The Art of Knowledge
I Can't Believe I Missed This
I missed the E-Learning Conference in D.C. on the 17th.
Main Topics/Keynotes
- Driving E-Learning Success: Practical Applications and Lessons Learned
- The Changing Role of Training and What We Do About It
- "...challenge attendees to think about how, as learning professionals within government agencies can, like those in the private sector, redefine E-Learning and play a substantive role at the Information Technology table during this new age of integrating learning resources into the work context. "
- Fast Forward: Emerging Learning Technology Trends in the Government
- "...unique forms that have emerged in the government such as AI-based products, federated simulation networks and asymmetric collaboration. These new technologies are "trickling down" into the greater market and are altering the landscape of learning technology."
- Reusable Learning Objects and Custom Content Development
- "...provide a guideline for instructional designers on the types of content that are appropriate for various learning requirements. Panelists will discuss how to design E-Learning content so that it can be reused, with various viewpoints on the application of reusable versus disposable learning objects."
- Effective Blended Learning Environments
- I'm not a huge advocate of blended learning. That seems like the band-aid approach to me. Obviously learning needs to be dynamic but when we start talking about "off the shelf software" and classroom training combined with Power Point and Flash, my ears just start buzzing and I instinctively cross my legs and go into a defensive pose.
- Application of Technology for Dynamic E-Learning Infrastructures
- "focus on how three federal agencies are incorporating technology into their E-Learning architectures, and the lessons they have learned during the evaluation, selection, and implementation process. From the U.S. Air Force to the National Institute of Corrections, learn how technology is being employed to match training objectives with diverse audiences. " I would have enjoyed this lecture given my propensity for understanding technology more than e-learning agendas right now. It's not necessarily the role I wish to play within changing the way knowledge is accrued and learning is learned, it's the idea of supporting the greater good.
- Developing SCORM-Conformant Courseware
- The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is used in technology-enabled learning across federal and state
government agencies. - E-Learning Evaluation and Assessment: Practical Examples
- I would have skipped this one. You guys know how much I love the evaluation and assessment part of learning. Actually that would have been a good reason to go. I think the answers to the problems need to be evolved before the assessment can really be taken into consideration. Why give me a taste test on a raw piece of hamburger? At least wait until it's cooked.
- E-Learning Delivery Options -- Technology at Work
- "The panelists will discuss several methods for delivering educational content, including how the Department of Veterans Affairs Learning University (VALU) employs existing digital satellite broadcast infrastructure to deliver live and on-demand content directly to 225,000 employee desktops. Another readily available alternative for agencies to enhance E-Learning is videoconferencing. " This summary really struck a chord with me. They were talking about video conferencing and Power Point. That doesn't really feel like technology initiatives to me. That seems more like ingenuity halted at the gates of "Need it now".
- Gov Online Learning Center -- Lessons Learned to Date
- "...in July, 2002 to offer Federal employees with a single-point-of-access for robust, high-quality online training..... Review the critical components to deploying a successful enterprise learning program, including how to build internal partnerships, defend a business case, integrate budget with capital asset plans, and align programs with agency missions and workforce demands."
- Developing New Teaching Tools and EL Frameworks
- "...are increasingly looking to "retool" themselves as online instructors (or human performance technologists), to better integrate their full courseware libraries (web-based and non-web-based training) and to learn how to best select the appropriate delivery medium..." Sounds like teachers trying to retool themselves so they don't become antiquated. Sadly I doubt if many educators actually showed. Side note - I find that hardcore educators are not the one's interested in this initially. It's the corporations looking to make money. Band-aids and off the shelf software are abundant and that's why. Come on educators! Stop letting the software companies push you around.
#3 is probably the one I would have wanted to attend the most. I don't think the corporate sector has the funding or the time to really address the changes needed in this area. I think the Governments slow beaurocratic methods and resources can actually be the best way to go. A complete upheaval is needed. What we don't need is another acronym and a band-aid. We need to address real issues within learning, not just taking someone's manual and dousing it with XML and then giving them alerts on what to read followed by a quiz. Hands on real life learning preceded by technology that transports the pursuit of knowledge into everyday goals.
Representatives -
Blackboard, Inc.
C2 Technologies, Inc.
Development InfoStructure - devIS
Docent, Inc.
FEAC Institute
GeoLearning, Inc.
GP e-Learning
Haverstick Government Solutions, Inc.
Hyperwave
IBM
IceWEB
Learn.com, Inc.
Meridian KSI
mGen, Inc.
Open Text Corporation
Plateau
SkillSoft
Synaptis
TANDBERG
VCampus Corporation
VERTEX Solutions
Web Crossing, Inc.
Windwalker Corporation
My father actaully told me about it. But I just blew him off. You know I may get him a blog on here. Let him do some reseach or something. I'll be researching these companies later in the week.
Link posted by JVMM : 4:25 PM