As we all know, learning is a fluid process that happens all the time, and there are many more metrics and much more data to capture regarding a learner’s experience which can inform and provide context to his or her learning environment. For over a decade, SCORM standards and specifications have been at the heart of web-based e-learning. These standards have served their purpose and were well suited to technology of the day, but they fail to capture the bigger picture. SCORM only really measures outcomes in formal learning. But that’s it. The dawn of logic and intelligent standards. MORE >>

For those that attended the recent Learning Technologies Exhibition you may have have seen one of our seminars debating the pro’s and cons of looking to videogames to provide an example for increasing engagement in Learning and development. In previous posts I have attempted to provide an overview of what the term means, but the problem is that gamification can actually be quite hard to define. In the last few weeks at Saffron Interactive there has been a lot of talk about gamification. We also developed a new mobile assessment game based on the Bribery Act. MORE >>

The more realistic and plausible the choices are at each decision point, the better the opportunities to provide performance-improving feedback. This style of e-learning design works particularly well when there’s a skill to be learnt and hence the game provides a safe environment in which to practise. I’ll start with a shameless plug: Learning Technologies 2012, conference and exhibition, takes place on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th of this month at Olympia – and I’d love you to come and visit us on stand 33. See also last year’s blog from Alex. MORE >>

While the idea should be based around the subject matter, using metaphors and indirect associations can often provide the most attention grabbing results. Creating original graphics for an e-learning course can be a challenging task, particularly when anything that’s created has to comply with strict branding guidelines. An engaging graphic environment is essential for an interesting and successful learning experience. Read on for our top five tips for achieving this. Work on the concept. strong concept is a must for any design. Explore different technologies. Make it unique. MORE >>

Saffron’s Nick Simons often repeats that you can’t change behaviour unless you can provide people with incentives or disincentives for doing so. But if people aren’t simply driven by their rational self interest, then it could be that we can change behaviour even when we can’t provide a Pavlovian reward or punishment. For the last few hundred years, a simple assumption has dominated thinking about human nature: when faced with a set of choices, people make the one that’s most likely to serve their personal interests. Less is more. MORE >>