Session Schedule
You'll be able to choose from 22 breakout sessions in 4 time slots. See the session descriptions below and this year's session schedule to start planning your day. Please keep in mind that although this schedule is as accurate as possible, it may be subject to change.
Keynote Session
Connie Malamed, Owner & eLearning Coach, Connie Malamed Consulting | Bio
The 21st-Century Learning Professional
The convergence of cultural and technological drivers is changing the training landscape. The learning and development skills that have taken us this far are not enough to carry us into the future. During these transformational times, learning professionals can meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce in new and exciting ways. Simultaneously, learning officers and managers can support learning and development organizations of the future with a strong vision.
In this keynote, I will examine the effects that new technologies, increased collaboration, the bring-your-own-device approach, and social media are having on learning and performance. I will explore how learning professionals can expand their roles to embrace the new learning ecosystem. Drawing on stories and examples from forward-thinking practitioners, you will see how to think differently. You will leave this session with new ideas for empowering the 21st-century learner to keep your organization (and your career) ahead of the curve.
Educational Breakout Sessions
Analysis
Jennifer De Vries, CPT, President, BlueStreak Learning | Bio
Getting the Information You Need from Your SMEs
Writing an elearning course about an unfamiliar topic can be a daunting task. Subject matter experts (SMEs) often have limited time to spend with you. When you do get an SME’s time, you need to establish credibility and maximize the information you collect. Where do you start? What questions do you ask? Too many elearning professionals fumble and stumble through SME interviews and don’t gather all the necessary content before their time is up. An unstructured approach rarely works. This session provides a structured, systematic approach for gathering elearning course content during an SME interview.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Take appropriate actions to prepare yourself before you interview an SME
- Use a proven methodology and templates to conduct an efficient and comprehensive SME interview
- Document and verify the content you received from the SME
- Gain credibility and buy-in from your SMEs and their managers
Michael Leimbach, Ph.D., Vice President of Global Research & Development, Wilson Learning Corporation | Bio
Learner Readiness: How to Electrify Learning Transfer Before Participants Even Log In
Much attention has been devoted to maximizing the effectiveness of learning and reinforcement. Research indicates that improving learner readiness can increase learning transfer up to 70%. Until recently, most learning initiatives have done little to prepare participants before training begins to maximize learning. You’ll hear 4 research-based strategies for improving learner readiness and how organizations have achieved outstanding results with these strategies. You’ll complete a learner readiness audit and in small groups discuss the areas in which you excel and the areas that need improvement. Groups will report key insights on ways they maximize learner readiness and obstacles they face.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand and leverage 4 research-based strategies for improving learner readiness, increasing learning transfer, and driving business results
- Gain new insights from small- and large-group interactive discussions and real-world examples of how others are making progress in maximizing learner readiness
- Assess your own organization’s strengths and areas of opportunity by completing a learner readiness audit
- Influence coworkers and leaders in your organization by sharing the learner readiness audit and incorporating steps to improve learning outcomes through actions that take place before the first log-in
Terry McGoldrick, Learning Strategy Consultant, The CARA Group, Inc. | Bio
Beware the Technology Trap When Selecting & Implementing an LMS
Many organizations manage learning management system (LMS) selection and implementation as primarily a technology project, rather than a business and process transformation. It is difficult to expect a “learning system of record” to be a “system of engagement” on its technology merits alone. Selecting an LMS without understanding key differences across learner populations can negatively impact the acceptance and adoption of new systems and related processes. Many organizations miss this bigger picture when selecting and implementing an LMS. This interactive session will help you overcome this technology trap and better enhance and sustain learner engagement following an LMS transformation.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- List key elements of the user experience that are critical considerations when evaluating and implementing an LMS
- Create specific use-case scenarios that specify the critical components required for all segments of your user base
- Explain how effectively implementing an LMS contributes to an organization's goal of moving from “push” to “pull” learning, encouraging learners to come back for more
Design
Session Cancelled
Daniel Coco, Learning Team Lead, Accenture
James J. Goldsmith, Learning Architect, Accenture
Using Design Thinking to Create Better eLearning Experiences
This session presents an opportunity to use design thinking methods to build more effective elearning solutions. We will start with a facilitated discussion to define design thinking and introduce 3 popular design thinking methods. Together, we will apply the 3 design thinking methods to generate potential solutions to solve a business problem. The problem is framed so that the design thinking techniques can lead to an optimal elearning solution. We will end the session by sharing an effective design thinking elearning example that uses the 3 methods.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Explain how design thinking can help you frame a problem to generate actionable and innovative solutions
- Apply 3 design thinking methods to solve a specific business problem
Kathleen Fortney, Ed.D., Learning Strategist, Judge Learning Solutions | Bio
Annette Wisniewski, CPT, Learning Strategist, Judge Learning Solutions | Bio
Chelsea Bjerkan, Program Manager, Judge Learning Solutions | Bio
Getting Mega Results from Microlearning
Microlearning is a trending topic in the industry, but many learning professionals are skeptical about the value of microlearning solutions. In this session, you’ll see and discuss possible uses for microlearning, review case studies, compare authoring tools, and explore design considerations for microlearning. The session will include an activity to generate a high-level design for a microlearning solution, based on a microlearning analysis template handout.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Describe the various ways that microlearning can be used to drive organizational learning and performance
- Recognize the challenges that learning professionals may face when introducing microlearning into their organizations
- Evaluate microlearning tools and approaches to determine the best fit for your needs
Sharon L. Gander, M.Ed., CPT, CIDD, Director of ID Certifications, The Institute for Performance Improvement | Bio
Fun Learning Exercises Control & Randomness
What makes learning complex thinking skills fun? Gaming, of course. Games place learners in contextual situations that require analysis and action to create control over random game factors. Together, let’s think critically about how randomness and control create challenging learning that is fun. Join in a large group game and discuss game mechanics that create randomness or control. You’ll also see similar challenges in serious learning game projects.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Evaluate learning games for randomness, control, and fun
- Use randomness and control more effectively in the design of serious learning games
- Explain to key decision-makers the educational value of gaming in the development of critical thinking skills
Becky Lucas, CPT, Director of Instructional Strategy, ThinkingKap Learning Solutions, Inc. | Bio
Comics & Cliff-hangers
This session will introduce the use of comic strips and cliff-hangers as alternative elearning design strategies. You will be given a comic strip worksheet with instructions to create your own educational comic strip over the course of the presentations. Examples will be used to illustrate opportunities for the use of comics and cliff-hangers in elearning and show various types of comic strips and characteristics. You will apply those characteristics when drafting your own comic strip. A short client case will be used to describe the development process, from storyboard to rough sketches and finished comic strip.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Identify characteristics that comics and elearning have in common
- Recognize opportunities to use comics and cliff-hangers in elearning
- Create a simple educational comic strip
Joie Marshall, Learning Solutions Manager, Caveo Learning | Bio
Take Your Training Virtual: Tips & Tactics for Developing VILT
Converting traditional instructor-led training (ILT) into virtual instructor-led training (VILT) carries many financial and practical benefits. But virtual training comes with its own challenges, which instructional designers and VILT facilitators need to consider. Many think it’s simple to get all the benefits of ILT without the costs of travel, facilities, and time away from work. They put existing ILT programs online and set up a webcam or shoehorn the training into a webinar platform. Going virtual is more complex. Careful consideration is required to retain the components that make ILT shine, like participant-centered interactivity, interpersonal camaraderie, and hands-on practice.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- State the benefits and business case for using VILT as part of an organizational learning strategy
- Identify which components to keep and which to eliminate or change when converting ILT to VILT
- Describe strategies VILT facilitators can use to ensure that learners stay engaged and on task
Scott McCormick, Editor, Emergent Enterprise | Bio
Getting the Most out of Mobile Learning in Performance Support
How do today's learning professionals leverage mobile technology and deliver the right content to the right users at the right time? They have to take into account the complete user experience, including user context, device capabilities and limitations, mobile interface design, and more. This session will examine how user-centered design can produce training deliverables that resonate with users and can greatly affect performance support. You will learn about real-world case studies, see working training in sales and retail performance support, evaluate personal training goals and challenges, and consider how mobile learning can address those needs.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Discuss the ACT principle, which provides fundamental practices in mobile learning audience, context, and technology
- Recognize the affordances of mobile devices and how they can be leveraged for effective performance support
- Evaluate new technologies, such as augmented, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, that are changing the face of performance support
Shannon Tipton, Owner, Learning Rebels | Bio
Creating Microlearning in Micro-time
In this modern age of learning, how people choose to gather their knowledge and consume it has changed. They are not waiting for learning professional to catch up. They are finding ways around learning and development and creating their own knowledge banks. Microlearning as a performance support tool may be the answer. I will give you important information and tools to build an effective, sustainable microlearning element, rapidly. I will answer, What is microlearning? How would microlearning be applied in your organization? When would a microlearning element be appropriate? What tools do I need to make microlearning happen?
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Develop a strategy applying the what, how, when, and why of microlearning
- Use and customize the provided tools to meet your needs
- Begin your own microlearning design that includes templates
Development
Tim Buteyn, President, ThinkingKap Learning Solutions, Inc. | Bio
Stephania Buteyn, Vice President, ThinkingKap Learning Solutions, Inc. | Bio
Create A-MAZE-ing Interactions in Storyline Using Interactive Motion Paths
We’re all looking for engaging ways to present content. Oftentimes, this takes the form of games in our elearning courses. Articulate added relative motion paths to Storyline, and now we are able to create PAC-MAN-esque maze interactions. We can simulate someone walking around an office, visiting various departments in an onboarding course, or walking a factory floor to inspect workplace hazards. In this session, we will break down how to use Storyline to build an interactive maze with various stops (questions) along the way. Bring your own laptop to create your own interactive maze.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand the different types of motion paths in Storyline
- Apply motion paths to interactive elearning activities
- Create your own maze interaction in Storyline using relative motion paths and interactive controls
David Charney, Owner, Illumen Group | Bio
eLearning Experiments in Storyline
Articulate Storyline has become a key development tool in my elearning toolbox. Storyline easily allows me to bring my ideas to life. Articulate’s staff have shown several of my projects in their presentations to demonstrate the power of this tool. During this session, you will see my experiments, the importance of problem-solving, and the approaches that I use to make my ideas functional and engaging in Storyline.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand the capabilities of Storyline
- Use more creative and engaging elearning approaches in your projects
- Develop strategies for brainstorming and problem-solving training solutions
Peter Hybert, CPT, Principal Consultant, PRH Consulting Inc. | Bio
Ian Hybert, Consultant, PRH Consulting Inc. | Bio
Shortcut to Learning (Basic) HTML5+
HTML5 (and associated web development technologies) are the basis for much of what we see on the internet. Yet, learning how to perform even basic web development can be difficult for non-technical, instructional-designer types. As elearning matures, there is a risk that over-reliance on authoring tools can limit support performance and the ability to keep pace with changes. We will demystify web development techniques and show basic (or neophyte) users how to build webpages using shortcuts and templates. You will receive a thumb drive with starter files and job aids to use to continue learning after the session.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Summarize why web development is increasingly important to professionals in the performance improvement, performance support, and learning fields
- Build or modify webpages to perform typical functions
- Identify next steps and resources for further development
Strategy
Chip Cleary, Ph.D., Lead of Solutions, Consulting, & Design, Kineo US | Bio
Beyond Training: Utilizing Technology to Enable Management Development
When organizations invest in developing front-line managers, they often confront the learning-doing gap, that is, help learners transfer skills to the field. How can we structure front-line management development so that participants systematically achieve real-world proficiency in the field? In this session, you’ll experience an approach that guides participants through a work-based journey, including assessment, learning, deliberate practice, and reflection. These journeys could be daunting without technology to make them simple to follow and track. You’ll see how we’ve structured the journeys and leveraged mobile technologies to enable them to work in the field and on the go.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Envision how to develop technology-enabled learning journeys in which
- Managers work through a structured process towards demonstrated capability that includes assessment, reflection, learning, practice, and collaboration
- Work-based learning is incorporated to help participants, their direct reports, and their managers efficiently collaborate
- Technology leads participants through deliberate “guided practice”
Chad Jackson, Senior Director, Simulation, e-Learning & Innovation, American College of Chest Physicians | Bio
Jon Aleckson, Ph.D., CEO, Web Courseworks | Bio
My Robot Threw Up! & Other eLearning Surprises During Innovation
This presentation focuses on several case studies of lessons learned when innovating in elearning using Experience API (xAPI), gamification, and Internet of Things (IOT) projects. One case study that will be highlighted is a CHEST and Web Courseworks pilot in which the partners leveraged xAPI, a new learning interoperability standard, to connect Web Courseworks’ LMS, CourseStage, to high-fidelity simulators used in CHEST’s live courses. Another case study will be an associations’ use of barcodes to identify members/attendees at conferences. The session will also cover the topic of interoperability (connecting separate technology platforms), gamification, big data, and visualization of big data.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- List the educational rationale for using xAPI standard versus SCORM
- Summarize the current utilization of the xAPI standard
- Use a process to promote innovation
Karen Kostrinsky, Manager, eLearning Development, Ellie Mae | Bio
Making an Impact Using Animated Videos
The more educated the team, the healthier the bottom line. The challenge lies in keeping teams informed and wanting to learn more about their roles in the industry. With dry content centered on policies and procedures, how do you create elearning that engages a learner? By using relatable and fun animated videos! In this session, you will see how we turned a learning challenge into an elearning design template for use internally and externally. You will learn how we worked with internal and external subject matter experts to create engaging storyboards and scripts that focus on critical factors affecting the mortgage industry.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand the importance of storytelling in developing elearning
- Capture the importance of using good audio techniques
- Use GoAnimate to create fun and engaging elearning videos, even with dry boring content
Eric R. Parks, Ph.D., Executive Director, Forefront Collaborative | Bio
Budgeting eLearning: Why It Always Costs More Than You Think
Budgeting is a process that challenges even the most experienced elearning development teams. Using a job aid, we will compare budget estimates for a simple, a moderate, and a complex instructional design. We’ll closely examine the pitfalls and challenges, including subject matter expert engagement, “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and the rules of thumb that rarely work.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Identify systematic processes for estimating costs of elearning projects
- Identify common pitfalls in budget projections
- Discuss the importance of post-budget debriefing and forensic analysis
Ken Phillips, CPLP, Founder & CEO, Phillips Associates | Bio
Raise Your eLearning Knowledge Tests a Notch: Start Measuring Application, Not Mere Recall
If you don’t know how much participants truly learn from taking one of your learning programs, you’re not alone. According to a 2015 ATD research study, 83% of organizations evaluate some learning programs at Level 2 of the Kirkpatrick and Phillips evaluation models. Yet, only 57% of these organizations view the data they collect to be valuable—a major disconnect. If constructed properly and worded correctly, Level 2 knowledge tests prove whether learning was accomplished and provide important insight into which program topics were mastered and which were not.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Recognize the common mistakes that learning and development professionals make when creating multiple-choice knowledge tests
- Apply 15 practical techniques that eliminate these mistakes and result in the creation of valid, scientifically sound knowledge tests
- Distinguish the difference between multiple-choice knowledge test questions that measure job application and those that measure mere recall
Susan Robbins, Senior Instructional Designer, Caveo Learning | Bio
Chris Balmes, Creative Director, Caveo Learning | Bio
Bring Everyone to the Design Table
Great content and sound instructional strategy are not always enough to engage and inspire learners. Without collaboration between the instructional designers and the creative development team, the end deliverable is prone to fall flat. Instructional-led design is standard practice in much of the learning world, but there’s a better way. Sharing responsibility for design upfront adds focused skills and knowledge. Collaboration among equals helps surface a greater variety of ways to address content, employ technology, and use visuals to tell a story. Looking beyond the content from the start helps keep the focus on the learner, where it belongs.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Create performance improvement design documents that describe the learner experience
- Collaborate with all members of the design and development team in the creation of performance improvement experiences
- Use delivery methods and technologies as tools to create engaging, efficient, and effective performance improvement experiences
Anastasia Widmer, Ph.D., Founder, Consultant, & Trainer, CulturallySpeaking Co. | Bio
Tiffany Prince, Owner/Consultant, Prince Performance LLC | Bio
The Secrets to Creating Successful eLearning for International Audiences
What are the common challenges of building elearning for global teams in organizations? Companies’ global mindset suffers when there is a lack of flexibility to accommodate cultural differences. Often overlooked cultural differences within global teams are among major barriers for successful communication that fosters effective learning workflow and timely application and results. During the presentation, we will explore situations where we overcame common barriers to decode localization efforts. We will also share best practices for creating training that resonates internationally. As a result, you will have a better toolkit to avoid mistakes that can derail training for your global audiences.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Recognize the common cultural barriers for creating an effective learning process
- Understand design and development efforts to support a global rollout
- Employ successful tactics that are proven best practices for building training that translates
Learning Spark
A Learning Spark is a 5-minute presentation using 20 automated slides that will show for 15 seconds each. There will be 2 sessions, each with 5 speakers. Get ready to be inspired by these fast and fresh perspectives on learning and development.
Session 1
Dan Balzer, CPLP, Global Capabilities Manager, BP | Bio
How Batman Saved My Training Program in Mexico
How vital is serendipity to developing culturally relevant learning experiences? This presentation will draw out skills and principles for designers who are challenged to hit the mark with diverse audiences.
Hugh McCullen, President, MicroTek | Bio
Expanding the Classroom with Hybrid Learning
Hybrid learning combines the convenience of virtual learning with the experience of instructor-led classroom training. Hybrid learning can meet your business objectives and increase your training return on investment.
Rick Ransome, Associate Director, Global Learning Strategy, Publicis Media’s Data, Technology & Innovation | Bio
5 Ways to Win with Your New Technology
Implementing new technology is no easy feat; it requires successful setup—even before the start. This Learning Spark session shares 5 principles that made our implementation a global success.
Sarah Remijan, CPLP, Director of Learning & Development, Rotary International | Bio
eLearning: What Can We Learn from Hamilton?
Hamilton, the hit musical, has renewed interest in our founding fathers across generations. Let's apply those concepts to our elearning.
Alina Villasenor, Director, Global Learning Strategy, Publicis Media | Bio
Tweet Your Brain
What you say is important, but no one will understand it unless you fit your message to your audience. The better designers, managers, and directors communicate, the better the outcome.
Session 2
Jay Frischkorn, Consultant, The CARA Group, Inc. | Bio
Creating Whiteboard-like Animations Using PowerPoint & Camtasia
This presentation will describe how to create animated drawings using features in PowerPoint and Camtasia. This simple, fun method integrates easily into any elearning tool or video-based training.
Rose Pilgrim, Instructional Designer, Judge Learning Solutions | Bio
Your eLearning Voice
Writing audio for elearning differs from other instructional writing. eLearning audio needs to achieve a crucial balance between an engaging, conversational tone and a knowledgeable, experienced manner.
Alicia Raff, Project Manager, Reflection Software | Bio
Trying to Build a House Without a Blueprint: A Quick Lesson in Storyboarding
Building a house without a set of blueprints is difficult, and the same concept applies to elearning. Join this session, and learn some best practices for creating your own storyboards!
Rob Van Hyfte, Delivery Director, Judge Learning Solutions | Bio
4 Stunningly Simple Tips for Successful Project Management
Many instructional designers are thrown into project management with no experience. This Learning Spark will provide practical tips to help you manage learning projects successfully.
Annette Wisniewski, CPT, Learning Strategist, Judge Learning Solutions | Bio
But eLearning Is Too Expensive!
How do you determine when to develop instructor-led training, elearning, or both? This session will help you select the approach best suited to your specific training needs.