Have a Great Webinar

Posted on May 13, 2013 by

Guest Blogger: Leticia Chavez

talk 4I am sure we have all experience attending webinars that perhaps we feel were a waste of time and didn’t learn anything.   You know which ones; the ones that were over two hours and the presenter just read the PowerPoint slides.    As attendees, sometimes we feel it would have been better just to email the presentation and we could read and review on our own time.  However, when doing a webinar, you want to makes sure you convey your message without having attendees feel they have wasted time.

At my job we are constantly hosting webinars for our customers and have a found the following very helpful to having successful webinars.

Practice and know your software—Nothing is worse than “going on the air” and you don’t know how to start.   We had a webinar where the presenter never showed us her screen (she thought she was) and to make it worse she wasn’t able to hear anyone telling her we couldn’t see.

Engage the audience—Hard to engage during a webinar, but by polling the audience during a presentation you will keep that engaged and wanting to learn more.

Know your audience—Many webinar software allows for you to customize questions for people registering and to allow them to post a question or comment.   Review your registration reports prior to a webinar to better know your audience and to see if any questions or comments were posted, and therefore allowing you to make sure they are addressed when presenting.

Be prepared— Need to show a video –make sure to have it up and ready to go.  The last thing you want is to find out you can’t play it during your presentation.

Stop for questions—Because you are not seeing the audience you may need to stop for questions during your presentation.   You can have attendees ask or type a question via chat.  If chatting, make sure to let others know the question being posed.

Have a co-presenter—Are you presenting to a large group?  The co-presenter can help with questions via chat or help out and chime-in when you feel stuck on something.

These are just a few tips to having a successful webinar, there are many more tips out there but one thing for sure is certain DO NOT JUST READ YOUR POWERPOINT SLIDES.

Hope you found this helpful.  Do you have any tips for having a successful webinar?

This video has some helpful tips.

http://support.citrixonline.com/en_US/gotowebinar/video/GTWV00009

 

happy worker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in E-Learning, Guest Student Post, Instructional Design, Technology, Web 2.0 | Leave a comment

Should Your Organization Rush to Jump on the Gamification Bandwagon?

Posted on May 7, 2013 by

 Guest Blogger: Nancy Solberg

Over the past few years we have seen our company swing from one extreme to another in our training delivery methodology. We initially relied on Instructor-led training as our primary choice, which had a tendency to be long and drawn out. Within the past four to five years we have incorporated more Web-based Training (WBT) as our primary delivery method. This has enabled us to train staff more quickly and reach a large gamer 3audience.

The organization embraced technology and the new approach to training delivery. We found the automated delivery method to be cost effective, and improved consistency in delivery, providing the organization with an effective way to track and measure the effectiveness of our training. As technology continues to evolve our audience is again demanding changes in our training delivery approach.

Feedback from our internal clients indicates that our current e-learning solutions lack excitement and are lagging in contrast to progress that has been made in technology. Our clients are voicing their concerns and encouraging our Training Department to move in a new direction. Like other organizations we are seeking creative solutions that are deliberate, engaging, and  effective in transferring knowledge to our target audience. We now ask ourselves, where do we go from here?

Recently we were reminded of the popular trend in e-learning today called Gamification, which is the use of game technology. This has the potential to make e-learning more engaging. Using Gamification, we can take elements of real life work situations, and immerse our target audience in an environment that provides them with an engaging method to transfer knowledge and shape behaviors.

For our organization, the verdict is still out on whether this is the direction we will choose, considering the investment of time and technology required. We will continue to review how other companies have incorporated Player-centric designs. This should ensure that business and player objectives overlap, and improve the success of the programs.

gamer 2We are interested in learning how you may have incorporated Gamification into your organization. What experience do you have and how did you determine this was the right direction for your organization? What is your return on your initial investment? What modifications have you made to the program since you rolled Gamification out?

References

Brusnio, J. (2013, March 8). An Interview with Karl M Kapp the author of “The gamification of learning and instruction: Game-based methods and strategies for training and education.”. Training and Development Magazine. Retrieved March 29, 2013, from http://www.astd.org/Publications/Magazines/TD/TD-Archive/2013/03/Long-View-Karl-M-Kapp

Burke, B. (2013, January 21). The gamification of business. Forbes. Retrieved March 30, 2013, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/gartnergroup/2013/01/21/the-gamification-of-business/

Posted in Learning Theory, Technology, Web 2.0, Training, Instructional Design, E-Learning, Guest Student Post | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Goobye Spring- Hello Summer!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by

Its-a-wrap

Well here we are wrapping up spring semester and headed in to summer! The weather in Chicago today (70 degrees) certainly helps make it feel like we are moving forward.

Summer Classes 

Classes are still open for summer. Most classes start on 5/13 but we do have two exceptions: TRDV 437 Creativity in the Workplace starts on 6/3 and TRDV 450 Learning Technologies starts on 6/24. Please contact Tara Hawkins thawkins@roosevelt.edu if you need a registration code. To view a full listing of classes please visit http://www.roosevelt.edu/Registrar/Schedule.aspx.

Applying for a Degree or Credential

If you plan to earn a degree or credential this summer be sure to complete an application through the Registrar’s Office, You can find more information on their Web page http://www.roosevelt.edu/Registrar/Graduation.aspx.

Stay Connected

Stay in touch with other workplace learning and performance professionals this summer. CCASTD has their events schedule posted at:

https://m360.ccastd.org/frontend/portal/viewcalendar.aspx

From the Department Chair

If you are taking TRDV 499 this fall, here’s are some things you can do to prepare.  If you are pressed for time, do only Items that you feel will benefit you the most. However, I recommend that everyone do Items 1-3 and 9.

 Review the syllabus for TRDV 499 from this spring (sent to your RU e-mail address)

  1. Choose three key assignments as exhibits.
  • These should be items you could show to a prospective employer. 
  • Do this even if you are currently employed in the field.
  • Ensure these items are free from spelling and grammatical errors.
  1. Gather your completed Portfolio Preparation forms for each course associated with your chosen exhibits.
  • If you do not have a completed form for each exhibit, complete them over the summer.
  1. Choose key theories and models that are important to you and that inform your work.
  • Ideally, you identified these on the Portfolio Preparation form.
  • Review the research paper you completed in Adult Learning Theory and Application (TRDV 422).
  1. Familiarize yourself with the competencies from important professional organizations.
  • If you are earning an MATD, be sure you can explain the ASTD Competency Model.  Be sure you are using the 2013 version.
  • If you are earning an MAHPI, be sure you are familiar with ISPI and can explain key HPI/HPT models.
  1. Familiarize yourself with APA 6 style.
  1. Identify and follow three industry-related blogs.
  2. Update your resume.
  3. Watch your RU e-mail for a notice about a live (synchronous) webinar about TRDV 499.
  • Two sessions will be held on weekday evenings after the start of the fall semester but prior to the start of online classes.
  • Attendance is OPTIONAL.
  • There will be ample time given for questions-and-answers.
  • You only need a device (computer, tablet, etc.) with a browser and speakers. 
    • You do not need a microphone; you will type your questions. 
    • You do not need a webcam; you will not be on camera.

 On behalf or the TRDV faculty– we hope you have a great summer!  Tara

Posted in Learning at Roosevelt | Leave a comment

Showing Value Beyond Formal ROI

Posted on April 22, 2013 by

Gmoney 3uest Blogger: Brandi M. Jerde

As training students, we have learned about Kirkpatrick and Phillips and their methodologies for measuring ROI.  Yet, I was surprised to learn from my fellow students how few organizations actually measure ROI for their training.  I was even more surprised that according to Phillips in his book, Return on Investment (ROI) Basics, “In a recent study of best practice organizations using the ROI methodology, it was uncovered that those organizations who successfully implemented the process evaluated 5% to 10% of their programs to Level 5, ROI” (p30). This has led me to wonder how we are demonstrating our value of our training programs.

In my training area, we contract suppliers to teach the vast majority of our curriculum.  For those few courses we deliver via our internal staff, we are delivering supplier developed content.  The value we present to our senior leaders is twofold:

  1. How much money we save by having contracted suppliers to deliver the training on-site verses our employees going off-site?
  2. How much we save by using internal instructors versus an external supplier?

But is this really demonstrating our team’s value?  Are we effectively demonstrating the value of the actual training?  Or are we really only demonstrating how much money we save with the suppliers?

Regardless if you are using the methodologies of Kirkpatrick, Phillips, or something unique to your organization, showing your training organization’s value is increasing important in today’s environment.  How does your organization show value outside the use of a formal ROI?

Posted in Guest Student Post, Instructional Design, Training | Leave a comment

eLearning Authoring Software

Posted on April 15, 2013 by

by Irene Wolven

Many companies are moving from classroom training to eLearning in an effort to reducetool box the cost of training.  This movement has caused an increased in the development of eLearning courses.  There are several eLearning authoring applications available for developing online courses.  According to eLearn Magazine, top contenders are:

Lectora                                    Captivate         ToolBook
SmartBuilder                Storyline          ZebraZapps

As you can see, there are several to choose from, the question is…”Which one should you choose?”  The table below shows a comparison between the top two, Captivate and Lectora.

Features

Adobe Captivate 6.0

Lectora Inspire
Templates and themes for fast and easy creation

x

x
Integration with Microsoft PowerPoint

x

x
Library of games, quizzes and tests

x

x
Library of “human” characters

x

x
Interactive components

x

x
Video and multimedia editing

x

x
High definition demo and interactive simulations

x

x
Multiple publishing formats including mobile devices

x

x
Certificate creation

 

x
LMS integration

x

x
Integration with other software

x

x
Additional software included

x
Cost

$359.00

$2,495.00

As you can see, both have the same features but there is an enormous difference in price.  I suppose the difference is due to the additional software included with Lectora.  Which one should you choose?  You must ask yourself:

  • How much am I willing to spend?
  • Can I achieve the same results with both applications?
  • Which one will better suit my needs

Personally  I have worked with Captivate and consider it excellent eLearning development application.

Unrein, J.  (2012, May).  Rapid Power Tools: The top performers of eLearning authoring software.  Retrieved from website: http://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=2221186

For a complete list of features and more information on the product visit Adobe’s website at http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate.html

For additional information on Lectora’s visit their website at http://lectora.com/e-learning-software/.

Posted in E-Learning, Guest Student Post, Instructional Design, Technology, Training, Web 2.0 | 1 Comment

The Balancing Act: Work-life-school

Posted on April 8, 2013 by

Guest blogger: Shay Bevard

I started grad school full of energy and a renewed sense of purpose. I worked as a manager, and my hours and workload were very manageable to also handle school. I lived around the corner from work, so it was easy to see my little kids and spend quality time with them and my wife. As school and work progressed, work and school started to balencechange; the easy time was not as easy, and the little things that needed to get done kept being put on a backburner. So did my family life: My son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. We spent a week in the hospital, and a whole change in lifestyle occurred. My juggling act was not so hot at this point. My work stress increased so much that I had to make a change. I did. I switched jobs and became just a working man. My stress dramatically decreased, I stopped constantly feeding the stress and lost 10 lbs. I thought I was stress free. The switch was not without consequence. Yes, I fixed that work stress but as that happened, both my home life and my school work became more demanding. I switched jobs, and just worked, but I work hours that do not work out for spending time with the family. I cannot use computers for personal use at work (can’t get homework done), and I am on-call which eats into the school and family time. I am in the final stretch of finishing grad school and now more than ever I fight the stress of the work-life-school demands. To add to this stress, my wife is finishing grad school as well, and we fight over study time.

Now that I shared a snippet of my work-life-school life, I am sure that most you have shared my stress in some parts or another. So yes, we all have stress, and as grad students we have a big juggling act. How do we deal with it? We deal with it in many ways, some negative, but let’s focus on some positives. As I researched this topic, I noticed a few consistent ways to help deal with stress. Here is a link to a graduate and professional services blog page from UC San Diego that provides a number of practical strategies for reducing stress, including learning to recognize when you’re feeling stressed.

We live busy lives, and being grad students with full time jobs, family and community responsibilities, the stress can take a toll on us. The key is to identify the stressors and work on reducing them. I would like to leave you with a few questions to think about and share if you would like.

  • What are some stressors that you face in the work-life-school balance?
  • What are some things that reduce your stress?

References

Grad: Working full-time and studying full-time: Is it possible? – idealist.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.idealist.org/info/GradEducation/Resources/Preparing/WorkStudy

Horowitz, J. (n.d.). CAPS: Blogs for Graduate & Professional Students. Retrieved from http://caps.ucsd.edu/grad_web/grad_blog.html

Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d.). Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress – MayoClinic.com. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036

Posted in Careers, Guest Student Post, Learning at Roosevelt | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Making Training Transformational

Posted on April 1, 2013 by

Guest blogger: Kimberly Smith

I recently left my corporate T & D job and started over in a new career. Once I had made
careerup my mind to put my happiness first, I sought out job opportunities that were more aligned with my hobbies and lifestyle and looked for ways that I could bring my T & D experience in to those types of roles. I am six months in to this terrifying but thrilling journey, and I am here to tell you that it’s possible! Being brave enough to take the leap is the hardest part. Finding opportunities to incorporate your training experience will present themselves in new and exciting ways you never imagined before!

For example, I now work for a company that encourages in the moment feedback (both positive and constructive) and I was recently given feedback that my methods of teaching other team members needed to be less “transactional” and more “transformational”. This really got me thinking critically about all the opportunities we have to teach others in our careers and in our personal lives. Not only to educate, but also to elevate. Explaining the basics of the situation is always helpful, but taking the conversation one step further will be even more memorable and far more significant of a learning experience for all parties involved.
office workers-2Next time you find yourself in a teachable moment, consider this approach. How can you educate AND elevate the person you are coaching? What do they have to teach you in return?

For further learning, check out this article from Executive Travel Magazine on how feedback contributes to successful company cultures overall.

 

Sloane, Jackie. “Creating Successful Company Cultures.” Executive Travel Magazine. N.p., Dec. 2010. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.executivetravelmagazine.com/articles/creating-successful-company-cultures&gt;.

Posted in Guest Student Post, Human Performance Improvement, Instructional Design, Learning Theory, Training | 3 Comments