to supplement classroom training. Learning on the go has never been easier.

1. Convert powerpoints (the non-busy ones, please) and other class presentations to iPod friendly images and store them on your device for review before, during and post-class
2. Provide motivation and inspiration through edgy videos with key thought leaders and peers
3. Add Flash Cards to test knowledge, or add a Quiz with a tool like iQuiz Maker
4. Provide reference, tutorial guides, tips, agendas, or glossaries, that students can immediately access to support classroom training
5. Add presenter audiobooks to reinenforce key messages, or buy licenses to access the words of wisdom from gurus like Tom Peters, etc.
6. Offer iPod friendly group photos or videos from the class to bond students and create fond memories of a terrific learning experience
7. Add Notes to preview or reference during key sections of a class or to when viewing a poster, powerpoint, etc.
8. Finally, and maybe most importantly, open a communications channel to class participants by allowing them to subscribe to an iTunes channel that provides a constant stream of fresh information to keep the students engaged long after the class finishes (ideas: contact details of participants to promote networking, details of next class, answers to any open questions posted during the class, class presentations, class photos or videos, testimonials, tutor contact details, etc. )

3D Learning Conference

Thanks to Greg for the tip to visit the 3D Training, Learning and Collaboration in Washington in April. The conference is a major event for businesses looking to understand and maximize business strategies using virtual worlds. Media blurb: Topics range from the general use of virtual worlds in the workplace to specific examples of applications for e-Learning, onboarding, sales training, collaboration, meetings, and more. Attendees will hear valuable insight, information, and best practices about what innovators and early adopter organizations are doing right now, including what works and why. I like the mention of onboarding - somthing I would like to explore further using a virtual training centre. Interesting set of speakers from BP, J&J and Chevron. So nice representation from movers and shakers trying to make a difference in their companies (I get turned off vendor-only presentations, so nice to see real companies playing in this new and untested space). Now all I need to do is wrangle a ticket from my boss.

Twitter as a Learning Tool?

Could the free micro-blogging platform Twitter be used to enhance a classroom experience or add value pre or post class? Take a look at these articles which explore the use of Twitter as a learning tool. Could it be used by instructors to keep students informed about coursework, reading materials, and provide a place for discussion? Explore the whys: ASTD, Litmos, Tom Barrett, and Classroom 2.0, Ron Jones. I use Twitter regularly and I believe with the right approach it can be a useful and easy to setup tool for learning. Hey its free! The ability to virtually connect, open up a peer-to-peer network on the fly, easily share links, follow thought leaders, and ask questions and get answers immediately is, lets face it, extremely valuable. The question for me is not why should we use Twitter but why aren't we using it.

The LearnTech Word Cloud

Great service from Wordle which generates a cool word cloud from a blog or any RSS type of feed. You can even type in free text which is scanned to generate a cloud. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. This is a great tool to summerize in a simple but colourful visual what you have been writing/blogging about (in my case over 12 months). Looks like I am very keen on Video. I am working on adding Twitter so see what comes out.