The eLATED Blog

Our May eLATED 2011 Event: Using Next Generation Technology To Create Learning On Demand

Using Next Generation Technology To Create Learning On Demand: edCentra Training - May 12, 4 pm

This session will explore current trends in web technology and their influence on how people access content. Google(r) and similar search engines may very well be the best eLearning system ever created, and certainly one of the most efficient content management systems. The 'search engine' has changed how people learn and their expectations on being able to access content when they need it. As the amount of information grows and our access to it becomes easier, the need to structure content and make it intelligent so that it can be understood by machines becomes critical. What happens when you take the paradigm of the search engine, combine next generation cloud computing technology and use 'intelligent content' as your base? A very powerful engine for supporting learning on demand that uses the most ubiquitous platform in our world today - the Internet. Come and explore the future of learning!

About the Speaker

Reuben Tozman is the CLO and founder of edCetra Training, a Toronto based learning services organization. Mr. Tozman received his Masters degree in Educational Technology from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and has worked as an instructional designer, a project manager, consultant, and product manager within a variety of organizations. He began his own company within the learning services industry that quickly gained recognition for its ability to implement true single-sourcing strategies. Reuben has worked in conjunction with a variety of organizations including post secondary education, retail, manufacturing, IT, pharmaceutical, and government among others. Mr. Tozman currently sits on a technical committee with the LETSI organization, was a former member with the OASIS subcommittee on implementing DITA for Learning Content and was a former Board of Directors member of CeLEA. Mr. Tozman is a regular speaker at industry events and was most recently asked to be a contributing author to Michael Allen's eLearning Annual.

Enterprise Social Media - Four Seasons and Redwood Share Their Story: Notes from the Jan 20/11 eLATED

Last month we gathered for an engaging and informative case study illustrating key points to consider when contemplating and implementing a social network in business.  Lydia Sani from Redwood e-Learning led off with a look at Boost, Redwood’s own social media platform. This set the stage for Chetna Patel from Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts to share her experience over the past year implementing the platform for use by their food services managers at locations across the globe. 

From building a strong business case, having clear objectives, and selling the case for social media within the enterprise as a key first step to implementation issues such as incentives to encourage use and key learnings such as the power of user-generated video - Chetna provided a frank and articulate summary of a successful informal learning initiative.

As usual, conversation and discussion followed downstairs at the Boiler House with refreshments courtesy of our sponsor.  Information on our next event to be held March 31st will be posted soon.

Please come out and join us then.

eLATED Summer Social: This Thursday, July 15 at 5 pm, The Distillery District

Summer's here and the time is right for our annual Summer Social:

eLATED Summer Social: eLearning Network and Catchup Event
5 pm Thursday, July 15
The Boiler House Restaurant
The Distillery District
Toronto, ON

Please come out to network, exchange and catch up with your eLATED community.

RSVP not required to attend, but please view www.elated.ca for a listing of our activities, past, present and future.

KPMG Job Postings (3)

Position 1

 

Manager of Global Learning Systems

 

Do you want to be part of a dynamic team? You can make an impact by joining KPMG.

About KPMG International and the Global Resource Centre

 

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services, operating in 144 countries with over 137,000 people and with global revenues in 2008 of more than $22billion.

 

It is a matrix organization and for each key area of Service Category, Industry sector or Infrastructure area, there is typically a separate Global, Regional and National Leadership structure.

 

KPMG International works at the global level and sets strategy, ensures global consistency and provides expertise to support member firms in the achievement of their business and Employer of Choice objectives. A decision to centralize many of the resources within KPMG International has led to the set-up of the Global Resource Centre in Toronto, which will focus on the provision of Global Marketing & Communications, Learning & Development, Risk, Finance and IT.

 

About the Global Learning and Development team

 

A core strategic focus for KPMG International is attraction, recruitment, development and retention of the best professionals in their respective teams, worldwide. Professional development is central to the firm’s Employer of Choice strategy and to achieving critical business results. The purpose of the Global L&D team is to promote greater collaboration and consistency in learning and development efforts at the functional, regional and member firm level, bringing them together into one cohesive and integrated global learning organization. 

 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

 

The Manager of Global Learning Systems will be responsible for implementing and deploying global technology-based learning systems and processes, including the Adobe Virtual Classroom solution, a learning management system, and a learning content management platform.

To follow best practices for the effective use of eLearning, and support the goal of embedding the use of the virtual classroom in member firms across the world. This will result in a highly successful platform that is fully adopted and appropriately used to support the new and exciting business direction, which includes high growth areas that drive the need for new skills for our professionals, and the ability to “rapidly retool” them on a global basis.

 

To be successful, the incumbent must be an expert in technology based learning, as well as being able to effectively support member firms and regions, building strong, collaborative relationships around the world.

 

Additional responsibilities will include:

 

Implementation of Virtual Classroom learning technology projects and maintenance of the platform

·        Initiate VC learning technology projects to support a blended learning strategy.

·        Manage global resources/funding for global VC solution.

·        Liaise with Global ITS

·        Maintain project plans, establish, document and communicate processes and procedures.

·        Support the team (internal and external) that provides systems training

·        Lead the change management programs that support effective use and high adoption of the VC environment.

·        Provide guidance to the overall administration of the platform so that appropriate standard operating procedures are adopted which will ensure effective content, bandwidth, session and user management. This includes potential integration with multiple LMS systems around the world.

 

Implementation of other eLearning technologies

·        Conduct R&D on best practices for LMS & LCMS systems and solutions; participate in building the business case

·        Participate in vendor selection process

·        Create and maintain project related documentation

·        Implement and deploy selected tools and process

 

Maintain an in-depth understanding of current trends, systems, technologies and practices

·        Perform ongoing research through literature searches, tapping into internal and external networks of subject matter experts and participating in relevant industry conferences

·        Determine and communicate optimal ways to implement best practices for use of the virtual classroom within KPMG.

 

Develop, maintain and expand effective working relationships with the international global learning community

·        Understand other cultures and their nuances, communicating effectively and respectfully.

·        Indentify and work to get buy in from key eLearning stakeholders

·        Actively listen, regularly seeking feedback on the effectiveness of service delivery.

·        Engage in planning to ensure adequate VC learning systems support for the Functions (Audit, Advisory, Tax) and regions (ASPAC, EMA, Americas).

·        Build eLearning adoption in the Functions, consistent with industry benchmarks (e.g., consumption of technology based learning solutions is 30% of overall learning for the assigned function; the function actively uses the appropriate current solutions such as virtual classroom, WBT, etc.).

 

Promote an “Employer of Choice” environment

·        Coach and mentor peers and support an environment that promotes highly motivated individuals and overall job satisfaction.

·        Instil high performing team environment, eliciting high employee engagement and open communication.

 

THE SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS:

The successful candidate will possess the following experience, skills and behaviours:

·        8+ years of professional experience in hands-on development and implementation of e-learning tools with strong emphasis on the  virtual classroom application within a large, complex corporate environment, with global scope preferable

·        In-depth understanding of learning systems infrastructure, with a specialty in the Adobe VC platform (knowledge of other systems is required including, but not limited to: LMS systems, other virtual classroom platforms such as Centra and Webex, learning content delivery and standards, mobile learning .etc

·        Above average technical skills in MS Office, MS Project, Visio, SPSS, Sharepoint and other collaboration software, HTML, XML

·        Strong technology infrastructure knowledge (e.g., servers, networking, middleware, reporting architecture, and technology standards such as SCORM, AICC, and web services standards).

·        Ability to collaborate with a network of diverse internal and external colleagues, subject matter experts and business leaders.

·        Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and presentations to senior audiences

·        Proven track record in using impact and influencing skills.

·        Experience working in a matrix environment

·        Analytical, interpretative and constructive thinking with some unstructured aspects

·        Undergraduate degree is required; master’s level in a relevant field desirable e.g. Distance Learning

·        English; second language highly desirable

·        Willingness to travel internationally 20-30% of the time

 

Position 2

 

Global Learning Systems Administrator

 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

 

The Global Learning Systems Administrator is responsible for providing site and system administration and maintenance for global technology-based learning systems and processes, including the Adobe Virtual Classroom solution, a learning management system, and a learning content management platform. They will also be responsible for training and supporting local/regional administrators in member firms. 

 

To be successful, the incumbent must be an expert in the support of technology based learning, as well as being able to effectively support member firms and regions, building strong, collaborative relationships around the world. This will result in a highly successful platform that is fully adopted and appropriately used to support the new and exciting business direction, which includes high growth areas that drive the need for new skills for our professionals, and the ability to “rapidly retool” them on a global basis.

 

Additional responsibilities will include:

 

Site administration and maintenance

·        Maintain and administer all globally hosted elearning tools. 

·        Key maintenance point of contact for vendors on externally hosted systems

·        Effectively build and facilitate sessions to train system administrators worldwide.

·        Establish, document and communicate system processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials.

·        Coordinate worldwide network of VC system administrators.

·        Support content managers as needed

·        Coordinate events and manage bandwidth

·        Monitor use of the VC platform, ensuring that standard operating procedures are being used and provide reporting (bandwidth, users etc.)

·        Audit and adjust processes to ensure process and data integrity for VC system content management, users, user access/permissions levels, bandwidth and session management, etc. This includes managing a complex structure of sites and sub sites by lines of business and geography

 

Maintain an in-depth understanding of current trends, systems, technologies and practices

·        Participate in vendor selection process

·        Provide input on and communicate optimal ways to implement best practices for administration of the virtual classroom within KPMG.

 

Develop, maintain and expand effective working relationships with the international global learning community

·        Understand other cultures and their nuances, communicating effectively and respectfully.

·        Actively listen, regularly seeking feedback on the effectiveness of service delivery.

·        Participate in project planning to ensure adequate VC learning systems support for the Functions (Audit, Advisory, Tax) and regions (ASPAC, EMA, Americas).

·        Appropriately escalate issues in a timely fashion

 

Support the implementation of other eLearning technologies

·        Participate in project planning and implementation for LMS & LCMS systems and solutions

·        Participate in vendor selection process

·        Create and maintain administration guides and manuals

·        Providing operational support to all eLearning systems

 

Promote an “Employer of Choice” environment

·        Coach and mentor peers and support an environment that promotes highly motivated individuals and overall job satisfaction.

·        Instil high performing team environment, eliciting high employee engagement and open communication.

 

THE SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS:

The successful candidate will possess the following experience, skills and behaviours:

·        5+ years of professional experience in the administration of a virtual classroom application within a large, complex corporate environment, with global scope. Administration experience must be in the context of a complex technical environment with multiple LMS integrations, and the use of data feeds in and out of other systems

·        3+ years experience writing administrator training and standard operating procedures and auditing for system and process integrity

·        Strong understanding of learning systems infrastructure and functionality, with a specialty in the Adobe VC platform (knowledge of other systems is required including, but not limited to: LMS systems, other virtual classroom platforms such as Centra and Webex, learning content delivery and standards, ability to understand up and coming technological trends and their potential impact on KPMG’s use of eLearning)

·        Exceptional platform skills and ability to facilitate learning in the virtual classroom.

·        High level of skill using all Adobe VC features, with strong emphasis on those related to system administration, back office functionality and data feeds.

·        Intermediate level of skill in specifying required reports, with basic level of skill in writing queries.

·        Above average technical skills in MS Office, MS Project, Visio, SPSS, Sharepoint and other collaboration software, HTML, XML

·        Solid technology infrastructure knowledge (e.g., servers, networking, middleware, reporting architecture, and technology standards such as SCORM, AICC, and web services standards).

·        Ability to collaborate with a network of diverse and often virtual internal and external colleagues, subject matter experts and business leaders in order to build collaborative teams and achieve results

·        Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and presentations to senior audiences.

·        Proven track record in using impact and influencing skills.

·        Undergraduate degree in a relevant field is required

·        English; second language highly desirable

·        Willingness to travel internationally 10% (or less) to establish working relationships face-to-face

 

Position 3

 

Global Learning Systems Training Lead

 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

 

The Global Learning Systems Training Lead will be responsible for enabling Subject Matter Experts to become excellent virtual facilitators. To embed best practice into the development of materials by global/regionally/local facilitators onglobal technology-based learning systems and processes, starting with the Adobe Virtual Classroom solution followed by a learning management systems and a learning content management platform. To train and support local/regional administrators in member firms. 

 

This individual will also implement blended training best practices train facilitators to make the virtual classroom highly immersive. This will result in a highly successful platform that is fully adopted and appropriately used to support the new and exciting business direction, which includes high growth areas that drive the need for new skills for our professionals, and the ability to “rapidly retool” them on a global basis.

 

Additional responsibilities will include:

 

Design, develop and deliver blended learning solutions

·        Work with content developers on all steps of ADDIE (Analysis Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate), with emphasis on blended eLearning solutions.

·        Provide best-in-class virtual facilitation techniques and training to instructors

·        Administer and track progress toward eLearning certifications, providing coaching and assessment for the completion of certifications.

·        Participate in vendor selection and contracting, building positive, effective partnerships.

·        Implement and support train-the-trainer programs

 

Design and deliver change management solutions

·        Analyze the sources of change resistance.

·        Develop action plans that including training, change management and communications.

 

Maintain an in-depth understanding of current trends, systems, technologies and practices

·        Perform ongoing research through literature searches, tapping into internal and external networks of subject matter experts and participating in relevant industry conferences

·        Determine and communicate optimal ways to implement best practices for use of the virtual classroom within KPMG.

 

Develop, maintain and expand effective working relationships with the international global learning community

·        Understand other cultures and their nuances, communicating effectively and respectfully.

·        Indentify and work to get buy in from key eLearning stakeholders

·        Actively listen, regularly seeking feedback on the effectiveness of service delivery.

·        Engage in planning to ensure adequate VC learning systems support for the Functions (Audit, Advisory, Tax) and regions (ASPAC, EMA, Americas).

·        Build eLearning adoption in the Functions, consistent with industry benchmarks (e.g., consumption of technology based learning solutions is 30% of overall learning for the assigned function; the function actively uses the appropriate current solutions such as virtual classroom, WBT, etc.).

 

Promote an “Employer of Choice” environment

·        Coach and mentor peers and support an environment that promotes highly motivated individuals and overall job satisfaction.

·        Instill high performing team environment, eliciting high employee engagement and open communication.

 

THE SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS:

The successful candidate will possess the following experience, skills and behaviours:

·        5+ years of professional experience in the following:

·        Designing, developing and delivering eLearning solutions across diverse modalities (WBT, virtual classroom, performance support, wikis, podcasts, mobile learning, etc.);

·        Facilitating highly interactive, media rich virtual classroom sessions of all sizes

·        3 years experience in change management analysis, solution development and implementation

·        Excellent ability to facilitate engaging virtual training

·        Learning needs analysis and design and an eLearning context

·        Certification program development and management

·        Exceptional platform skills in a virtual environment, including engaging and managing multicultural audiences

·        Strong level of skill in creating eLearning content (graphics, multimedia, learning objects, etc.)

·        Solid understanding of learning systems infrastructure, with a specialty in the Adobe VC platform (knowledge of other systems is required including, but not limited to: LMS systems, other virtual classroom platforms such as Centra and Webex, learning content delivery and standards, mobile learning .etc

·        Above average technical skills in MS Office, MS Project, Visio, SPSS, Sharepoint and other collaboration software, HTML, XML

·        Technology infrastructure knowledge (e.g., servers, networking, middleware, reporting architecture, and technology standards such as SCORM, AICC, and web services standards).

·        Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and presentations to senior audiences.

·        Proven track record in using impact and influencing skills

·        Experience working in a matrix environment

·        Undergraduate degree is required; master’s level in a relevant field desirable e.g. Distance Learning

·        Willingness to travel internationally 10% or less

KPMG is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals.

Interested candidates: Please send resume to rarora1@kpmg.ca or apply directly: www.kpmg.ca/careers

Job Posting: Content Developer

The recruitment team at TrainingFolks is seeking a Content Developer to work on a short-term contract with one of Canada's top employers.  As a top training firm in North America, we select projects that will peak our resources’ interest, and will ideally help our teams expand their skill-set.

Position: Content Developer
Location: Downtown Toronto
Duration: May 3rd 2010 - end of October 2010 (Interviewing immediately)
Must have: Auth. tools experience
Desired: Lectora

The client is looking for someone who is well-versed in e-learning training tools and is familiar with the production side of things.

If you are a qualified ‘fit’ for this role, please send your resume to Ashley Sprogis at asprogis@trainingfolks.com. If you do not meet all the requirements listed, but would like to refer someone please contact us regarding our referral program. 

Next eLATED: CeLEA - Canadian eLearning Enterprise Alliance, Thursday March 25

We are pleased to announce our next event will be held on Thursday March 25, 2010. It will be facilitated and sponsored by CeLEA, Canada’s national elearning industry organization, dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the commercial elearning sector.

It is expected to be another popular event and details on topic, format and sign-up will be forthcoming. It again will be held at The Boiler House restaurant in The Distillery District, Toronto.  Hope to see you out.

Look at that @CodeBaby Character! Recent January eLATED Event

We were honoured to have Jeff Brooks and Audrey Dalton travel all the way from Colorado Springs to present to the eLATED community. The presentation was engaging and entertaining with lots of opportunities to see how companies are using CodeBaby in their e-learning.

 

Learning Theory

The theory of avatars for learning and in the workplace has largely been developed by Byron Reeves at Stanford.

 The Software

 The product that allows you to create and edit characters is called, Production Studio.

CodeBaby characters built in Production Studio can be used in virtually any course authoring tool, as the CodeBaby character can be imported as a .swf file. This format is ubiquitous and can be imported to any course authoring tool such as Flash, Captivate, Lectora, Articulate, etc.

 They can be utilized in content that is posted on an LMS, an online LMS such as Moodle or offline (CD-ROMs).

 Avatars can be switched easily. An “auto-lipsynch” feature accelerates development and is also helpful when releasing the same course in different languages as the auto-lipsynch feature will automatically make adjustments.

 There are a library of stock characters that have 300+ existing moves. Characters can be customized by yourself or for more extensive customizations, CodeBaby can customize a character. You can have an avatar wear your uniform and make specific movements or you can have a totally custom character built to look like your CEO.

 Audio is KEY to a good production and good results. Some companies have built their own studios.

 EXAMPLES

 Example 1 – Taco Bell Customer Service

 Taco Bell created customer service training for its front-line staff.

Taco Bell used CodeBaby avatars to train over 150,000 staff. Simply saving 15% on travel, Taco Bell estimates they save $1.4 million per training hour.

The background used was an existing mock-up of a Taco Bell restaurant that the developers got from their engineering dept.

Example 2 – Telstra Telecommunications

Created a character called “Lily” which was used in their training for 40,000 employees. The training was instructing employees on how to engage with social media. A “comic book” look was developed in Flash and the CodeBaby character was imported.

Example 3 - Cyber Security Training for the US Air Force

Tier 1 built a cyber-security training module using branching scenarios with avatars, including some credible authority figures.

In this course the learner interacts with the Codebaby characters

Layering with images and video can be an effective way of developing e-learning around your CodeBaby character. There are no real limits except those of the authoring tool you select. Production studio allows you to create backgrounds for your avatar. You can also use Green Screen if you want to have video behind your avatar.

Panning, close-ups, cuts are all available when you create in Production Studio.

Soft-skills Training

Soft-skills training is very effective with CodeBaby characters. It is better and easier to model behaviour than actual humans. The messaging/instruction coming from a CodeBaby character will always be totally standardized, unlike a team of trainers.

 Example 4 – BF Goodrich Sales Training

 BF Goodrich increased sales by 8% based on the training they took that featured CodeBaby characters.

 Example 5 – Grant Thornton Organizational Change

 Grant Thornton used CodeBaby characters in their training for an auditing system change. The training went out to 12,000 auditors in 12 countries. The CodeBaby characters kept their interest for the entire length of the training.

 Humour was used to good effect in this training.Several characters were used including a host, an experienced expert and a newer employee.

 
 

  Q+A

 

1. Mobile Learning? There’s nothing to prevent CodeBaby characters to be used in mobile learning, as long as your phone runs .flv files. Not many companies have gone this way so far, but some are moving in this direction now.

2. Bandwidth? About the same as running video.

3. Logos? Can be added. Only cost a few hundred dollars for that customization.

4. Props? There are a library of stock props for use. You can do your own small customizations or CodeBaby can do larger ones.

5. Used in Education? Yes. Some higher ed, some high school and some elementary. Each has its own considerations and uses.

6. Price? Sold per computer, not per person.

 

 

First eLATED of 2010 - CodeBaby, Jan 28

We are pleased to announce that our next event will be held on Thursday January 28, 2010, faciliated and sponsored by CodeBaby.

Details on topic, format and sign-up will be forthcoming. It will be held again at The Boiler House restaurant in The Distillery District, Toronto.  Hope to see you out.

Instructional Designer Contract Opportunity

We have been contacted by a recruiter for the following Instructional Designer contract opportunity with a financial institution in Western New York:

This role assists the Finance Transformation Program (FTP).  The ideal candidate will have the web design background in a technical sense and then the E-Learning and training background from a functional perspective.  The “Must Haves” for this position are DreamWeaver-highest priority, Flash-Intermediate, well versed with MS applications-Essbase and Smartview are bonuses, Robo help or Adobe experience and Captivate.  A “Huge” plus would be any experience with eLearning Design and proven Instructional Design experience in previous roles.  Any banking or financial background is huge plus as well.

The day to day responsibilities are to assist the Instructional Design for creating eLearning courses for the FTP these classes will be used to teach internal endusers.  Coding and developing the courses for the eLearning system with Flash and Dreamweaver and robo help and MS applications on a day to day basis.  Using Web design in creating courses.  Working with team and management to train on courses and share eLearning design.  Moving the created courses into the web wand and enhancing the modules so providing the appropriate code and steps to make this possible.  

This position is a 3-6 month contract opportunity and based in Buffalo New York.

For further information, please contact directly:

Jay Michael Coleman
TECHNICAL RECRUITER
171 SULLY'S TRAIL, SUITE #102,
ROCHESTER, NY 14534

800.560.2046  T 585.249.8018
F 585.249.8090  M 716.903.9470