Rod and I had the chance to go to Las Vegas last week for DevLearn 12.  Here are some of my top takeaways.

Tin Can API

Tin Can API (now called Experience API) is being called the next generation of SCORM. (And we learned at the conference that it may become the next generation of AICC as well.) It’s a new way to track learning experiences that extend beyond completing courses. Using a subject/verb/object model, Tin Can can track learning experiences such as “I read a book” or “I taught a course.” The full standard is expected to release in the Spring of next year, but it may takes years to fully change our mindsets, our designs, and our tools to really take advantage of what will be possible.  If you aren’t familiar with Tin Can, be sure to check it out.

Mobile: From Talking to Doing

I read an article in 2002 saying that mobile was “the next big thing.” Well, 10 years later we are finally there! There were more sessions on mobile than I’ve seen before, and it was the largest category in DemoFest. The other big difference between this year and past years is that the conversations weren’t just about what’s possible–they were about what people are actually doing. What was the tipping point? I believe it’s because there are mainstream tools finally available that let regular people (non-programmers) create courses that work across mobile platforms. Storyline came out in May with HTML5 output, and Captivate 6 did the same in June. (Lectora has always been mobile-friendly because of its HTML output.) If you aren’t familiar with HTML5 and what it means for e-learning, check out Judy Unrein’s great research report for the E-Learning Guild. (You must be a Guild member to access it.)

Lectora 11 Coming Soon

The official word on Lectora’s new release, version 11, is that it is “coming soon.” My guess is that we’ll have it by the end of the year. The completely redesigned interface uses the Office ribbon style for a more familiar authoring environment, easy integration with popular social media tools, and Tin Can API support.

Articulate Studio 13 Coming Next Year

Attendees also got to see a sneak peak of Studio 13. There’s no official word on a release date. If I had to put money on it (I was in Vegas after all), I’d guess second quarter of next year. This version of Studio will be Storyline-ized.  Many of the popular features of Storyline, such as HTML5 output, characters, Section 508 compliance, and freeform questions, are being incorporated into Studio. Find out more on the Articulate website.

DemoFest Winner!

We are pleased to announce that the course we developed for the Red Cross on how to run a disaster shelter won the DemoFest award in the Business Processes Course category. One of the ways I got my early e-learning training was to look at as many samples and demos as I could. So be sure to check out the E-Learning Guild’s webinar showcasing all the award-winning courses on November 28th from 10:30 – 12:00 Pacific time.

Raising Money for the Red Cross

The DemoFest award is bittersweet right now because of how much the Red Cross is unfortunately having to use that course. During a general session at the conference, we got a room full of over 1,000 people to make an on-the-spot $10 text message donation to the Red Cross, raising several thousand dollars in just a few minutes. Let’s keep it going! Please take a minute right now to text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make your own $10 donation. Special thanks to Heidi Fisk and David Holcombe of the Elearning Guild for making that happen.