“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.” ― Frank Zappa
We’re entering the time of year when many of us take a pause to reflect on the past year. Today I’m grateful for all the cool projects I’ve worked on this year, amazing people I’ve met at conferences and other events, and all of the smart, generous people who share what they know with others. Looking to kick off 2019, I’m *SUPER* excited to team up with speakers and facilitators from the UK and around the world at the Learning Technologies conference in February. If you’ll be there I’d love to see you! In the meantime, here are the best things of the week from the learning, design, and technology world. Cheers!
On Conference Proposal Rejections
One of the best things I’ve ever done is deciding to speak at conferences. Anyone who has ever submitted to speak has been on the receiving end of a rejection letter. Tracy Osborn (@limedaring) reminds us that it is ok and to just keep trying.
https://code.likeagirl.io/on-conference-proposal-rejections-205f7fead68
Forgetting to Remember
This article from the Learning Scientists blog by Althea Need Kaminske (@drsilverfox) is an interesting look at how forgetting – whether it’s caused by interference or decay – can actually HELP us remember. Forgetting helps you remember by presenting you with fewer options.
http://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2018/11/30-1
Kick*ss PowerPoints Are a Real Thing: Here’s How to Make Them
I am a big fan of PowerPoint. It is quite versatile and does so many things really well. This article by Kenny Li (@KennyMuLi) will give you some ideas for you to create a presentation worthy of everyone’s time.
Think of PowerPoint presentations as the video to your audio.
https://hackernoon.com/powerpoint-doesnt-suck-you-do-8ea0ae5b09a9
Are you ready to start the workplace learning analytics journey?
In a six-part series, Trish Uhl (@trishuhl) offers insight to L&D professionals on the components of a workplace learning analytics strategy. Part one looks at how to get started on your workplace learning analytics journey.
A Conversation About Designing Presentations with Adobe Tools
Mark Heaps (@lifebypixels) talks about designing presentations with Adobe tools and shares some great insights. After watching this you might want to start designing your slide decks with InDesign.
When you build projects that will be handed off to clients for updating we have to have a UX/UI mindset. It is not good enough to just make it look good, you have to build it the “right way”
https://www.pscp.tv/w/1YqKDyakwNwGV
Learning, Design & Technology Miscellany
A few other things just because I can.
Conference News
- Online Educa Berlin happened this week. Check out #OEB18
- The Irish Institute of Training & Development #IITD18 conference also took place.
- It is Computer Science Education week #csedweek is the hashtag for playing along at home.
- Looking for your next conference? I’ve added some new events recently to my global collection of L&D events.
Speaker Proposals:
- DUE TODAY! Canadian Elearning Conferences call for speakers is open through December 7th
- Content Marketing World speaking proposals are open until December 14th
- ICELW 2019 Call for Proposals is now open and the deadline is December 16th, 2018.
- HR Tech Conference – open until December 28th. Get the details here.
- EdMedia + Innovate Learning Call for Presentations and Papers is open through January 30th.
Design Resources
- Duo-toner – Choose the color you’d like to apply to an image then drag the image into the box below (or upload an image). Boom! Easy.
- 200+ Free Christmas Design Assets
Apps & Tools
- Snaggy – A super fast & easy way to share a screenshot without needing to download or install anything.
- The Affinity Designer 1.7 beta is now available
Books/Courses/Talks/Podcasts
- I’ll be giving a webinar next week for the Maryland ATD chapter on “Insider Secrets for Successful Elearning”
- Tune in to the Lightbulb Moment with Jo Cook (@lightbulbjo) as we talk about platform choices for #Webinars and #VirtualClassrooms
- The first 20 hours — how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman from TEDxCSU
- Nice collection of books and reports that describe research on the science of learning and provide practical tips for classroom teaching recommended by @RetrieveLearn
What I’m listening to
- Spotify just sent me this cool year in review thing that included my personal top 100 songs of 2018. (My top artists were Grammatik, Kygo and Ehrling in case your interested.)
Thanks for reading! If you found anything good, forward it to a friend or spread the word with a tweet.
Interested in the things that didn’t make the cut here? Follow me on Twitter or even better, subscribe to my newsletter.
I enjoy sharing my ideas and experience with corporate professionals via workshops, keynote presentations, podcasts, and webinars. Learn more in my Speaking and Workshop Information Sheet.
You can find me at these UPCOMING EVENTS:
- December 13th “Insider Secrets for Successful Elearning” ATD Maryland
- January 30th: Free Tools for eLearning Spotlight Elearning Guild Online Event
- February 4-6 ATD TechKnowledge, West Palm Beach, FL
- February 13-14 Learning Technologies, London, UK
- March 24-26: Learning Solutions, Orlando, FL
Mike Taylor 