The Boggs e-Learning Chronicle

New Years Holiday...

Hi,

Due to the holiday, I will not be posting from Friday, December 30th, 2005 through Monday, January 2nd, 2006.

We at SyberWorks wish you a safe and productive new year.

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks

e-Learning Trends for the New Year..

Here is ASTD's New Years post about the state of e-Learning, Trends: Out with the old, In with the new?  by Amy Finn

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks

SCORM/AICC Standards Used in Web-based Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems can be very complex. Viable learning management systems are SCORM/AICC compliant. In this article, I will provide a basic explanation of the SCORM/AICC standard used in the marketplace today by many learning management systems.

What is a learning management system?

As a refresher from a previous article, learning management systems (LMSs) are web-based software application platforms used to plan, implement, and assess learning processes related to online and offline training administration and performance management.  LMSs allow an instructor to create and deliver content, monitor learners’ participation, and assess student performance. LMSs also allow learners to use interactive features such as threaded discussions, web conferencing, discussion forums, and other methods of communication.

When learning management systems are SCORM/AICC compliant, what does that mean?

SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model, which is a set of specifications that, when applied to course content, produces small, reusable e-Learning objects. A result of the Department of Defense's Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative, SCORM-compliant courseware elements are easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials.

AICC standards apply to the development, delivery, and evaluation of training courses that are delivered via technology, i.e., more often than not, through learning management systems. AICC stands for the Aviation Industry CBT [Computer-Based Training] Committee (AICC), which is an international association of technology-based training professionals that develops training guidelines for the aviation industry.

What is the Advance Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative?

ADL is a government-sponsored organization that was started to develop specifications and promote the adoption and spread of e-Learning. They are the group responsible for developing the ADL Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). SCORM parameters combine elements of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), AICC, and Information Management Standard (IMS) specifications into a consolidated document that can be easily implemented. SCORM-compliant courseware elements are easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials that allows suppliers and content developers to implement e-Learning specifications in a consistent and reusable way.

In upcoming articles, we will discuss more about the SCORM/AICC standard as it is related to your learning management systems selection and other issues surrounding the SCORM/AICC standards as associated to e-Learning.

More Information on the ADL and SCORM/AICC Standards

More information on the ADL and the SCORM/AICC standards can be found at their web site http://www.adlnet.org.

This article can be found at:

SCORM/AICC Standards Used in Web-based Learning Management Systems

Dave  Boggs
SyberWorks

Have a great holiday!

Due to the holiday, I will not be posting from Friday, December the 23rd through the 26Th.  I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.

Best wishes,

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks

Generation X and their impact on e-Learning...

Another decent article on Generation X's impact on the workplace in regards to corporate retention strategies and e-learning.

"Millennial" Learning: On Demand Strategies for Generation X and Beyond

by Suzanne Robert

Excerpt: "The changing nature of the workforce has direct implications for learning and training. The good news is the technology and strategies are already in place to effectively train Generation X and Millennial workers; the secret to success lies in tailoring and blending these approaches to convince your workers that you understand their needs and are committed to their growth and success........................................................................................................

In order to build suitable training for today's learner, organizations must tailor training by addressing key characteristics of this new breed. Research reveals that today's younger worker values:

• Relevant development
• Rich experiences
• Flexibility
• Community
• Technology
• Instant results"

From the article you get the sense that e-learning and a company's learning management system will be a  critical lynchpin  in a organization's  training and development programs.

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks

Another New Book on e-Learning..

The Handbook of Blended Learning : Global Perspectives, Local Designs  (Hardcover)

by Curtis Bonk, Charles R. Graham

Jay Cross, a well known,  e-Learning pundit who wrote the forward in this book has a post on it in his blog.

David Boggs
SyberWorks, Inc.

SyberWorks announces the launch of its Online Media Center

Check out our latest news:

SyberWorks announces the launch of its Online Media Center

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks

Can coaching fix employee's flaws? Can a great e-learning program fix fundamental business model flaws?

CareerJournal.com, the executive career site had an interesting article on corporate/business coaches,"Some Office Coaches Whitewash Miseries with Sunny Platitudes"  by Jared Sandberg. 

The article makes the point that while coaches have worked for many people in many different types of scenarios, many times corporations use coaches in situations for things that cannot or should not be fixed.

"Work situations can be so serious that the players need psychotherapy -- and all they are getting are pep rallies, says Harry Levinson, a former Harvard professor and the retired founder of the Levinson Institute, which coaches executives based on organizational psychology, or the study of behavior within companies.

It's also wrong to think every problem has a solution, he adds. A very meticulous person and one who manages a subordinate slob aren't likely to ever get along, he says. "Very little by the way of coaching is going to do anything to help them," he says."

I believe this is true to a certain extent.  And the concept of the point illustrated above  is  well taken in the context of  e-learning and a learning management systems implementation program. I.e., no matter how well done the e-learning implementation  0r how slick the online courses are developed; if there are fundamental flaws in the company's business model or strategic planning,  a great e-learning program may not overcome  these larger, over-arching issues. 

David Boggs
SyberWorks

More about Wiki's

The T+D blog just a had a post about the Wikipedia.    Wiki's are cool, but I agree that since anyone can input and edit information not everything you find is accurate.

In situations where learners are certifying on specific competencies & skills, this might pose an issue.

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks

What is Advanced Distributed Learning?

ADL is a government sponsored organization that was started to develop specifications and promote the adoption and spread of e-learning.  They are the group responsible for developing the ADL Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM).  SCORM parameters combine elements of IEEE, AICC and IMS specifications into a consolidated document that can be easily implemented.   SCORM-compliant courseware elements are easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials.  suppliers and content developers implement eLearning specifications in a consistent and reusable way.

Dave Boggs
SyberWorks