eLearning, be it higher education or a training module for a business, definitely has its advantages. One advantage is that it is self-paced, allowing the learner to go as fast or as slow as they desire throughout the training. This allows for better comprehension as opposed to a classroom setting where the pace may be too fast for some. eLearning also provides skills not necessarily associated with the information being learned. For example, by being presented with a self-paced eLearning module, the learner’s language and communication skills are improved. These two skills sets can easily be applied in the workplace when interacting with co-workers. Communication is one of the most important, if not the most important dynamic of a successful business. By promoting positive communication in the company’s training, new employees will be more successful in their endeavors with the company.

Aside from its many advantages, eLearning is also propelling us towards the future of learning. Years from now, eLearning will not only be used for learning solutions, but also for primary education as well as higher education. We are already beginning to see a trend of education-based institutions moving towards eLearning, and it is only going to increase in the years to come. By using Learning technologies, we are able to get a head start on the future.

-Meghan McSloy

Ed Stengel Uncategorized eLearning, self-learning, transferable skills

Learning through social media is becoming more prevalent in both school and businesses alike; however, the manner in which the information is being presented depends on the social media site. One of the newer social media sites, Elgg, allows for logical organization of a social network. For example, it offers blogging and micro-blogging capabilities as well as file sharing and networking groups. While sites such as Facebook and Twitter can certainly be used for learning, Elgg offers a more sophisticated approach through use of social media. It is not to say that one social media site trumps another in terms of effectiveness and functionality, each serves its own purpose in sharing information. Elgg focuses on hard, cold information and developing a strong social network while Facebook caters to more trivial and personal information. Twitter is more of a separate entity on its own. As a micro-blogging tool, it expedites smaller bits of information and is up to the minute. Each can be used as a learning tool; it just depends on the type of information that is desired.

Elgg, Facebook, and Twitter foster learning in a way that is different from other types of online learning. Through social media, people learn from interacting with one another by sharing information. Other types of online learning, such as eLearning, present information in a way that is more structured and self-paced. The difference between the two is the way the information is communicated, not necessarily how it is absorbed by the learner.

-Meghan McSloy

Ed Stengel Uncategorized eLearning, elgg, facebook, micro-blogging, social media, twitter

Free, fast and accessible. These three qualities are what attract people to micro-blogging sites such as Twitter. While it is easy to write Twitter off as just another way to let the world know what you are doing every minute of the day, it can also be used as a useful learning tool. Through Twitter, information is presented in a way that sparks conversation. Anyone who owns a Twitter account is free to comment and then converse with others about a specific topic. One advantage of learning through micro-blogging is that it is fast and efficient. Tidbits of information are presented in 140  characters or less, providing an easy to read anecdote. Since people today are generally looking for a quick fix, and the 140 character limit enables businesses to share the most important facts about themselves.

Similarly, news and media outlets are able to constantly relay new information as it becomes available. Software companies share tips and tricks about their computer programs to better serve their users. With micro-blogging, we are able to learn new things every minute of the day.

-Meghan McSloy

Ed Stengel Uncategorized micro-blogging, twitter

Content is king, right?  Well then the new queen in eLearning is social media.  When was the last time we thought about how the new generation wants to learn?  Beyond content, beyond access, beyond look and feel, but “delivery and learner extensions”.   eLearning is on the cusp of a new horizon, (in its own infancy, and growing fast) by providing the training online through a system that provides updates, access to current information, and in an environment that lives on your desktop.  No, its not a new LMS, its lightweight, portable applications extending the training with streams of relevant information, news, updates,social media, and more.  Today, those who embrace eLearning focus deeply on content, which is correct, but we now need to focus on extending that content for real world information, news, and updates.

Brookwood is developing a solution that extends training on a personal level, includes social media, and can be customized to meet the learners specific needs.  Our solution will empower the learner to go beyond what is provided to them by allowing them to customize their own personal training portal.  Check back in a week for news on a upcoming demo of this new solution.

Take your training to a new level of learning and information with a Broowood Solution.  

Check out our latest portfolio here:  http://brookwood.com/portfolio-d/

Ed Stengel Software Application Development, Training, eLearning

So let’s see…. ecomonic crisis, automaker bankrupt, housing market slumps, interest rates drop, stocks fall and rise - again,  global warming, swine flu….  IF I close my eyes just for a moment, I would swear it was 1980 not 2009 (I guess I am telling my age with that comment)  The only difference is in 1980 we had the “ozone crisis” and the tail end of “coming of the ice age”… so why did I start today’s blog entry with something outside of eLearning?  Because I am a firm believer of the more things change the more they stay the same.  We all still have the same problems we did 29 years ago… and there is no reason today to stop moving forward in our training initiatives.  I am glad we crawled out of April and now I am running into May.  Why am I running you ask?  Well, its simple -  I am more busy than ever.  My recent webinar on Enterprise eLearning Design and Deployment had a great turn out and it seems we are back on track as a group, or in interest - for eLearning.

eLearning is one area, that if properly designed, can be a cornerstone of success for an organization.  eLearning can be central point for information and standardization of learning within the organization that can instantly provide resources where you need it most - or most often.  Why is it then most organizations are slow to adopt such a program?  …probably for the same myths or misconceptions I started today’s blog with.  Now that we are well on our way in May, what are the reasons your organization might hesitate on taking eLearning a step or two further?  Here is a simple, one question,  May eLearning checklist for you… 

Whithin your organization:  What is it that can be improved upon, eliminated, or reduced with a good eLearning program?  What you mght find might suprise you.

My suggestion is think big, start small and deign an initial program for a broad audience, and wide acceptance. 

We all crawl before we walk…this May I am off and running with eLearning solutions… are you?

Ed Stengel eLearning

Its funny how extreme circumstances produce extreme behavior.  The economy seems to be crushing the business we used to take for granted.  I look at things a little differently.  My business is booming.  What business you ask?  - eLearning.

Fundementally, my business is something all businesses should be looking to in this economy for communications, training, and knoweldge transfer.  The all encompassing term “eLearning” really should be pared with “eSaving”.  The difficult task for those of you who only have a slight understanding of what eLearning can do for you is the amount of research that you would need to do to find the right solution for your organization.  My suggestion?

Take a step back, if just for a moment, and call on a company who does eLearning for a business.  Now is the time. 

Make a list of what your organization is doing now in way of training, meetings, and other communications, include cost where you can.  Make a scond list of what you feel could change, for the better, though technology - or a eLearning solution for training and communications.  Take one of the ones you picked as an example and call an eLearning expert like Brookwood for a quick discussion.  You might be amazed to learn what can and cannot be done with eLearning and the positive impact what can be done will have on your organization.   This is a great way to explore the possiblities of eLearning, get free advice as well, and learn something along the way.  Who knows, you might end up developing an eLearning solution that will save your organization tons in time, money, and effort just with one call.

We have trained groups large and small for pennies on the dollar, almost eliminated travel expenses for meetings, and created assetts for organizations - just through eLearning solutions. Pretty remarkable,  huh?  www.brookwood.com

Ed Stengel Business and Budget, eLearning

It’s Monday and I’m glad to be at work…Why? 

This weekend was one of great interest… I found my children’s websites, very interesting, checked their grades online, even more interesting, but this is the wrong blog for that topic, I spoke with my nephew via IM with a web cam, and figured out how to fix my generator via a training module online.

So why is that unique? Why am I glad I am at work? I have finally arrived at the conclusion that online collaboration, learning, and communication is the way; personally, professionally, even politically -watching “online town hall meetings”  

That being said, this is what I do, I provide these very same solutions to companies’ world wide.  Put the two together and it makes for a great Monday.

My company, Brookwood, has been around for a LONG time.  We started in the Web business 15 years ago.  I can remember back then… We all thought email and FLASH were cool.  Today, we are a Leading eLearning and online collaboration and communications organization that helps companies develop online solutions for communications and training.  To me, that is cool. 

We just launched our new website: www.brookwood.com Take a look!  Lots of great info there for your eLearning and online meeting initiatives… Tips, tricks, whitepapers, plenty of free stuff to get your eLearning initiatives moving in the right direction.

Ed Stengel eLearning

Well, I am just settling in from a tour of Orlando and the eLearning Guild Trade Show….   Most noticable difference this year?  No “tire kickers”  In other words, people attended for a reason this year.  I found that the traffic at the show was more about quality and less about quantity.  Great show this year.  Of my findings, here are the top 5 topics dicuseed with me from those seeking solutions….

1. Putting training online - as a REVENUE generator:  Online University applications seem to lead the way of the near future - with eCommerce of course.

2. eLearning ROI: More and more those seeking solutions were more interested in value over functionality.  I am guessing a next wave of eLearning attributes for rapid development are on the horizon with Adobe and others.  Captivate 4 looks very promising.  Adobe Presenter is a winner in my book.  Lectora has some great start up offerings. I am staying tuned.

3. API, API, API: Wow!!!! Not only do we need to develop content, it needs to have its own functions and business processes associated with it.  Catch the next wave of business focused eLearning by making it do more for the organization while training the employee.

4. Online meeting…with PUNCH.  Ok, so we all know the power of meeting on line…now we need to customize it… online meeting attendants,  auto logins, security, as well as fee to meet seems to be hot…for now.

5. CE / Certification Training: Everyone wants a way to calculate CE credits and print certifications.  Well, the future is today on this one.  Adobe Connect API’s are a great way to porvide this online. 

Overall, the show was a winner.  Brookwood learned some and shined more.  Our solutions were winners demonstrating eUniversity with eCommerce and CE Credits.  API development already exists and we had the demos to prove it….and Online meetings have been our follow up of choice with many we spoke with. 

I am looking to DevLearn in the fall….

One to Watch: iSpring - Check out their presenter tool.  Single flash output with API’s…. great for the unusual development requests.

Ed Stengel Seminars, eLearning Trade Show

Well, here we are… it’s Friday… could be any Friday, but this one is the first Friday of the 3rd month of the year.  How far along are you with planning, budgeting, and developing your organization’s eLearning program?  Most organizations use the wait and see factor on training because of cost, travel, lodging,  and maybe hard costs like printing - looking to cut corners in a down economy.  Well, these are EXACTLY the reasons you should be in the midst of developing and promoting your organization’s eLearning program.

Did you know that eLearning can actually cut the costs of training in an organization?  All eLearning developed becomes an asset simply by being reusable, easily edited, and because it can be used as a resource for information almost anytime.  Additionally, there are no travel costs, lodging, and most of the time, no printing.  Why is it then that most organizations view eLearning as a wait and see item?  Tradition?  Timing?  Or is it a Trade off?

None of the above… most organizations lack the experience in approach, or resources.  This delays processes and promotes a last minute rush to complete this type of  initiative.  Here are 7 things to consider now, to be able to effectively deploy a successful eLearning program in the next month or two:

1. What is your organization’s learning culture?  Define it and make a online model of it.  The information is right in front of you, now you need to put it online.

2. How will your organization view this change? Is it really a change from how things are done, or just making it better for your organization?  Position your training online as a competitive advantage and a valuable asset for your organization long term.

3.  What are your resources? Define what and who you will need to make eLearning a success in your organization.  Find valuable resource partners (like Brookwood).

4.  What type of training?  What, and more importantly where, is the content you plan to convert to eLearning.  Remember, always start with a topic that speaks to a larger audience to gain acceptance starting out.

5.  What is your strategy?  Planning to deploy effective eLearning will require a map, usually within or part of a blended training program.  See what fits best online, and what works better in person.

6. What’s your budget and whats’ the cost?  Believe it or not, most eLearning has a positive ROI for the organization.  Brookwood can help you with our ROI calculator services.

7.  What is the business case for the implementation of an eLearning program in your organization?  Most organizations utilize eLearning as a competative edge in communications or education, whether internally or externally, where they can deliver a measurable and consistant amount of information.  When planning your business case, where in your organization can you reduce or eliminate training costs via eLearning?  Detail what content needs to be conveyed in a standardized format.  Summarize the benefits in measured results.

Ed Stengel Business and Budget, eLearning Strategy

Going green is a way to help the world become a better place and make your organization become more efficient by eliminating waste, resulting in savings now and long term.  Today, a competative edge could simply be moving training from in person to online, reducing or eliminating travel, lodging, food and other expenses associated with instructor led training.  Organizations that seek the ability to go green should look internally at training and provide online meetings in leu of travel, web based training in lue of paper/person training, as well as provide web based anytime, anywhere resources for information exchange.  Not only will this save organizations time and money, but also provide information not otherwaise accessable unless carried with the individual employee or client.

Ed Stengel Green Solutions, eLearning Business