June 2008 e-Learning Course Releases

The June 2008 updates to our online courses have just been announced and are now available for purchase. The new courses are:

Outlook 2007
Project 2007
Internet Marketing
Cisco Related Series by MindLeaders BCMSN 642-812
Cisco Related Series by MindLeaders BSCI 642-901
Cisco Related Series by MindLeaders CCDA 640-863
Cisco Related Series by MindLeaders ISCW 642-825
Cisco Related Series by MindLeaders ONT 642-845
ITIL Version 3 Foundation Certificate EX0-100
Oracle9i Database Fundamentals II 1Z0-032
Oracle9i Database Performance Tuning 1Z0-033
Microsoft .NET 2.0 App Development MCTS 70-536
Microsoft .NET 2.0 Distributed Apps MCTS 70-529
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 MCTS 70-236
Microsoft Office Project 2007 MCTS 70-632
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 MCTS 70-630
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Admin MCITP 70-444
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Data Access MCITP 70-442
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Design MCITP 70-443
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Solutions MCITP 70-441

Please contact us on 0845 880 9500 or via email at enquiries@clearlearning.co.uk

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.