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“Human beings are never gonna be perfect, Roy. The best we can do is to keep asking for help and accepting it when you can. And if you keep on doing that, you’ll always be moving towards better.”
— Higgins from “Ted Lasso”
I love traveling and we were lucky to wrap up the year with some time in Italy. I kinda bumped into my best Belgian friend at the Colosseum in Rome – talk about a small world! I’m not much for souvenirs, and the only thing I brought back was COVID. But no worries, I’m totally fine and fortunately my family managed to steer clear of it. Seems like I’m the “lucky” one, huh? I hope your last few weeks have been just as memorable (minus the COVID part, of course). Thanks for being part of my journey into 2024!
Thanks for reading!
🎶 What I’m Listening To
I may have shared this before. But either way, this week I’ve been listening to Chris James to start off the new year.
👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked
BrightCarbon – maker of BrightSlide and source of slide design wisdom
📰 News & Notes
Behavioral Scientist’s Notable Books of 2023
Like marketing, behavioral science is a field rich with valuable insights. The Behavioral Scientist’s list of notable books from 2021 offers a diverse and intriguing selection that covers various aspects of behavioral science. These books are a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the complexities of human behavior and the countless ways in which our understanding of ourselves and the world around us can be enriched.
🎯 Take away: This booklist is a goldmine for delving into the multifaceted wonders of human behavior.
What is Dual Coding?
Alan Paivio formulated the concept of Dual Coding to enhance learning by combining visual and verbal elements. This approach engages both the phonological loop (verbal information) and the visuospatial sketchpad (visual information) that tap into the brain’s dual processing capabilities. Using Dual Coding has several benefits, including improved comprehension, better memory retention and increased student engagement. In practice, educators can apply this approach by using diagrams, graphic organizers, and interactive technology to create a dynamic and effective learning experience. However, it’s essential to balance visuals and text to avoid overuse or redundancy, leading to better learning outcomes.
🎯 Take away: Leveraging the power of both visual and verbal learning, dual coding enhances comprehension and boosts retention.
From blurry to brilliant: Neuroscience reveals the best virtual backgrounds for sales presentations
In this video, Dr. Carmen Simon discusses the results of a neuroscience study that suggests using blurry backgrounds in virtual sales presentations can increase audience attention and memory, whereas fake backgrounds can have the opposite effect. Real backgrounds, on the other hand, can be effective when addressing experts or for emphasizing a brand. The question is, will you change the type of background you use now?
🎯 Take away: In the virtual world, a blurry background is not a sign of a fuzzy strategy but a clear path to keeping your audience focused and engaged.
If you’re an L&D professional, visit the Learning Hub and LEVEL UP your eLearning skills with free resources! Topics include instructional design tips, harnessing your learning analytics, developing custom eLearning, and online training concepts.
🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.
Quiz Maker
Create a quiz about anything from everything
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Cool GPTs
A curated collection of best GPTs on OpenAI
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🎧 Podcast
This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.
How does AI impact our working lives? Dr Philippa Hardman
A look at the tangible effects of these new technologies with Dr Philippa Hardmanwho breaks down the adoption of artificial intelligence, who should lead the uptake, and the biggest opportunities and threats to the education sector.
🧳 Where’s Mike?
- ATD ICE, New Orleans May 19-22, 2024
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical we should talk.
sponsored
4 Amazing Compliance Resources
Compliance training is at the heart of any organization’s risk management system. That’s why it should be done efficiently. But how? Find all the answers in these expert resources from iSpring:
- Compliance Training for Employees 101: Making the Mandatory Interesting
- Employee Safety Training: How to Take It Online
- How to Create Branching Scenarios for eLearning
- Online Course on Fire Safety
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Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.
Mike Taylor 