2011 Keynote Sessions

Jennifer De Vries, President & Chief Solutions Architect, BlueStreak Learning | Bio

Defusing Landmines in eLearning Projects

The mark of a skilled elearning professional is being able to anticipate and defuse project issues before they arise. This skill is often painfully gained by less-than-ideal experiences. But here is your opportunity to learn from an experienced practitioner, rather than acquiring these lessons the hard way. Through the use of storytelling about real projects, I will guide you through

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Ken Phillips, CEO & Founder, Phillips Associates | Bio

Construct the Ultimate Multiple-Choice Test! Stop Measuring Recall and Start Measuring Application

Do you feel like you know how much participants truly learn from your elearning programs? If not, you’re not alone. According to a 2009 ASTD research study, 81% of organizations measure participants’ learning (Level 2 evaluation), yet only 55% of these organizations view the data collected to be of real value. The problem is that the validity of our results is only as good as the quality of our test questions. Often, we develop questions that are too simple, that are overly difficult, or that test knowledge and not application. In this session, you will learn the art science of Level 2 multiple-test creation. Together, we will analyze a sample test and learn how to identify and correct common mistakes. Whether you are new to elearning or an advanced professional, you will walk away with skills to help you improve your online Level 2 multiple-choice tests.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

2011 Educational Breakout Sessions

We are offering a total of 24 sessions in 6 different tracks. You will be able to choose which session you want like to attend during each of the 4 time slots. Seating for each breakout session is on a first-come, first-served basis. A detailed schedule will be available the week before the Showcase.

Analysis, Evaluation, & Management

Jeffrey Berk, Chief Operating Officer, Knowledge Advisors | Bio

How to Measure Informal Learning and Engage Managers to Optimize On-the-Job Impact

The measurement of informal learning—such as social networks, performance support, and coaching—is on the rise. Measurement is important to help organizations determine informal learning's mix and place in relation to formal programs. When informal learning has a low impact, the root cause is often lack of manager support. Through a case study and short hands-on exercises, this session will address how to measure informal learning and increase manager support.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Consuela Shorter, Training Consultant, SilkRoad Technology | Bio

Leveraging Learning Technologies to Meet Business Objectives

In this session, you will learn how to use an LMS to deliver blended learning techniques that align with your organization’s strategic goals. I will share examples of how learning technologies have been used in the retail, corporate, and product service industries to increase customer loyalty, train frontline managers, and teach customers and end-users how to use products. We will discuss the overall business objective, the challenges presented in meeting the objective, the approach, and results. You will learn a realistic approach to ensuring learning and development an active voice in business strategy sessions

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Mark Steiner, President, mark steiner, inc. | Bio

Top 10 Ways to Make Your eLearning Project Successful

In this session, we will discuss the process of successfully creating elearning from both an instructional design and application development perspective. This session will be especially useful to elearning designers and developers, training consultants, and managers considering elearning. We will cover 10 important considerations related to the entire development process of an elearning project. I will reference real-world examples and address outcomes of NOT following the recommendations. Our topics will include client education, roles, technical requirements, milestones, deliverables, validation cycles, aspects of learning unique to the web, and more.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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Design

Dave Anderson, Community Manager, Articulate | Bio

Design Mapping Techniques for Better Rapid eLearning Courses

In today's economy, organizations are trying to find effective, efficient ways to bring their training online. Rapid elearning meets those needs. The tools are effective and fast to learn—they are generally easy to use and require no special programming skills. These applications also enable you to quickly create courses without giving up good design. In this session, Dave will explain the three core areas of elearning design and teach you practical ways to apply one or all of these design principles to your elearning courses.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Jenny Massoni, Associate Director & Global Head of Training, Astellas Pharma | Bio

Sue Weller, Senior Manager of Training & Development, Baxter | Bio

20 Really Easy, Really Cheap Ways to Add Interactivity to Your eLearning

Do you think that interactivity can be done with only flashy tools and lots of time? Or do you think incorporating multiple-choice questions alone adds interactivity? During this session, you will learn what makes an engaging elearning interaction. We will share examples that you can easily customize with your own content. Best yet, these interactions can be incorporated into any elearning software program, including PowerPoint. You will leave this session with examples, templates, and a commitment to creating highly interactive elearning that will keep your learners asking for more.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Greg Owen-Boger, Vice President, Turpin Communication | Bio

Down and Dirty Video: Engaging eLearning Video on a Budget

Often, the best way to convey concepts in elearning is to include video of the instructor or subject matter expert speaking directly to learners. Producing video can be a daunting task if you are not equipped with the know-how or the instructor is not at ease in front of the camera. This session will provide practical hands-on strategies for producing “talking head” videos on a budget. Topics will include developing and rehearsing a script, engaging learners and sounding conversational (and coaching others to do the same), and setting up a makeshift studio.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Jan Saillard, Senior Instructional Designer, Allstate | Bio

How to Create a Course from Short Self-Directed Learning Materials

Many organizations are creating self-directed education to meet learners’ requests for short online materials. But what if you also want to give learners the structure and support of a classroom? In this session, you will learn from Allstate’s journey of moving from a classroom-delivered coaching course to short self-directed pieces and finally to a virtual classroom without web conferencing or meeting times. Then, you will have the opportunity to apply the lessons learned to your own work. You will create a high-level design for a virtual course for your own organization and share your ideas with others.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Traci Weiss, Instructional Designer, The CARA Group | Bio

Creating Scenario-Based Learning Using Rapid eLearning Tools

More and more organizations want to use scenario-based elearning. Creating scenarios is challenging when the client's elearning technology does not easily support increased levels of interaction. However, it is possible to create scenario-based elearning in the confines of your client's elearning platform. In this session, I will share client scenarios, and we will brainstorm about ways to implement these scenarios in rapid elearning tools. Then, I will share the solutions designed or developed in Adobe Presenter (using Captivate), Articulate, and Lectora to meet the client's needs.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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Development/Authoring Tools

Mike Baron, Chief Storyteller, ProjectStory | Bio

Molly Heilmann, National Account Manager, Berkeley Training | Bio

Kathleen Fortney, Learning Strategist, Berkeley Training | Bio

A Dynamic Solution for Organizing and Presenting Your How-To Guides

"How do I do this?" It's a common refrain, even after users go through formal training. Most documentation is focused not on the user, but on the system or process, leaving learners lost and frustrated. When learning a new technology or procedure, users benefit from clearly illustrated workflow diagrams and step-by-step procedures. This documentation functions as a training resource and dynamic reference that can be updated in real time to reflect operational changes. After brief discussion of learning models and documentation methodology, participants will break into groups for an interactive online scavenger hunt that demonstrates the importance of easy-to-understand documentation.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Jeff Graunke, President, Graunke Consulting, Inc. | Bio

Creating Studio-Quality Audio on a Budget

Does the audio in your elearning sound like an AM radio broadcast? It doesn’t have to. In this session, you will learn how to create crisp, clear studio-quality audio that will improve your elearning projects. We will cover the audio recording and editing process step by step—including scripts, voice talent, microphones, free audio editing software, and recording tips and tricks gleaned through years of experience. It is easier than you think. In fact, we will record and edit awesome audio using audience members in this session. So bring your announcer voice.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Janet Gregory, President, Compass Performance Solutions, Inc. | Bio

Becky Lucas, President, Training Partners Plus, Inc. | Bio

Making It Work: Quality Assurance for eLearning Courses

Making sure your elearning courses function properly for your intended audience means focusing on three areas: 1) performing quality assurance of the courses as they are being developed, 2) testing the courses in their intended delivery formats, and 3) making sure your audience can access and play the courses. This session will walk you through incorporating these tasks into your course development process. You will also practice doing quality assurance and building test cases so that you have the skills needed to create elearning courses that work!

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Mike Kemmler, Instructional Design Manager, Huron Consulting Group | Bio

SCORM 101

In this session, we will start with the basics of the Sharable Content Object Reference Model, better known as SCORM. I will describe where SCORM came from, what it is, what requirements it must meet, and at a high level, how SCORM objects enhance an LMS. We will look at the different parts of SCORM: the overview, Content Aggregation Model, Run-Time Environment, and Sequencing & Navigation. To review the topic, we will view an example SCORM file generated by Articulate Presenter.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Christine O'Malley, Director of Creative Learning, Alliant Quality Partners | Bio

Using Variables in Lectora to Collect Information from Your Learners

Training is not an isolated event for the learner. Learners, instructors, training administrators, and managers must communicate before, during, and after a course—even on an elearning platform. For example, we might need to know answers that learners type or which steps they have completed. With Lectora, we can use variables to collect information from learners and then report it to those who need it. In this session, I will explain what variables are, how to create them, and how to program them to gather the information you need.

To practice during the session, bring a computer with Lectora Inspire or Publisher installed. A free 30-day trial is available here.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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LMS & Delivery

Marge Feely, President, Marquee Performance Consulting | Bio

The Devil Is in the Details: Technical Considerations for eLearning

Have you ever created an elearning module that was inaccessible because of technology? Maybe your audience did not have the correct player, your client’s LMS was incompatible, or your client’s version of the authoring tool was too old. Because of today’s need for rapid design, development, and deployment, we often default to tools that are readily available and easy-to-use. However, we sometimes forget about the details that can very easily derail any elearning project. In this session, Marge and attendees will share elearning technology challenges and workarounds.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Sarah Remijan, Manager of Club & District Training for the Leadership Education & Training Division, Rotary International | Bio

Webinars Made Easy

In this session, I will share what I have learned through trial and error in producing webinars. We will cover what to do before, during, and after a webinar, regardless of the software that you use. Topics will include preparation, physical setup for presenters and attendees, and how to work with external presenters. You will receive a copy of my Webinar Ready Checklist, which you can customize for your organization. And we will practice the presenter role for a webinar in GoToWebinar, using my computer or your own laptop.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Brian Richardson, President & CEO, Richardson Consulting Group, Inc. | Bio

Best Practices for LMS Selection and Implementation

Selecting and implementing a learning management system (LMS) is key for enterprise learning and development. Organizations with a successful LMS are able to accelerate elearning adoption, target learning to improve workforce performance, and measure the impact of learning on business results. Many organizations struggle with selecting the right LMS as well as with achieving the promised benefits. In this session, you will learn how to articulate the value of implementing an LMS and to follow best practices for selecting and implementing an LMS. Topics will include selection criteria, stakeholders, requests for proposals, vendor presentations, and scheduling and managing implementation.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Dawn Smith, Online Learning Expert, Mondo Learning Solutions | Bio

What’s Your Virtual Effect? Tips to Be More Successful in the Virtual Classroom

Today’s organizations report reduced travel cost and time and the ability to reach more employees faster as the driving forces behind increased use of virtual instructor-led training (VILT). For organizations to successfully meet learning objectives in this environment, an effective virtual facilitator and engaged participants are essential. In this session, you will learn several key tips and strategies to consider before facilitating your next VILT session. We will also explore challenges we face when using VILT, discuss ideas to meet these challenges, and cover common mistakes to avoid.

To help me tailor this session to your needs, share your VITL-related challenges and questions with me. Send me a message at AskVirtualVicki@mondolearning.com by August 8.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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Social/Collaborative Learning

Eric Sanders, Principal, OD Economist | Bio

Training via Online Discussions

Many facilitators are accustomed to guiding classroom discussions and reviewing written assignments. What happens when you combine those two activities? That is exactly what we are doing when we moderate online discussion forums, either as the primary component of an online course or as an addendum to a face-to-face course. In this session, I will share best practices on moderating threaded discussions. Then, we will set up and start to use a threaded discussion. Bring your ideas and online discussion issues so that we can have fun and learn together.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Keeley Sorokti, Instructional Technology Coordinator for Master's Program in Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University | Bio

Case Study: Creating a Collaborative Virtual Learning Community

How do you design and effectively manage collaborative virtual learning communities to teach working professionals? And do it by using low or no-cost technology like Google Apps, Ning, and Adobe Connect? For the past 3 years, the Master’s Program in Learning & Organizational Change at Northwestern University has met this challenge. During this session, we will share practices and insights on initiating self-directed learning, active reflection, and group collaboration among experienced professionals. Then, you will work with other session participants to design virtual collaborative activities that you can use in your own work environment.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Beth Wolfe, Hudson | Bio

Using Social Media to Lead Learners to Their "A-Ha!" Moment

Socratic questioning—typically referred to as "debriefing"—is a highly effective way of not only measuring whether your learners are getting it, but also helping them reach their "a-ha!" moment. While we recognize debriefing as a key facilitation tool in the classroom, how well does it translate to a virtual learning environment? In this session, we will revisit the questioning concept and look at how it fits within the virtual learning space. We will also have discussions and practice creating translatable questions using various social media tools.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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Mobile Learning

Nancy Munro, Founder & CEO, KnowledgeShift | Bio

Allison Black, Director of Client & Media Relations, KnowledgeShift | Bio

Matt Elwell, President & CEO, ComedySportz Theatre of Chicago | Bio

Voice Simulations + Humor = Engaging Learning Experiences

In this session, we will show you how to use interactive voice response (IVR), which enables learners to interact with a computer database, to create simulations for your mobile or online training programs. First, improv professionals will humorously demonstrate the importance of simulations. Next, we will show you when and when not to use simulation-based training. Then, you will help us build a voice simulation on the fly, and a volunteer will call the mobile simulator. Finally, we will playback the call and review what we have learned.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Ed Prentice, President, Centrax Corporation | Bio

Leveraging the Latest Technologies for Learning: Video, 3D, and Mobile Apps

How are we elearning experts supposed to keep up with the speed of light at which technology is rolling, and how can we leverage new technologies for the benefit of our learners? In this session, we will explore the benefits of bringing video and 3D animation to learning courses. We will also look at mobile technology, how it can best be used for elearning, and what the future of mobile learning looks like. Last, we will cover techniques for learning on tablet devices with video and animation and create a sales presentation with an iPad app.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Marty Rosenheck, Chief Learning Strategist & Vice President, Cedar Interactive | Bio

On-Demand Performance Support via Mobile Devices

The meteoric rise of mobile devices has created the opportunity for us to give performance support to people wherever they are. Mobile devices enable us to get the right content to the right person at the right time—the moment of need. In this session, we will discuss principles and guidelines for designing a mobile performance support strategy that includes knowledge capture, content curation and delivery, integration of social content, and analytics. You will see case studies that illustrate how various organizations have applied these principles and discuss how they might apply to your organization.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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Panel Session: 4 Brief Presentations in 1 Session

In this session, local professionals will describe challenges and successes of some of their recent elearning projects. These brief presentations will cover the main areas of elearning—from needs analysis to design, development, delivery, and evaluation.

Derek Blake, Director of Training & Development, PSAV | Bio

Case Study: Training 1200 Employees to Use a New CRM System in 8 Weeks with a Limited Budget (Analysis, Evaluation, & Management)

In this case study, the problem was that the project manager did not budget $1.5 million for external training. I will share the proposed solution with the allocated dollars ($70,000), the executive team pitch, objections, a demo of the training, and the results.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Brigitte Barrett-Johnston, Director of Curriculum, The Nielsen Company | Bio

Developing an eLearning Curriculum Plan—A Closer Look (Design)

I will show how the Nielsen Company has rapidly designed, developed, and deployed elearning to its global clients and employees. I will focus on a curriculum plan created for a global client using several elearning deployment options. Then, we will discuss methods for developing curriculum plans that meet clients' needs.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Kathleen Fortney, Learning Strategist, Berkeley Training | Bio

Katie Stangel, Manager, True Value University | Bio

Creating High-Impact eLearning in a Rapid Development Timeframe for a New Product Rollout (Development/Authoring Tools)

How do you create high-impact elearning with limited time and budget, multiple audiences, and the need for SME input? We will describe how we created a 15-minute elearning program for owners/managers and another for store employees to provide the tools needed to talk to customers about a new product line.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

Hadiya Nuriddin, Hadiya Nuriddin Performance Consulting | Bio

Training Trainers Online (LMS & Delivery)

The client for this project had subject matter experts teach 100% of the curriculum. Although the SMEs had experience facilitating, many struggled to teach the courses. Therefore, my team built a train-the-trainer course. I will share the blended solution that I designed and explain how we measured success.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to

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