NexLearn Simpact March '08

March 2008 Edition

It seems everyone’s talking about going green these days, from politicians to Hollywood idols to human resource managers for large and small companies. Whether you are a staunch believer in global warming or think it’s the activists who are blowing the hot air, taking care of the environment should be everyone’s concern.

Web conferencing company WebEx has created a carbon calculator to help business travelers estimate their “carbon footprint,” or the amount of CO2 generated by routine trips to meetings, conferences, and training sessions. The company has released some interesting data:

A group of 12 employees can save 22,377 pounds of carbon emissions by incorporating e-Learning (rather than flying the team members from Dallas to San Francisco for in-person training)
One salesperson in New York can save 2,690 pounds of carbon dioxide by moving his sales presentation to London clients from onsite to online
Two people traveling from Chicago to San Francisco produce 4,696 pounds of carbon emissions

Data also reveals that employees believe nearly one third of their face-to-face meetings are unnecessary and even counterproductive.

As many business leaders evaluate how to create more environmentally sustainable companies, the opportunities offered by e-Learning are becoming more evident. Rather than shuffling trainers and employees around the globe or decimating a small forest to print training manuals, more and more companies are relying on the power and effectiveness of immersive learning simulations to provide real-world training.

Choosing to invest in e-Learning to develop and enhance your workforce is always a wise choice. The fact that you’re also helping the environment is just icing on the cake.

BlogBites
This month, BlogBites include a recap of the ASTD TechKnowledge 2008 Conference (where UBS’s Talia DeGennaro and Lois Morgan presented a case study and demonstration of NexLearn’s SimWriter tool). Featured blogs include discussion about personal learning environments, Web 2.0 technology, and thoughts about the new role of instructional designers.

http://elearningtech.blogspot.com/
Tony Karrer recaps ASTD TechKnowledge 2008, discussing the sessions and key note talks. Look also for Karrer’s exploration of personal learning tools and technologies. PLE’s, personal learning environment frameworks contain a variety of components including: social features and social filtering; Web 2.0 technologies; and the ability to integrate a variety of learning platforms into a personalized experience.

http://www.cramersweeney.com/cs_id/trainingblog/
Jenna Sweeney discusses how portable wireless devices and advanced simulation authoring tools have added to the role of today’s instructional designers. She suggests that ID’s should stay true to what they know about creating effective learning while at the same time taking advantage of the tools and delivery methods that make the most sense for the audience.

If you have a great blog (or know of one) that you want to share, send us the link. We just might include it in a future Simpact edition. Send the link to our Expert.

On the Road

CLO Summit
April 27-29
The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, CO

Podcast

Listen to this month’s roundtable discussion about the latest issues regarding e-Learning and immersive learning simulations.

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Audio Version
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March Survey

How tech savvy is your typical team member?

Can read and send e-mail

Can use at least three software products

Can develop a custom e-Learning course

Last Month’s Survey Results

How many e-Learning courses (programs/modules/experiences) does your organization plan to create/update in 2008?

1-5

6-10

10-20

More than 20

Ask the Expert

Question:
Are immersive learning simulations more effective for certain employee levels or specific types of organizations than other training formats?

Answer:
Since immersive learning simulations are designed to emulate real-world activities, scenarios, and decision-making responsibilities, they are ideal training solutions for any job level, organization, or industry. While knowledge transfer is important, it is arguably not the most critical piece of the learning process.

Testing employees’ ability to memorize company guidelines and processes is a common procedure, but wouldn’t you rather evaluate HOW members of your team APPLY that information on the job when it counts most? Allowing employees to practice with live customers is seldom (okay, never) the best training method. Immersive learning simulations let employees experience successful and not so successful consequences (the best opportunities for learning) in risk-free environments.

And while customer service and sales negotiation are popular topics for simulations, don’t think that sim-based training is only for front-line employees. C-level executives must also master a variety of skills to become effective leaders. For instance, imagine trying to teach emotional intelligence to a roomful of busy executives using PowerPoint slides and some handouts. (If you happen to be doing this, please give NexLearn a call. We can help.) Immersive learning simulations are effective training options for all employee levels and organizations.

Have a question about e-Learning or Simulation-based Learning? Send it to our Expert.

NexLearn SimWriter 2.0 Captures Brandon Hall Silver Award. Contact us today to experience the best simulation authoring tool available! Information at NexLearn

The Design Toolbar

With a simple click of the mouse, the SimWriter® Tool Bar allows developers to quickly and easily add characters, choices, feedback, images, audio, video, text onscreen, navigational buttons, hyperlinks and performance scoring reports.