E-Learning

The art and science of online learning.

Learning maps

/ Susan Hendrich / 1 Comment

How do you enable strategic organizational change?

More and more these days, I’m being asked to find ways of facilitating meaningful and successful change in organizations.  Invariably, leadership needs a strategy for bringing about desired change. And there are millions of strategies out there (just google “Change management strategy” and you’ll see). So, I try to keep a pulse on change management efforts that are working out there. Today I came across Root, a forward-thinking group making interesting use of learning maps.  Their concept is simple. Their process is fun. Their results are amazing.

What is a Learning Map?

The gist of these Learning Maps is that they use visual mapping to enable rapid communications within organizations about new strategy execution. These visual depictions of a new process or strategy tap into a collaborative process and help every employee to see beyond their own job functions to the bigger picture that is “where we are going.”  These learning maps engage their workforces by communicating an understanding about the industry and internal business.

Let me see this for myself

Take a “look” at ROOT’s Learning Maps and let me know what you think: http://www.rootlearning.com/www/index.htm

Susan Hendrich

Visual storytelling

/ Susan Hendrich / 5 Comments

Connect Using Visual Storytelling

It’s time for another golden e-Learning design tip! Today we’ll focus on visual storytelling. 

We’ve heard over and again that the power of visual imagery is unbeatable in instructional design. Yet, we struggle to find and use images that accurately capture and evoke the kind of emotion that connects audiences with the story we are trying to tell.  Perhaps you’ve seen the famed YouTube video series, “In Plain English,” where the CommonCraft geniuses show us (rather than tell us) the essence of Web 2.0 technologies. It is this kind of visual storytelling that captures our attention and ignites our imagination.

So, how can you show, rather than tell, your story?

Now, here’s your homework:

Take a look at Veronica Rusnak‘s Article on “Visual Storytelling and Moments in the Human Condition.”

“Remember: story, not data. Rather than talk about your topic, find a way to show it.”

Looking forward to your ideas!

Susan Hendrich

Information Overload

/ Susan Hendrich / Leave a comment

“All at once vs. Piecemeal: How shall we deliver training?” 

Help me answer a question, Dear Reader…

What is your formula for choosing a timeline to roll out a new training initiative?
 
  • Should all modules be delivered/presented in one fell swoop?
  • Should we roll out training components on a basic-intermediate-advanced continuum?
 
Too often we gauge our training delivery timelines on business needs, meaning, “We need this training now, and I mean business!”  But how often do we carefully plan the rollout of a new course or set of learning materials based on instructional design principles of graduated introduction?
 
Many learning experts would agree that rolling out training over time usually is optimal, and allows learners to integrate, apply, and assimilate new information more readily than by “cramming.” However, I wonder if a training series can be rolled out effectively in a short period of time if proper measures are taken.

 

Share your thoughts!

Below are a few references that may be useful:

 

Thanks,


Susan Hendrich

Web 2.0 F.A.C.T.S.

/ Susan Hendrich / Leave a comment

F.A.C.T.S. about Web 2.0
(Fun And Cool Technology Stuff)

 

If you haven’t visited CommonCraft yet, you are missing out on at least 3 minutes of fabulous Web 2.0 education. The Show is a series of short explanatory videos that are free and sharable on the Web.

 

Blogs

Google Docs

Social Networking

Social Bookmarking

Twitter

Podcasting

RSS

Wikis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visual menus

/ Susan Hendrich / Leave a comment

I’m wild about Cathy Moore’s post on Visual menus: structure with style. 

My favorite part is her brainstorm list of visual elements (graphics) that could become menus:

  • Timeline
  • Flow chart
  • Mind map
  • The product or item that the course examines
  • Head shots of people asking questions (each question links to the section that answers it)
  • Map of a building or place
  • Game board  

So, here’s your challenge:

Can you think of other graphic elements that could serve as visual menus/maps?

Submit your ideas through the “comments” feature below!

Susan