Designing the program is only the beginning - data are even more valuable in enabling you to consistently improve your learning programs. This week, we’ll discuss the “red meat”: Implementation, data analysis, and program improvement. Baseline Assessment Once you have completed your program design, start the implementation phase by taking a baseline assessment. This means using the tools and measurements you have identified to assess your target audience’s current status and performance - and your organization’s status and performance. While this can be frustrating, it is an opportunity. MORE >>

After reading this book, you'll never be able to make boring eLearning again. Post from: The eLearning Coach Are you a gamification wizard? Play the game. Book Reviews Reviews MORE >>

Social Learning is a term that is rapidly spreading throughout the learning and performance field. It’s also a phrase that is on the verge of being completely perverted by the same community. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big believer in the natural learning that occurs through social interactions. also think it’s wonderful that our profession is starting to focus more on the learning that naturally takes place within the day-to-day activity of the workplace. It’s just that, quite frankly, we’re screwing it up. What Exactly Is Social Learning? It’s a logical conclusion. MORE >>

Karl Kapp’s new book “The Gamification of Learning and Instruction” launched this week – I was able to preview the book. It’s available on the ASTDBook store and Amazon. Make sure to use your Chapter Code when ordering the book to support your local ASTD Chapter - the Houston ASTD Code is CH7032. From the book - The engagement achieved through games means that gamification is a concept that needs to be a part of every learning professional's tool box. The four themes in the book are: 1. Research and theoretical basis for the use of games and game-based thinking. This is a arcade game. MORE >>

Social media has made me better at my job. Through networks I’ve built online, I’ve developed new relationships, learned new skills and built a group of people who are always available to provide feedback and resources. With a global economy and tough competition in every sector, corporations struggle to do more with less – and social networks are an opportunity to unlock learning at an infinite scale. When I work with businesses to assist them in developing learning and development programs, I am shocked to discover how many organizations are stuck in an old-fashioned mindset. MORE >>