Self Direct your Learning with a solid Support Team

Self Directed Learning (SDL) is a type of studying where a student is in charge of their own development, creating a faster pace of learning and an increased retention rate.

SDL is being increasingly implemented by many large corporates as a way of structuring the approximately 80% of our essential industry related skills we learn on the job.

Learners take studying into their own hands and work at their own pace, within their own individual study style. The major benefit to this type of learning is that we all like to feel in charge of our own future and Self Directed Learning gives us the option to study what we deem appropriate for our current positions and to benefit future endeavours.

SDL is not only up to the individual though, there needs to be support from the particular areas within a company; students need to be given constant encouragement and have access to the appropriate resources to complete their required training.

Self Directed Learning, therefore, requires companies to make learning tools readily available and this is where eLearning comes in. The accessibility and flexibility that eLearning allows, can benefit not only the learner, but also the company, as they can provide resources online, such as: online courses, podcasts, blogs, and forum support for staff. Staying aware of all current technologies seems to be the only pre-requisite for the company.

An article in the Winter 2007 edition of Learning Magazine speaks of the benefits of Self Directed Learning and outlines steps of how to encourage SDL in the workplace, which I have simplified below:

- Align a learners goals with the goals of the company
- Help access current performance and set future expectations
- Distinguish, with the learner, their learning style and learning personality
- Help identify a starting point
- Encourage responsibility for their own learning
- Manage and/or coach, do not direct
- Teach the skills of enquiry, decision-making, and evaluation
- Promote learning groups and support networks
- Allow self-reflection time
- Provide training about how to use SDL in the workplace

Basically, a successful implementation of Self Directed Learning will consist of providing a support network for all employees to be able to request help if needed, but still have the capacity to evolve their own learning.

Update your Skills - Enrich your Life

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to not be able to use a computer?

Imagine applying for a job and not being able to get through the door because you don’t have the skills necessary to write and send an email.

For those of us who are office-based, arriving at work and switching on your computer is in the same realm of normality as brushing your teeth, morning and night.
What about those of us who have never had access to a computer, let alone thought about learning to use one?

Figures show that around 14,000,000 people in the UK do not access the internet on a regular basis so are unaware of the convenience and flexibility at which they can gather information or complete simple tasks.
Whether it be online shopping, internet banking, contacting your local MP, or finding the closest doctors surgery, the speed at which we acquire information across the net cannot be rivaled by any other source.

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK Online Centres suggests that social inclusion will create digital inclusion; their plan has been to work within the community and break down the barriers between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots.’ By sharing knowledge throughout the community, all citizens can become digitally aware and digitally competent, which opens doors to new opportunities and creates a sense of ownership for their own learning.

UK Online’s motto is “Transforming technology – empowering people,” and along with The Lighthouse Project, they have created a place where community members can come to meet others in their area, get guidance and advice, and take essential computer courses. They provide an unassuming environment where people of any age can learn at their own pace, to develop basic skills or even work their way up to a qualification.

It’s seems to be an underlying theme is that if you motivate and inspire one aspect of your life, this will help build the confidence you will need to take positive steps in other parts of your life.

This crosses over into the workplace as well. Providing any form of further education will invigorate staff and make them feel like a valued member of staff, or in other words, an esteemed member of their ‘office’ community.

What do you do to motivate your employees or enrich your community?

Take a Gamble with E-Learning!

E-learning is an ever-growing form of training and is now used in many sectors. It appears that there is no end to its uses and is applicable to a plethora of jobs. The University of Mansfield has now introduced a Casino Gaming program which is aimed at giving their students the opportunity to learn the skills needed to work in a casino.

It uses interactive multimedia and video e-mails to instruct and guide the students and is supported by the World Poker star Johnny Chan. It teaches everything from methods to mannerisms of professional players. There are several courses including how to become a Poker or Blackjack dealer, and also covers the basics such as shuffling.

This is a fine example of how e-learning has the ability to reach out into fields that would normally be virtually impossible to get into for the average person. If this is a success it could pave the way for others and make ‘fantasy jobs’ become a reality.

Share the Wealth!

I was watching the news this morning whilst blow-drying my hair – always the optimistic multi-tasker – when I happened to hear a little snippet about a new over-50s social networking site called Saga Zone.

Now the fact that the older generation is embracing the internet age is nothing that we haven’t picked up on already and have mentioned in a previous blog, Forget Baking, Grandma’s Online! But the thought of our grandparents sitting on their couches, Laptop in tow, doesn’t seem like a very realistic picture – or does it?

Research suggests that over-65s are the largest growing syndicate to use the internet but does this mean that they will no longer trot off to the café for a cuppa, or down to the pub for a pint? Instead, will their weekly social gathering be in an online group dedicated to the latest gardening tips, called “Show me your Greenfinger!”? It seems that after a 4 month trial gathering 13,000 users, the answer is Yes!

In The Guardian today, an article called Saga launches social website for over-50s, Paul Green, a Saga spokesperson said that, “Thirteen thousand is just a drop in the ocean - in theory the membership is practically limitless. Social networking isn't going to be for everyone, but the feedback so far has knocked our socks off." The possibilities are endless and with innovative ideas, the benefits to older internet users are remarkable.

Another networking site, launched recently by the founders of Monster.com, called Eons.com, has taken the networking phenomenon to another level, offering interactive brain strength games, news on the latest hobbies, and tips to live longer.
Focussing on the idea of brain strength games, I think we underestimate the constant need to learn and given the chance, most of us would jump at being able to extend our skills.

For example: A conversation came up in the office yesterday about one of my colleagues parent’s taking French lessons and how hard it was to find a suitable school or college in the area to cater to her particular skill level. This particular parent has internet access and the thought of being able to take lessons in the comfort of their own home, without the pressures of other students around them, seemed like the obvious answer.

To me, this is where social networking sites could really excel, especially when they are designed for the over-50s market; by incorporating learning modules into their format, either produced by outside eLearning specialists or by the users themselves – share the wealth!

You Want Fries With That?

The swift technological advances that are occurring in everyday life still continue to amaze me. With these new tools and resources, comes the realisation that those who don’t embrace this new computer-driven way of life will surely be left behind at a severe disadvantage.

An example of this technological intrusion popped up last weekend when I was faced with the simple task of ordering a pizza. After over-indulging the night before, a group of friends and I were craving a quick and easy, grease filled treat and unanimously agreed that a slice of pizza or five would hopefully appease the little man determined to use his jackhammer on our delicate temples.

A half hour pre-discussion on what toppings, extras, drinks etc everyone preferred had already taken place, so all that was left to do was pick up the phone and dial.

After locating my mobile phone and the required phone number (speed dial #3), I was all set to go. I hadn’t even made it through the recorded introductory message before I was informed by my technologically suave friend that everything was ordered, the confirmation email had been received and an e.t.a of 30 minutes was given for the pizza god’s drop off. With just a click of the mouse and a tick of the box our culinary delights were ordered online before I had even spoken to a real live person!

Even in my fragile state I was able to marvel at this online wonderment. It seems more and more consumers are turning to online means to take care of everything from grocery shopping to purchasing overseas properties.

Online learning is another great example of the technological progression that is taking place in today’s society. Eager participants can now complete courses and gain qualifications online, eliminating travel restrictions, extra cost, and a number of other variants that have the potential to contribute to a student’s reluctance to seek further education.

So it seems to me the technological arm reaches far and wide and is impacting the daily running of our lives on a huge scale. The choice is left up to the consumer; we can either participate in this ever-advancing notion and take advantage of the conveniences it offers, or simply stick to the old way of life and make do with what we’ve got.

So what will it be folks…..eat in or takeaway?

The Tides are Changing

As part of my research into a white paper I am writing, I decided to have a look around some of the most frequented e-Learning blogs available at the moment. I came across an interesting entry in Helge Scherlund's eLearning news blog regarding a free downloadable version of The eLearning Guild's Handbook of e-Learning Strategy.

Now I am not sure whether any of you will have the time to read the entire PDF so I have picked out some points of interest.

The idea of change management really resonated with me as it seems that change is one of the major reasons that e-Learning strategies are not taken up by companies. The eLearning Guild have summarised a successful implementation structure into the following three categories/phases:

1. Inform – Generate Awareness
Make sure to supply all the answers to common questions that will arise from your staff. Get your message across through the likes of Newsletters, Emails, Presentations, and Webcasts.

2. Involve – Generate Involvement
The best way to change existing behaviours towards learning is to make sure that all team members are involved – especially key players. To do this, The eLearning Guild suggests making their learning personal by displaying the benefits to the individual and offering them first-hand experience in the new learning methods.

3. Integrate – Generate Commitment
The new methods must be recognised as part of the organisation’s culture, by all members of the team.

The eLearning Guild describes change management as, “the combination of processes, activities, and approaches that manage the people of the organization through the transition from the old way of doing things to the new way, from the old way of training to e-Learning.”

To make sure that your new e-Learning strategy will remain a part of your business development, it is imperative that staff are offered support to understand the changes they face. People will change, as long as they see the benefits that the change will have to them personally. Make the strategy about the individual and the new beginning it will bring.

MindLeadersUK Resource Centre and Toolbox

One of the ways we like to work on and improve our services is by talking to trainers about their common problems with the program. One of the common issues is getting ‘buy-in’ from the managers and executives. Alongside this is the fact that they want to make e-learning part of the normal corporate culture, but aren’t sure how to go about it. They have suggested that having more information and tools to hand could be helpful. This would help them do more with their training programs in less time.

We have just released a couple of products to help with this called, ‘The Training and Development Toolbox’ and ‘Resource Centre. Some of the things the ‘Toolbox’ does is address areas such as building and marketing, learning programs, calculating ROI, selling managers on employee development and fixing a struggling learning program. This is done through a set of eighteen video segments and each of these features a treasury of downloadable tools. These include checklists, Powerpoint, presentations and quick reference sheets.

The Resource Center is the home for the Toolbox and even more resources for maximizing your training program - over 130 items total, including product walkthroughs, technical support FAQs, information to give to students, and promotional tools.

We hope that you are happy with the improvements to this service and encourage you to contact us with any suggestions.

Check out our New Courses!

MindLeadersUK have released some exciting new courses that we wanted to make sure you knew about.

• Excel 2007 Advanced
• Java Web Services
• Windows Vista Configuration MCTS 70-620
• Windows Vista & Office 2007 Desktops MCTS 70-624
• Windows Vista Enterprise Support MCITP 70-622

Please contact us if you would like any further info!

http://www.mindleadersuk.com/

Play Against the Computer

We are constantly striving to improve our courses and make them more user friendly. All the courses now have a ‘notes’ option that allows you to copy text from the course pages or to type your own thoughts. It is possible to either print or save these so they are readily available should you need to refer to them.

There is also now a feature where you can ‘play against the computer’. This works for the parts of the courses where matching exercises are used (such as matching terms and definitions). It’s a memory game where you aim to beat the opponent (computer) with your knowledge.

These are just two of the latest improvements, and there will be plenty more to come! So keep checking for further news.

On The Ladder To Success

Last year Over 7,000 businesses joined the ‘Train to Gain’ programme. This was something designed to provide an impartial brokerage service to business’, which, help them identify the skills training required to help improve their staff’s abilities, and in turn, their company’s standards.

The hotel and restaurant sector expressed the highest interest with around 1,500 employers taking on the training. This was closely followed by the health and social work sector, with 1,100 employers signing up to the programme. Seeing the diversity of people on board this scheme highlights how Far E-learning has come and how it seems to have established itself as the most popular form of training within all types of companies.

There has been some outstanding feedback from companies involved and over 2,600 people have already completed a full Level two qualification which is the equivalent to five good G.C.S.Es. It has also exceeded its first year target by ten per cent with an eighty six per cent satisfaction rating. With results like this it’s impossible to ignore the fact that this type of training is here to stay and that it’s in everybody’s interest to take advantage of it to maximise their business’ potential.

One of the key benefits that has been noted by the Train to Gain program is the fact that employees feel at ease when communicating with the customers. Therefore, the courses are not simply academic qualifications, but training in personal skills. These work alongside each other to help workers feel more confident in their jobs. On the whole I can see a bright future for E-learning as it’s keeping people on the ladder to success.

Forget Baking, Grandma's Online!

The latest Comminucations Market Report from Ofcom has raised some interesting questions in my mind, in regards to how many people of the “Older Generation” use the internet.

I had never thought previously that some of our highest internet users in the UK could be “Silver Surfers.” The Ofcom report states that 16% of over 65’s use the web and spend 42 hours, on average, online. This is more than any other age group.

Clive Shepherd’s blog also suggests that the internet usage levels for children and young women (25-34), along with the over 65’s, are the highest users in the UK.
From an e-Learning point of view, this raises the question of whether there are enough learning resources out there to cater to these specific groups. I have thought about this and have realised that a lot of the over 65’s could be using the internet for shopping (as I am quite sure the young women are) but it is more likely to be for communication purposes. With the ability to use the likes of Email, MSN, and Skype, families can keep in contact from anywhere in the world. What amazes me is how did they learn how to use these applications in the first place?

The “Older Generation” are more resourceful than we think, and with courses such as ECDL and Effective Business Communication available, they have taken learning into their own hands (albeit some advice from their computer savvy children) and have embraced it.

Take Control of Your Future

With five million adults in the UK without any qualifications (Leitch Review – Skills in the UK 2006) the government are starting to take action to ensure that there are more opportunities for education. They have launched a campaign to provide the necessary information for both companies and individuals to start looking towards skills development.

There is more emphasis being put onto specific skills training as opposed to sheer academic studying to try and reach more people. It has been noted that 143, 000 jobs are left unfilled due to lack of correct skills (LCS’s National Employer Skills Survey 2005). Alongside this is the fact that two out of three jobs in the near future will require better qualifications. This highlights the problem and the ‘Learning and Skills Council’ is trying to address this before it spirals out of control.

With the Olympics around the corner and a further mass of jobs being created, there is an even greater incentive for people to be thinking about personal development. There are many possibilities online with E-learning now and there is an opportunity for everyone. Hopefully more people will be inspired by the new jobs that will be available and will start using their computers to their full potential; gaining themselves more qualifications and making them more employable all at once.

If you would like to learn more about Learning and Skills Council visit : http://inourhands.lsc.gov.uk/index.html

The Digital Divide: 'Adults' vs 'Everyone Else'

It is becoming the norm to hear a pre-teen son explaining to his middle-aged father how to organise his photo albums on their personal computer or how to draft an email for a relatives’ birthday.

The way in which the youth of today has embraced the internet age is astonishing – it used to be that the only way to find information for homework projects was in Encyclopaedias, now there are so many online resources that can take the place of one hard copy book. The impact of this is that all the information needed is found in one place, at the touch of a button. Long gone are the days of traipsing off to the library to join the line with your multitudes of photocopying costing you 10p a sheet, or the overdue book fines that are inevitable when you have a big project due, this is all replaced by a tidy folder conveniently located on your desktop.

A recurring opinion of the ‘older’ generation is that nothing produced will ever beat the book and how can all of the information found be classed as credible research material? Along with any other resource used, as long as it is cited correctly, online articles are just as legitimate as any bibliography. Try telling this to your same shirt wearing, grey haired English professor! Could it be that maybe he is just a little bit scared of change?

I do have to feel for those teachers who are yet to embrace the internet age, it must be really unnerving when, walking through the corridors, they hear conversation regarding anti-exam groups or I-hate-homework sites. Could it be that kids now have a place to voice their opinions where there is no Big Brother eye looking over them?

The idea that Teachers are the enemy is nothing new; students are always trying to get one past them. The Technology section of the Guardian Online posted an article called, “The kids are alright online,” where, once again, the kid’s have found another way to get at their teachers.
"The latest thing in Surrey right now is downloading high-pitched tones that only children can hear [the 17kHz "Mosquito"] on to their mobiles, Bluetoothing them around, and then starting up a cacophony in lessons - they can hear it and double up in agony, but their teacher can't."

For any teacher or parent who wants to be able to understand the goings-on of their students/children, the answer seems simple to me, learn for yourself! It is never too late to take on a new project – get one over on them and let them marvel at your computer skills for a change!

Grades Released on the Internet: Result!

I remember the feeling of waiting for my exam results as one of the most nerve racking experiences of my life. At that point in time it seems that nothing else matters and your whole future is dependent on whether that piece of paper tells you that the last couple of years have not been a waste of time. The butterflies in your stomach, feeling sick and snapping at your friends; all as normal as the regular trip you have been making to school for the last 16 years of your life.

There is nothing that can make this emotional time any easier other than actually retrieving your results. So imagine being away for the summer holiday that normally you would be looking forward to so much. You’re getting texts from friends telling you how excited and happy they are that they have passed and can finally relax and get on with their summers. There you are at this ‘beautiful’, ‘hot’, ‘fun’ holiday resort actually wishing you were back in ‘glum’, ‘boring’ and ‘dull’ England.

Finally one of the exam boards are getting their act together and have set up a system where students can register and look up their results online. I can’t believe that it has taken this long to get this up and running. I think it’s fair to say that most households either have the internet or at least easy access to it. If this was available when I was waiting for my GCSE results I would have actually been able to enjoy the holiday I was on at the time!

The only drawback currently, is that it’s only ‘Edexcel’ that are providing this service. Therefore, the students will not be able to access all grades. At least the younger students can sit comfortably knowing that the system is being piloted, and hope that it’s all fully up and running by the time they have to worry about their exam results. All I can say is “well done Edexcel and hurry up you others!”

E-Learning Games: Fun or Functional?

One of the latest technology advances that has surfaced recently is the use of E-Learning Games. These have been put in place for the purpose of training and many companies are taking the option seriously. It seems that the times of text books and chalk boards are well and truly in the past.

I can see how these are a popular choice. People enjoy playing games and, therefore, would most likely be happy to uptake this type of training. It could also be deemed more effective because it will lessen boredom and, in turn, improve concentration. Broadening people’s minds is another positive for this kind of training as they have to think around the subject more in some cases.

An example of a game that is actually quite educational, despite not being made for that purpose is ‘SIMS’. This game asks the player to create a world and they have to think about all consequences of their actions as well as what to initially put in place. This could be the type of thinking required in work training games so as not to restrict tests to a multiple choice question. This would benefit a company no end as the employee would most likely apply their new broader thinking to other areas of their work.

Whilst researching these games on the internet I came across the site http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/, which has several free examples of ‘virtual learning’. I tried the ‘Virtual Supermarket’. This is basically a form of multiple questions but you have to spot the hazard first. This is a good idea as it doesn’t simply give you a scenario to fix. The person playing the game has to actually look at the situation and think about what could be a health and safety risk before rectifying it.

Although I can see the benefits of these games I can’t help but think they are possibly detrimental to the ability of study. For instance, is this not just ‘dumbing down’ to ensure that everyone is able to pass training and feel more qualified? Following that, I wonder if it would affect the ability to study in the future. It takes a certain skill and practise to learn how to sit an exam or test and surely this would affect the ability to do this further down the line.

It is obvious that these are going to be popular, and I personally think they are a good idea for basic training; a good way to introduce a new employee to a company or even old employees to new ideas. A fun and innovative way to get training on the move, but not something that I would rely on to ensure my employees knew the ‘ins and outs’ of the job.

New Press Release

MindLeadersUK are actively trying to get the word out about our products and services, so we have submitted the following press release:

http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Education/MindLeadersUK_introduces_interactive_e-Learning_Development_Programs_136531.html

Please have a read and let us know what you think!

Love at First 'Site'

You walk into a crowded bar, the potent smell of sweat, sick, and feet in the air (results of the recent non-smoking ban). A Basement Jaxx song thumps ear-bleedingly loud in the background. As the elbow of an annoying 18 year old wannabe WAG, in a dress short enough to double as a scarf, knocks your ridiculously over-priced double Bacardi and Coke out of your hand and sends it pouring down the front of your £15 Primark tunic dress, you look across the room for the nearest, pay-the-lady-who-sits-in-a-toilet-all-night-and-charges-for-the-luxury-of-soap-aided-cleanliness, bathroom and happen to catch the eye of a handsome stranger.

Realising that, in your current drowned rat condition, you’re staring at this mysterious foreigner you duck your head and make a beeline to the aforementioned ladies room, only to be stopped by a strong, yet strangely delicate, hand on your arm.

Looking up, you realise that the contradictory limb belongs to none other than the recent object of your affection. Your heart skips a beat as he leans closer, whispers a greeting in your ear, tells you that he regretfully has to leave but would love to see you again, and slips a small piece of paper in your hand before turning on his heels and walking (or was it floating?) out the front door.

What follows is a very nervous first-contact telephone call, prompted by the scribbled note that sat on your kitchen bench for 3 days while you worked up the nerve to throw caution to the wind and call him. Several dates subsequent this first interaction, with the nervous nausea diminishing each time, until one day you turn around and realise that the fetching gentleman with the laughing 3 year old on his shoulders is your beloved husband, effortlessly providing the transportation needs of your youngest child.

Now I know most love stories aren’t this fairy tale like but wouldn’t we all like to think that the copious amount of nights out with the ladies would one day end in this boy-meets-girl utopia?

But it seems with the new technologies being introduced every day, scenarios like this are a thing of the past. Internet dating sites, online social networking, and simulation programs mean you can meet, fall in love, and have a relationship with your chosen partner without ever having to set eyes (or hands) on them.

Websites such as Match.com and DatingDirect have taken the hard work and, some would say, excitement out of the dating game by allowing couples to meet and chat online. Users can send their crush a wink, a virtual rose, and can even dedicate a song to them. And who said romance was dead?!

First it was the impersonal form of text messaging, then the dating scene welcomed Instant Messenger and now it seems that the Internet is becoming the most popular method for “Picking up chicks” or “Finding a fella”.

It seems that the local café, movie theatre, or night time hot spot has been replaced by anywhere that provides an Internet connection. Dates can take place in the back seat of a bus if technology allows.

And if the “next step” for virtual daters (i.e: actually meeting the person face to face) seems too overwhelming, programs such as Second Life are the perfect solution for the yellow bellies.

With this software you can experience the long walk on the beach atmosphere while engaging in real-time conversations using voice chat. There are a number of date simulations for you and your lucky someone to get involved in.

So it’s with a begrudging sigh that I say goodbye to my knight in shining armour (or at least stud in Calvin Klein) fantasy and admit that the next time I get ready for my “big date” it may only be a case of charging up the laptop and boiling the kettle.

We shop online for our cars, our groceries, our clothes and now it seems we need to add “life partner” to that list. Oh well, let’s just hope they have what I want in stock!!

Let the Games Begin

The five year countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games has begun and with it brings potential for a major increase in employment opportunities. By 2016 the release of as many as 180,000 new jobs is anticipated.

From hot dog sellers to logistics co-ordinators, the need for an increased workforce will span across many business sectors and involve companies nationwide. As the majority of jobs up for grabs require a minimum NVQ Level 3 qualification, the Government has pledged £1.5 million for skills development in this area.

So it’s not just the athletes who’ll be put through their paces in the build up to the 2012 Games. A different sort of “training” will be taking place among new recruits eager to benefit from the 500,000-strong tourist invasion predicted to penetrate London during the Games period.

While Craig Pickering races against the clock, employers will be ensuring staff are properly skilled and qualified in their designated roles. The learning requirements of these employees creates potential for an

e-learning gold medal in the race to provide the technological tools to educate the workforce masses.

Advising the International Olympic Committee and in particular the team involved in the London 2012 organisation is Pascal Wattiaux, of Disruptive Play and P W Sport Ltd. Referring to the training requirements of future Olympic Games employees, Pascal made the following comment:

"E-learning, and particularly the use of serious games and simulations, is an exceptionally efficient and cost-effective way of giving these people the knowledge and skills they need…"

Employers need to ensure the 13,000 construction workers, 1,500 electricians and plumbers, and scores of chefs, cleaners and security guards required in the next 5 years, are all qualified and ready to tackle the mayhem and magic that is the Olympic Games.

What better way to provide consistent, interactive training in bulk form, than to take on an e-learning initiative?

As our athletes “go for gold”, with the help of e-learning technologies, so too can the 2012 Games staff raise the torch for professionalism in London!

Shift Happens

After reading Terri's blog, I wanted to find out more information about how many people were actually involved in this online 'community' phenomenon, fueled by the likes of Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo. In amongst the multitudes of personal sites, blogs, and forums that have spawned, I stumbled across a little gem. Created by Karl Fisch under the title, "Did you Know?," and more recently redone as a YouTube slideshow by Scott McLeod, called "Shift Happens," this plethora of information should overwhelm you, as it did me.

"Shift Happens" touches on some of the most talked about subjects of our generation. As you read this blog, you are participating in the fastest growing form of communication in the world - within the next day you will be likely to: write an email, converse through an Online Messenger, update your personal community site, and search Google.
The way that we are embracing technology is unbelievable and the scariest part is, we have no idea what we will be able to achieve in a couple of years. Bring it on!

Addicted to 'The Space'

It seems that the days of people using pen and paper to communicate are completely finished. With a vast amount of jobs requiring a PC, more and more people are becoming computer literate. They are now using the machines for all sorts, including to keep in contact with people. E-mail has been around for a long time now and was once the popular form of reaching somebody via the net. However, in the recent years there have been several ‘community’ sites launched which appear to be overtaking this type of messaging.

I personally have been drawn into the new phenomenon that is ‘Facebook’. Checking my personal messages, who’s written on my wall and updating my ‘status’ has become as normal to me as brushing my teeth in the morning. There is not a day goes by where I don’t turn up to work early to log into the site. It’s fast, easy and is the simplest, way that I know of, to keep in contact with everyone.

So what is it that has led us to this way of non-personal and quite lazy form of communication? It appears to me that everyone is now too busy with work and social lives to make time for a phone call, or even a visit to family and friends. Therefore, this medium is a fast and effective way of keeping in touch and up to date with what is going on in people’s lives. Arguably, it’s not the best way to keep in touch but it is definitely something I will be addicted to for a long time yet!

It's Not Easy Being Green

When we consider all the positive things about e-learning we compile a pretty impressive list. We find that e-learning saves time, saves money, saves the environment, but did you ever consider that e-learning could save lives? Well thanks to the work of one animal loving Professor, that’s exactly what it does.

Professor David Dewhurst’s development of software programs that centre on animals being replaced by computer simulations, result in hundreds of thousands of animals being saved each year from going under the knife in school and education-based science dissections.

Schools and colleges that choose the creature-friendly alternative not only produce a reduction in the number of teenage girls lining up outside the nurse’s office, but are also able to introduce their students to the notion of using computers and e-learning technology as research tools.

e-learning in the classroom creates an element of variety and excitement for students and allows them to expand on their own personal development and take control of their learning. Although for some it may not incite the adrenaline rush involved in hacking into Kermit, I’m sure most participants will agree that the “mouse” is a more environmentally friendly weapon of education.

It’s clear to see that e-learning’s future is a bright one. The potential for growth in this field is huge and holds some major implications for the integration of more technology-driven instruction in schools and educational institutions.

Today the classroom, tomorrow the world!

The e-learning Footprint: A Walkway to a Greener Future

With a greener future on the horizon it is becoming more important for companies to commit to walking the greener path and making an effort to provide an economically friendly work environment.

There are a number of ways a company can embrace the tree-hugging way of life and what better way to say “Green is the new Black” than e-learning?
When you think about it, e-learning lowers a considerable number of carbon emissions. Let’s take a look at a few:

Fuel for Thought –
Providing anywhere-anytime learning means that companies no longer need to send their staff to the four corners of the globe to take part in training courses, seminars or conventions. This elimination of travel means one less contributor to the atmospheric pollution that planes, trains and automobiles create.

The Paper Trail –
To take part in an online training course all you need is an internet connection and a p.c. Gone are the days of 300 page manuals, exercise books, and loose leaf handouts, that are quickly skimmed, hurriedly forgot, and absent-mindedly added to the mountainous pile of white paper fighting for space in the top drawer. By using web-based tools such as webinairs, online courses, PDF manuals and live instant mentoring, companies eliminate the paper cuts and accentuate the forests.

e is for Energy –
As e-learning technologies bring learning to the people, not people to the learning, energy emissions are kept to a minimum. As well as the negative impact that travelling to training sessions, conferences etc has on the environment, there’s also the amount of energy used to accommodate such meetings. As most learners probably aren’t too eager to receive training by candlelight, nor would they be well pleased to have to attend a session dressed in snow gear, training and meeting venues ensure that the heating and lighting bills are paid and a cosy, well lit room awaits, clocking up unnecessary energy emissions.

A recent study by the Open University on the environmental impacts of conventional campus, print-based and electronic distance/open learning systems drew some interesting and thought-provoking conclusions.

The study found that on average “…distance/open learning courses used 90% less energy consumption and produced 90% fewer CO2 emissions than the conventional campus based university courses.”

These findings have huge implications for the future impact that e-learning can have towards creating a more environmentally friendly learning atmosphere and encourage companies to embrace the greener way of life.

What is your company doing to keep things green?

Making Transitions Simple: Mind the Gap

Last night I decided to brave the storm and travel home with the rest of the masses during London rush hour. In hindsight this was probably not the best idea and I think in future I’ll stick to my method of staying late in the office to avoid the tidal wave of commuters trying to make it home in time for dinner and the latest Hollyoaks infusion.

Now I know that the London Underground comes under a lot of fire but they don’t really do themselves any favours do they?
Trying to board a South bound Northern Line train in peak hour traffic is like Posh Spice trying to pack her stilettos into six jumbo suitcases: an uncomfortable struggle.

But surely Underground staff are aware that when the clock strikes five, an influx of eager travellers will shortly bombard their small station in a flurry of sweating bodies and tangled umbrellas. In anticipation of this swift current of commuters surely it would make sense to open more of the access gates to allow for the ocean-like swell of travellers entering the station, as opposed to the slow trickle of those exiting.

The result of this thoughtlessness is a long line of red faces, making a slow progression to the only two access gates available, a disgruntled scowl fixed in place. Occasionally one irate traveller, having endured a similar experience when “popping in” to Top Shop to quickly grab the two for one pyjama set advertised in today’s Metro, will incur a straw-that-broke-the-camel’s-back moment and let an unsuspecting London Underground employee know exactly how they feel about the lack of initiative and consideration shown.
Had the Underground staff anticipated this inevitable situation and made accommodations for it, instead of simply believing that to provide the necessary transport was enough, a smoother and more pleasant journey for customers, fewer complaints, and a happier atmosphere would’ve been achieved.

In comparison, how often do we treat our employees or customers in this way? We require our staff and customers to upgrade to the latest version of a particular piece of software, a new database system or a more advanced program, but don’t aid them in this transition. Instead, we simply send them away with the equipment and let them figure it out for themselves.

With the introduction of the new Windows Vista, it is essential that staff and customers are given guidance and training on how to install and use the software. Employer’s need to ensure that staff are given sufficient time to navigate their way through the software and should make sure that this upgrade is made as easy as possible. Provisions need to be made ahead of time so customers and staff alike aren’t left with that frustrated feeling of knowing that things could have been planned in advance but have been overlooked or neglected, reminiscent of our fed up London Underground commuters.

So the next time you want to introduce a new product, service or program to your clients or employees, stop and think; have you made all the provisions necessary to take the stress factor out of the transition?

Can e-Learning work for Universities?

Recently, I stumbled across an interesting article published in The Times from October last year, called “Can virtual courses ever measure up to the real thing with employers?” It got me thinking about how much e-Learning is underestimated and how, still in this modern, technological age, people struggle with the concept of learning without a teacher. We have embraced the use of computers in the classroom and understand how useful the internet can be to access external resources unobtainable in a university library, why can we not accept that student’s can learn just as much from taking lessons through an online course?

The benefits that e-Learning can offer students are immense and it takes comments from university staff to back this up. Howard Thomas, a Dean at Warwick University noted that, “As a university, we needed to evolve to recognise that there are a lot of people who want an MBA but cannot afford the fee or the time out of work.”
The fact that e-Learning is accessible at home, as well as on campus, gives any student the opportunity to study in their own time and at their own pace. If you take out the price of classroom-based lectures and the travel costs incurred, e-Learning seems like an obvious choice so why has it not been taken on by the majority of tertiary providers?

Most will say that it is through knowledge of failed projects in the past, that they won’t participate in e-Learning ventures now, but I think that there are positives that can come out of other’s mistakes.

It would seem sensible for tertiary providers to, at least give their students the option of taking lessons in an online environment instead of / or blended with classroom training, mostly to cater for those student’s who struggle with attending lectures. This could be due to physical disabilities, language barriers, or childcare needs. Many universities do all they can to provide facilities that cater to all students needs but would it not seem easier to offer e-Learning as an option?

What do you think?

Effective Employee Induction: Making it through the Maze

After reading an article from the training reference magazine about induction nightmares, I started thinking about how daunting those first few days at a new job can be and how much of an impact a first impression can make.

I began to realise just how important an employee’s first week can be and how an induction training program can affect the settling in process.

Induction training programs can familiarise new staff with company’s procedures and policies and provide the necessary resources and tools to become a fully productive team member.

Without this type of introductory training an employee is often left in the dark to navigate their own way through a maze of information.
With the introduction of information sharing tools such as company blogs, wikis, and information databases, giving an employee immediate access to these resources and teaching them how to use them, can greatly impact their success and the success of the whole team.

Induction programs can open the door to an easy transition for a new employee but are quite often not made the priority they should be.
What are some of the most successful induction strategies your company has used?

Further Education: It's a Balancing Act

When recruiting for a position within their company, employers will place weight on the amount of qualifications a candidate has. It is a balancing act between technical skill and personal attributes needed to fulfil a role, where skill level will almost always tilt the scale.

For potential staff, the need to be constantly learning and gaining new skills, will greatly increase their likelihood of getting the job they want.

The need for further education does not just appear amongst job-hunters, it occurs within the workplace as well. A race is on between employees, to become the most qualified so that when promotions occur, they will have the best chance to progress within the company. Healthy competition benefits both employee and employers, as increased staff skills build an employees personal development, whilst also increasing staff productivity.

Employers need to encourage further education as the benefits to their company are endless. In the short term, they will be able to get the best staff for each position and hopefully, by providing the most up to date resources, retain their valuable team members.

Welcome One and All!

Hello all,

The team at MindLeadersUK thought it was about time that we got to know some of the movers and shakers in the e-Learning community, and there seemed to be no better way to do this than by setting up our own, interactive blog.

The pushing force behind this blog is to keep our users up to date with current happenings in the e-Learning field and to establish where MindLeadersUK fits into this.

We are here to provide information, initiate discussion, and hopefully inspire. The only way we can do this is with the support of you all out there so please give us your input on any of our subject matter.

We look forward to your comments!