Benchmarking Survey - Teaching Computer Programming Skills
By Bryan Chapman | May 1, 2008
Hi all;
It’s survey time again. Do you teach computer programming skills where you work? If you do, please download the following survey (Word format), answer the questions, and return to me as soon as possible.
Click Here… to download the survey
Everyone who participates in the survey will receive a free benchmark.
We are gathering best practice information on how computer programming skills are taught inside organizations and trying to answer the following questions:
1. Do you expect all employees to have a full array of programming skills when they walk through the door, or do you provide structured courses to teach specific programming skills?
2. If so, what areas do you focus on?
3. Do you create the training inhouse or buy training from a 3rd party provider?
4. Do you use e-learning to teach programming skills or are they most often taught in a classroom?
5. Finally, if you are using some good courses, can you tell us which ones are the best.
Again, everyone benefits from this level of benchmarking because we can all learn something from each other. Think how powerful it would be to know (1) what technical areas companies focus on most, (2) the mix of e-learning vs. classroom, and (3) receive a list of the courses that companies use the most.
The deadline for submission is May 16th, but we welcome your submission after the fact.
Please feel free to pass along the survey to someone else in your company if they may be in a better position to answer the questions. You can be assured that your company information or your own contact information will not appear in the benchmarking report. All the results will be tallied and summarized (so you can’t tell which company the information is coming from).
We will send around the benchmarking results by the end of May. Thanks!
Topics: Benchmarking Surveys, Learning Industry Statistics | No Comments »
How do you track performance in your organization?
By Bryan Chapman | April 1, 2008
performance tracking
Originally uploaded by bchapman_utah
I spoke to a group last week on how to maximize the use of learning management system (LMS) functionality for tracking performance. During the webinar, I asked the audience what primary method they use for centrally tracking performance data. Here are the results (see graphic).
15% are still keeping important performance data in paper-based format, tucked away in filing cabinets. I told the story in the webinar about a pharmaceutical company that used this technique and when it came audit time, they didn’t have all the necessary files to meet compliance and were subsequently fined.
17% hand code this information into spreadsheet or Word tables (perhaps their own database configuration). This makes things a bit better, but still is a very labor intensive process to monitor and groom on a regular basis.
33% are already using specific HR tools to keep performance data; the most common being an automated system used to conduct annual performance reviews. Other tools used include HRIS software designed to track competencies, compensation management, etc.
26% are using their LMS for this task. One of the main messages of the webinar is that we can all do more with existing LMS functionality to meet performance management needs. For example, many companies use their LMS to launch and track learning events, but what about tracking assigned, on-the-job training tasks (OJT)? This is an excellent way to track performance. Also, many LMS tools have built in 360 degree assessment tools and/or annual performance review utilities that are often underutilized in LMS implementations.
Finally, 9% of the attendees have an integrated Talent Management system in place merging LMS and HR functionality into a single, integrated software solution. I think the surprise here is that industry gurus have been predicting the convergence of learning and Talent Management now for several years. It’s happening, but at a very slow rate.
Please feel free to use this information in any of your presentation. Just be sure to quote the source.
If you’d like to see an archived version of the webinar, click here.
Topics: Talent Management | 2 Comments »
How much talent management functionality do you really need in an LMS?
By Bryan Chapman | March 14, 2008
I have been traveling to many locations, teaching workshops on “Optimizing Your Learning Strategy.” I have been asking folks around the world about their plans to integrate more talent management functionality with their learning environment. In short, I’m not seeing many takers out there. Everyone seems to like the idea, but quickly realize it takes a whole lot more than just acquiring some technology to make it happen. What it takes is strategic discussions between Human Resources (HR) and Training; and not just surface level discussion about competencies. In fact, it is becoming increasingly clear to me that when an HR person says the word “competency,” they have a completely definition than when a training developer says the same word.
Even the phrase “Performance Management” isn’t universally translated across both HR and Training.
This has been an area of great interest to me, ever since I cornered a group of HR folks and trainers at an ASTD conference (a couple of years back) and asked them a simple question: Who owns performance management in your company? This was followed by a heated debate about who defines performance, who measures it, how it is measured, etc. During the discussion, even groups beyond HR and Training, such as lines of business and Sr. Management have roles in the process as well. So, in short, how can one group adequately make a cohesive, strategic, performance management plan without involving the others?
This has been a topic of great interest to me.
I’d like to invite you to join a webinar where I will be talking about this exact issue, answering questions about how to build a plan and utilize existing LMS functionality to meet the need; but also how to assess when you might want to consider using additional technology for the process. I’m looking forward to what the audience participates tell us about their needs as well.
Come join in. Here’s the details:
LMS Reality Check: How Much Talent Management Functionality Do You Really Need in an LMS?
Date: Friday, March 28, 2008
Time: 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time; 12:00 p.m. Central; 11:00 a.m. Mountain; 10:00 a.m. Pacific
Presenter: Bryan Chapman, Chief Learning Strategist, Chapman Alliance, a Brandon Hall Research Associate
Click here to register.
…or for more information, visit http://www.netdimensions.com/webinars/bryanchapman.php
Topics: Talent Management, Trends | 2 Comments »
Bryan Chapman Podcast about Single Sourcing
By Bryan Chapman | March 12, 2008
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m working on several projects that focus on the concept of create once, use many times, especially across different learning formats such as lesson plans, student manuals, ILT PowerPoint slides, online learning, m-learning, etc. If you have a moment, you may be interested in checking out the following podcast on the topic of single-sourcing.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
During the podcast, I comment on trends and common observations on these projects and provide tips for preparing for single sourcing. I think this trend will only gain more visibility over the next few years.
Topics: Learning Content Management, New Technologies | 3 Comments »
Putting Wikis into Perspective
By Bryan Chapman | February 27, 2008
I’ve been evangelizing Wikis in hands-on workshops, conferences and presentations for the past few years. But, I just read a great article that puts the use of Wikis in learning into perspective.
Click here to read the full article.
Of course everyone evangelizing Web 2.0 (and E-Learning 2.0) tools routinely points to the success of Wikipedia and how hundreds of thousands of content contributors have created millions of articles. This article provides a great historical perspective about how the precursor company (that eventually became Wikipedia) was only capable of generating 12 articles in the first year of inception in the year 2000. And, more importantly what it took to get Wikipedia off the ground.
Spoiler alert (stop reading now, if you don’t want to know the ending) In a nutshell, the article concludes that it isn’t Wiki technology that lead to the success; rather it was the concept of creating a “free internet encyclopedia.”
So, how about that; we can make the same statement about Web 2.0 tools that instructional purists have been saying for years, namely, that it is the design or the creative process….not the technology that makes a learning program successful.
This article is a must read for anyone considering the use of Wiki for learning purposes. Enjoy.
Topics: New Technologies, Trends | 1 Comment »
Advanced Reusability Tools and Technologies
By Bryan Chapman | January 23, 2008
I’m currently working on several projects dealing with topics of advanced reusability, or in short, applying learning-object methodology to delivering learning content in multiple modalities including: lesson plans, training manuals, e-learning, mobile learning, job aides, online exams, PowerPoint output, etc.
I had written a blog on this topic previously and received the following question on the topic: Any input on what tools/systems have been the most successful in helping people move towards advanced reusability?
Here was my answer
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Here are some that are on my radar screen (although several of them have different purposes):
Xyleme LCMS (www.xyleme.com) - based 100% on XML, but there strength comes in what they’ve built on the backend for automatically producing many different learning outputs (lesson plans, student guides, e-learning, job aides, etc.)
Express Train from Princeton Center (www.princetoncenter.com). This tool is best used for those who need advanced reusability in a compliance training and tracking. Subject Matter Expert work directly in Word templates and the system literally has a control panel for spinning the source Word documents into lesson plans, student guides, job aides, e-learning, etc.). NOTE: This one is not XML based.
Outstart LCMS (www.outstart.com). Known as a very strong, learning-object-based system primarily used for e-learning, also has the ability to tag content for multiple output types including print-based learning, mobile learning, etc. May take some configuration to acheive the same level of formatting automation found in Xyleme and Express Train, but the plumbing is certainly there to support advanced resuability. For example, Autodesk uses this system to create their training manuals.
Eedo LCMS (www.eedo.com). Like OutStart, Eedo is mostly known as an e-learning system, however, they also support many additional output types including formatted, print-based learning. In fact, they have one client who uses the system only for their print-based learning.
Thinking Cap (www.thinkingcap.info). Pure XML-based system with templates for both e-learning and classroom materials. Authors can flip between tagged XML view and non-tagged. From what I can tell, it looks like you will need to bring in some expertise to set up XSL templates that match your needs for instructor guides, etc. They don’t appear to have the same level of pre-formatted templates available in Xyleme, Outstart, Eedo or ExpressTrain.
Hive by Harvest Road (www.harvestroad.com). This system approaches advanced resuability from a completely different perspective. The system is a “federated digital repository” by design. Unlike other traditional content management solutions, the system is based on learning objects that can be used to produce highly formatted print-based documentation and e-learning. The one caution is that it stores content in a more proprietary format compared with other solutions.
Another compelling solution in advanced resuability is AuthorIT (www.authorit.com). The primary focus of this system is on content reuse for print and web-delivery, although I really wouldn’t call it an e-learning system.
Xdocs XML CMS by Bluestream (www.bluestream.com). I don’t know much about this one, but according to their literature, they produced a SCORM-conformant CMS in 2002 and have linked this together with their XML authoing for Technical Documentation. Does anyone out there know much about this system and would be willing to share, through comments?
In the open source arena, I’m keeping my eye on Drupal (www.drupal.org), an open source, content management platofrm. Right now, it is not much more than an open-source version of traditional content management solution; however, because it is open source, there is a lot of opportunity for contributors to built and design automatted output formats for learning deliver modes (I know some folks who are working on such extensions). People are looking to Drupal to fill in the content management gaps left by Moodle’s simplistic model.
Finally, there are several XML solutions that can be used for advanced reusability; however they require end-users to create their own output formats (i.e. e-learning players, mobile device learning players, etc.). Their primary design is for formatted print and formatted web-based delivery.
* XMetal Enterprise (www.xmetal.com)
* ArborText (www.ptc.com)
* Vasont Systems (www.vasont.com)
* Adobe InDesign Server (http://www.adobe.com/products/indesignserver/)
* DocZone (www.doczone.com) - Hosted Solution
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I’m sure there are a number of other such systems out there worth mentioning. Please send a comment if you have seen advanced reusability in a learning situation that is worth highlighting. Tell us what technology is being used, who is using it and how it works.
Topics: Learning Content Management, New Technologies | 6 Comments »
Create your own Simpsons Avatar (Simpsonizeme)
By Bryan Chapman | January 14, 2008
Found something cool (and gimmicky, but fun)!
You can convert a photo of yourself into a Simpson’s character. OK, so it’s a marketing ploy for Burger King, but why not use it while it’s there.
Basically, you upload a photo of yourself (must be a minimum of 640 X 480 resolution), pick some key characteristics about yourself and BOOM…you’re a Simpson’s character. Just to get an idea, see what it did to me.
BEFORE
AFTER
You could use a tool like this to create a quick Avatar to guide a student through an online learning module or for an alternate picture for your blog, or social network group. Fun stuff!
The link to try this for yourself is www.simpsonizeme.com
Topics: Just for fun, New Technologies | No Comments »
Earn a Certificate in Virtual-World (3D) Learning
By Bryan Chapman | January 2, 2008
Dr. Tony O’Driscoll is teaching a two-day workshop on how to design 3D learning for the web, using Second Life and other technologies. The workshop is a certificate program on February 2 and 3, just prior to the Training 2008 conference in Atlanta. I just returned from doing a series of workshops overseas and I used some of Tony’s material on this topic for one segment (about 1.5 hours of material). If the material he shared with me is a representation of what will be covered in this workshop, it will be awesome.
Click here for more information about this brand-new certificate program.
You can get an additional $150 off the price of the workshop by using VIP Code TTZE6, when registering online.
Click here to register for the event.
Topics: Industry News | No Comments »
E-Learning in Singapore and Malaysia
By Bryan Chapman | December 16, 2007
class in Singapore, 2007
Originally uploaded by bchapman_utah
Hi all;
I had the great opportunity this past week to teach workshops on Optimizing Learning Strategies in both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Most of the attendees had 3 to 5 years (plus) experience with e-learning deployment so we spent most of our time talking about next-level strategies such as advanced learning content management, benchmarking and optimizing rapid development, learning governance alignment, creating ROI through blended learning and performance management tips and techniques.
E-Learning is alive and well in these two countries, especially so in government and higher education sectors.
Thanks to FIK International for sponsoring both events. We’ll be conducting the same workshops in February, 2008 in both Dubai and Bahrain. More later.
Topics: Industry News | No Comments »
Recent Survey shows 36:1 development ratio for ILT
By Bryan Chapman | December 5, 2007
Thanks to all of you who participated in this recent study.
In one of my earlier blogs, I listed development times for different delivery methods including ILT, online-learning, rapid development, and simulation development. Click here to see the previous posting.
I realized that I was quoting ILT statistics that were collected more than 5 years ago. Someone called me on it, which resulted in some research business for me. But, I thought we should all be beneficiaries of the information.
Basically, the questions were:
1. Is 34:1 still a valid measurement of development times, or have things changed?
2. How is the time sub-allocated during ILT development.
Here are the results:
I know the image is rather small, so here’s a quick recap of the information, plus you can download a PowerPoint summary for the whole study for your review. Click here to download. You are welcome to use this information in your presentations and scholarly work, as long as you appropriately cite the source (listed inside the PowerPoint).
Average Development Time ILT = 36:1 (36 hours of development for each 1 hour of final ILT training)
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Breakout:
Front-End Analysis (Data Collection, Working with SMEs) = 13% (4.8 hours)
Instructional Design (Objectives, Outlining, Content Development) = 13% (4.6 hours)
Lesson Plan Development = 11% (3.8 hours)
Creation of handout material = 8% (3 hours)
Student Guide Development = 20% (7.2 hours)
PowerPoint Development = 21% (7.6 hours)
Test and Exam Creation = 8% (2.8 hours)
Other Tasks = 6% (2.3 hours)
NOTE: The PowerPoint includes information on what is covered under “Other”
I look forward to more disucssion about the topic. Thanks to our anonymous sponsor who prompted a deeper dive.
If you have a question you would like researched, please contact me directly.
–Bryan Chapman
bryan@chapmanalliance.com
bryan@brandon-hall.com
Topics: Learning Industry Statistics | 11 Comments »