HU Announces Dates for Summer 2010 Educators' Technology Clinics

Harrisburg University of Science Technology will offer graduate courses from its Master’s Degree in Learning Technologies to educators who are interested in building their skills and knowledge of various types of learning technologies and strategies. The 2010 Educators' Technology Clinics provide hands-on exploration of technologies and instructional approaches that incorporate best practices for effective teaching and learning in today’s dynamic learning environments. Graduate credit applicable to the master’s degree and ACT 48 credit are available.

• Classroom Technology
• Media Selection, Design and Production
• Course Management Systems
• Digital Literacy
• Engaging with Learning Activities, Games and Simulations
• Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom
• Visual Representation for Learning and Communication
• Social Learning in the Organization
• Writing for Learning Solutions

Visit http://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/article.php?id=548 for more information.

Additionally, Harissburg University is home to a Learning Technologies Master of Science (LTMS) program that is the only one of its kind in Central Pennsylvania. A key element of the University's LTMS program is the use of technology to integrate and develop new ways of learning and ways to assess learning, as well as explore new approaches to work with an emphasis on collaboration. The degree is a blend of theory and practice which develops skills that can be applied to complex education and training issues.

Visit www.harrisburgu.edu/learningtechnologies for more information about the LTMS program.

4 Cs of Web 2.0 and Storytelling

Web 2.0 in the Classroom with Jim Gates Over the past few years some incredible changes have taken place online. You may have missed them while you were grading papers, writing lesson plans, learning new administrative software and trying to find some time for your family. The online world has gone through an incredible, jaw dropping evolution that changes everything about how education can work. Largely, teaching hasn’t changed in the past one hundred (100) years, because the teacher held the key to the information and her/his role was to stand and deliver. As a result . . . *1 out of 4 US students drop out of school before graduating Now, technology enables higher order thinking in education and an opportunity for students to take charge of their own learning. Imagine a school where . . . Economic students use RSS feeds to automatically collect new information about the economy Social Studies students use feed aggregators to gather current information about world news Creative writing students using blogs to publish their works for authentic audiences to read and comment on Students work with other students from around the world to build a web site together *All4ed.org		The 4 Cs of Web 2.0 Conversations, Content, Connections and Collaboration. It’s all possible online with “web 2.0” tools. Conversations: Blogs, Forums, Micro-blogs, Chat, VOIP Content: Creation, Sharing, Content Management, Tagging, Social Bookmarking, RSS Connections: User Profiles, Social Graphs, Friends Collaboration: Wikis, Project Support, Idea Generation, Calendars Check out these web 2.0 resources: Free PowerPoint Twitter Tools Wikis in Plain English Learning Outcomes Technology Matrix Beginning in January, students in LTMS 600: Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom will explore various web 2.0 tools. But, the course is not about the tools. Equally as important is how the tools can impact the achievement of learning objectives and increase the level of learning in the classroom. The course is taught by Jim Gates, an Educational Technology Consultant and “Web 2.0 Guru.”
Register today! Spring classes begin January 11, 2010. LTMS 510: Learning Technologies and Solutions LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production LTMS 518: eLearning Development LTMS 600: Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom LTMS 607: Writing for Learning Solutions Learn more on the Harrisburg University web site or call 717.901.5101.
Once upon a time . . . “It was about 3 o’clock on a Monday afternoon. I was Tweeting, Facebooking and web conferencing for information on virtual worlds. A knock at my office door unglued me from my chair. In a moment of exhaustion she dropped her digital devices to the floor as I opened the door. I untangled her from the spider web of cords that remained and pointed her in the direction of Harrisburg University. A semester later she had changed her name to Google. And, I caught a glimpse of her “Learning Technologies Wiz” tattoo as she jumped rope down the hall with her iPhone ear buds.” We’ve all told a story at some point in our lives. But, as educators and trainers we don’t take advantage of storytelling as a tool for learning. We can improve learning outcomes by using stories to emphasize examples, metaphors, learning assessment and to build relationships with learners. Beginning in January, students in LTMS 607: Writing for Learning Solutions will explore writing styles, formats and techniques for asynchronous learning solutions. Best practices for technical writing and writing for the web will be explored. Storytelling as an instructional strategy is emphasized throughout the course and will be examined as an important element for successful learning design.		The Writing’s on the Wall The amount of information that is created, received and retrieved on a daily basis has exploded. A typical person checks his or her email more than 50 times per day, uses IM 77 times, and visits 40+ web sites (Perez 2008). Also consider social and leisure information available through the web, television and mobile media devices. There’s a lot of “communication” happening and most of it is “written.” Maybe more than any time in our history, writing skills are important to our ability to collaborate with others, coordinate teams and communicate clearly. How will your message break through the clutter to communicate effectively and efficiently? Check out these writing resources: Dump the Drone for Livlier eLearning Writing in a Conversational Tone Folktales for Classroom Storytelling

eLearning Development and Media Design

Users determine the quality of eLearning Development If a program runs without any errors, but no one knows how to use it, does it make any impact? Too often designers and developers focus on the programmability of eLearning programs and neglect the usability. It’s a balance between feature and function that results in an effective product. Graphic design can have an impact, but more often location, labeling and consistency have the greatest impact on the usability of eLearning programs. Some usability considerations include screen resolution, navigation controls, user control and access and 508 compliance. Beginning in January, students in LTMS 518: eLearning Development will be creating elearning modules that focus on navigation, usability and compliance to content standards. Planning and asset management will also be explored as elements of efficient eLearning development. Industry leading software and open source options will both be considered throughout the course. Students will get hands on eLearning Development experience with PowerPoint, Captivate, Dreamweaver and Flash.		eLearning Development Programs There is a variety of software (100+ software programs) available to create eLearning. The programs range from everyday Office software like PowerPoint to eLearning authoring systems like Lectora to multimedia development tools like Flash. Each tool presents strengths and weaknesses that must be considered as part of the tool selection process. Plan for the short-term with an eye on the long-term. Analyze the development needs and the content creation environment. Doing so will help with selecting a tool that will meet your immediate needs, but allow for long-term flexibility. Check out these eLearning Development resources: Webinar Recording of eLearning Guild Authoring and Development Tools Brandon Hall Authoring Tool Knowledgebase Rapid eLearning Blog
Spring 2010 Schedule: LTMS 510: Learning Technologies and Solutions LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production LTMS 518: eLearning Development LTMS 600: Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom LTMS 607: Writing for Learning Solutions Learn more on the Harrisburg University web site or call 717.901.5101.
If a picture’s worth a thousand words . . . Images, animations and video can create an impact on learning by increasing attention, motivation, comprehension and memory. Although, media can also get in the way. Without considering the learning objective, the technology and the audience media can also distract, confuse or frustrate. Some strengths to consider when selecting media: Graphics: Enrich or replace text, Minimize media download, Versatile, Low cost Animation: Present visuals over condensed time, Realistic but simplistic images, Realistic but controlled movement Audio: Summarize text, explain complex processes or graphics, efficient two-way communication Video: Convey emotion, multiple media (audio, visuals, animation, text), demonstrate detailed and complex tasks Beginning in January, students in LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production will focus on selecting appropriate media to meet learning objectives as they create graphics, illustrations, audio, video and animations to support learning. Graphic design fundamentals will be addressed as well as production skills like media compression and conversion. Industry leading media software and open source options will both be considered. Students will get hands-on media creation experience with PowerPoint, Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash, Audacity and MovieMaker.		Media Selection, Design and Production Color, contrast, spacing and dimension are just a few graphic design elements to be aware of as you create graphics for learning. Animation, audio and video provide added value and additional elements to master. Media compression is also a valuable skill, especially when distributing to a wide audience with a variety of technology resources. Check out these eLearning Development resources: How Tiny Camcorders are Changing Education Lynda.com Tutorials Some Photoshop Tutorials

Top 5 Ed Tech for 2009 - What do you think?

Top 5 Ed Tech for 2009 What tools, techniques and strategies made the most impact in 2009? Here’s a short list of the most used and talked about educational technology from my review of blogs, newsletters and industry reports: • Use: Collaboration (wikis, ePals, etc.) • Use: Online Communication Tools (audio, video, microblogging, chat, etc.) • Use: Screen Recording • Talk: Games for Learning • Talk: Virtual Worlds Beginning in January, students in LTMS 510: Learning Technologies and Solutions will explore the strengths and weaknesses of various learning technologies. Hands-on opportunities with podcasting, virtual classrooms, games and simulations and virtual worlds will be part of exploring established and new learning technologies. Opportunities and considerations for selecting technologies will be reviewed in the context of a learning technology architecture and a decision analysis process. Learning Technologies and Solutions will be offered at: • Harrisburg University, Harrisburg • IU 12, New Oxford • IU 13, Lancaster Upcoming IU Information Session Dates: IU 13 - December 8 at 6 PM IU 15 – December 10 at 5 PM IU 12 – December 15 at 5:30 PM

Learning Technologies Fifteen (15) years ago PowerPoint and a projector were the extent of learning technologies available to everyone. Even ten (10) years ago only PowerPoint a projector and the static web were available and accessible to everyone. Now the options are almost limitless. The following resources are helpful with getting a sense for the learning technology options available today. Check out these learning technology resources: Horizon Report Educause eLearning Guild Register today! Spring classes begin January 11, 2010. LTMS 510: Learning Technologies and Solutions LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production LTMS 518: eLearning Development LTMS 600: Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom LTMS 607: Writing for Learning Solutions Learn more on the Harrisburg University web site or call 717.901.5101.

Web 2.0 Case Study Presentation at Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference

The Resultsof Web2.0 11 12 09 Slideshare

View more presentations from Andy Petroski.

Free and Low Cost Video Resources for Learning and Outreach

Presented at 2009 PA Library Association conference on October 20, 2009. Presented with Nancy Adams, University Librarian

Video For Learning Pala 2009

View more presentations from Andy Petroski.

Presentation delivered to CCFL in Corning, NY on 8/31/09

Transform Your Training Projects with Games and Simulations

View more presentations from Andy Petroski.

Learning 2.0 Presentation - Central PA ASTD

Central PA ASTD Learning 2.0 Presentation 8/20/09
Download presentation file
Link to central PA Learning Technologies Ning site - http://cplearntech.ning.com/. Join the conversation there or comment below.

Learning 2.0

View more presentations from Andy Petroski.

Links:
Web 2.0 Glossary - http://www.socialsignal.com/blog/alexandra-samuel/web-2-0-glossary
Some web 2.0 tools - http://www.go2web20.net/
PSU Outreach example - http://www.thoughtfarmer.com/blog/2009/02/04/pennstate/
IBM Control Video - http://www.elsua.net/2009/03/09/impact-of-social-software-within-the-enterprise-by-jon-iwata/
Top 10 Issues in Adopting Enterprise Wide Social Computing - http://blogs.zdnet.com/Hinchcliffe/?p=581
Sustaining a Learning Community - http://www.elearningnetwork.org/group-content/sustaining-learning-community-top-down-or-bottom
SAP Social Media Guidelines - http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/108483
ASTD Event Evaluation - http://huwebsurvey.harrisburgu.net/SelectSurveyNET/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=l4K0662

Questions from a Publisher

I was recently contacted by someone working on a book project that will "represent the vanguard in thinking about corporate learning", including positions on how it should/needs to evolve to remain a viable component of an organization.

Some initial thoughts I provided to the publisher are listed below. What do you think? What are the big movements/issues currently in corporate learning and how do you think it will evolve in the next 5-10 years?

Current State/Issues:
There is an ever growing spectrum of options for learning solutions, but adoption seems to be linear (stepped) along the spectrum as a learning function grows in an organization versus learning and performance driven. And, the transition between elements of the spectrum is phased.

Instructional design is loosely defined across the industry and skill sets don't always match with performance expectations as a result or performance expectations are lowered as a result.

As new information about the brain is obtained through brain research, the impact of that research is not necessarily considered in the learning field

Time available is ever shrinking yet experience-based learning (often considered the most valuable training for performance) takes strategy, thought, and time to create.

Potential future:
Organizational certifications that don't already do so will be tied to the quality of training resources/solutions and subsequent performance-based results.

Evaluation, measurement and assessment will be relationally tied to learning activities - both proactive and reactive.

Soft-skills electronic performance support will develop

Defined roles and competencies for instructional designers . . . similar to CPA

Learning solutions will exist as a research & development or innovation function, instead of strictly a function of Human Resources

Continue to move from passive to active learning

Training and development activities that enable "learning how to learn"

Presentation showcased on Education page

Cool. My presentation Best Practices for the Effective Use of Technology in the Classroom - PETE&C 2009 is currently being showcased on the Education page by the SlideShare editorial team.

It's likely to be there for the next 16-20 hours.

PA Educators Technology Conference 2009

I was at the PA Educational Technology Expo & Conference (PETE&C) earlier in the week. It was a great experience! I enjoyed talking with educators from K-12 and higher ed and enjoyed the extended discussion after my presentations on web 2.o, instructional design and games for learning.

Thanks to Jim Gates for co-presenting the web 2.0 session with me and thanks to Carrie Calloway from The EdVenture Group and Charles Palmer for their part in the "Games and Education: Wanna Play!" session.

Below are slideshares of the presentations and a case study video from the 2008 "Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom" course at Harrisburg University.

The results of "Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom" - PETE&C 2009

View more presentations from Andy Petroski. (tags: 2.0 blogs)

Best Practices for the Effective Use of Technology in the Classroom - PETE&C 2009

View more presentations from Andy Petroski. (tags: addie instructional)

Unfortunately, I didn't get to many presentations while I was there. I spent most of my time finishing prep for my presentations, talking with attendees after presentations and visiting the vendor area.

Strolling through the vendor area was interesting. I saw a number of vendors with online learning options for K-12 and at the opposite end of the spectrum what seemed like a large number of electronic whiteboard vendors (10?). I'm anticipating in future years that the number of online learning vendors will increase and the number of electronic whiteboard vendors will decrease.

CES products that might impact learning

The Consumer Electronics Show took place in Las Vegas January 8-11. The show is a yearly pilgrimage for those involved with the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of consumer electronics products – or anyone who just likes to check out some pretty cool gadgets.

Consumer Electronics Show

I like to read the CES reviews on CNet each year to scope out products that could potentially impact the learning space. When’s the last time a technology used for learning was intended to do so? Podcasts, blogs, wikis, Flash and video games all started as communication and entertainment efforts that eventually impacted the learning industry. Authorware, LMSs, testing software and Captivate are a few exceptions, but mainly I look to entertainment and communication technologies to find the next “thing” that might impact the learning industry. Here are a few to keep an eye on.

3D TV and LCD
3D TVs and monitors can take learning immersion to another level. 3D TVs will be available at a consumer price and offered by LG in late 2009 or early 2010. Simple 3D technology has been around in monitors for a few years, but the market hasn’t penetrated beyond gamers. As the technology becomes less expensive and more immersive and consumers ask for the experience on the computer monitor after watching 3D TV in the home, maybe we’ll begin to see learning games and simulations in 3D – after someone creates a 3D authoring tool. If that happens, I’m sure we’ll see a few tutorials in 3D as well – yippee!

There was also new generation 3D LCD monitors at CES.
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10134983-100.html?tag=mncol;title
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10134449-100.html?tag=mncol;title

Boxee
It’s basically a media object aggregator / repository. Can this technology be used to aggregate and manage learning objects, like it does media elements?

Minoru 3D Web Cam
This web cam has two cameras that deliver pictures to the view in 3D. It brings 3D video recording to the desktop and directly to the consumer. It does require 3D glasses to view the 3D video, but that’s a small price to pay. OK – everyone make sure they have their 3D glasses ready for the next web conference.

Chumby
I’ve known about the Chumby for over a year now, but at CES Chumby and Samsung have partnered to create a digital photo frame that enables wireless updates from a photo sharing site like Flickr. Chumby’s wireless information transfer and open widget development community might provide opportunities for quick learning vignettes delivered to you right at your desk. Better yet, someone could synch the Chumby display with an email and calendaring program and display job aides and quick references based on the contents of email and activities scheduled in the calendaring program for some just-in-time learning.

Video Eyewear
Watch a private video display or experience augmented or mixed reality on mobile devices through video eyewear, all while seeing the world around you. And, the Vuzix glasses look cool too. Imagine sales people, medical technicians, machine operators, etc. being able to view training videos on demand, as needed . . . by putting on a pair of sunglasses.

TruMotion Remote
This technology comes from Sixense Entertainment, which first developed it to track the head positioning of F-16 and F-18 jet pilots. Imagine Nintendo's Wiimote, but with unlimited motion to mouse control. While the Wiimote is awesome, range of movement is basically limited to forward/back, up/down. The precise motion sensing of the TruMotion remote has implications for better mimicking “real world” experiences in learning games and simulations where precise motions are important. This one, along with desktop 3D is getting us closer to virtual reality.

Check out this demo of the remote in action - http://engineeringtv.com/blogs/etv/archive/2008/11/25/sixense-truemotion-controller-demo.aspx

Thought Control
You got it – “Thought Control.” This is way cool . . .and potentially creepy at the same time. Mattel’s Mindflex game let’s you control the height of a floating ball with your thoughts as you move it around a course. A headset measures your level of concentration. The more you concentrate, the more control you have over the floating ball.

As the CNet reviewer indicates, the novelty of this game will most likely fade quickly. But, this product could certainly impact learning as the technology evolves. Mattel indicates that future versions might respond to fear, anxiety, happiness or frustration. Imagine the technology as part of simulations or assessments to gauge where learners struggled (fear, anxiety, frustration) or felt confident (happiness). If nothing else, imagine the new version of the “happy sheet” (Level 1 course evaluation) with this technology applied.

There were hundreds of products at CES. I’ve only noted a few that I think might impact the learning industry. Check out the CES site on CNN - http://ces.cnet.com/. Which products listed here do you think will impact learning the most in the years to come? What other consumer electronic products are there that will impact learning?

Xcelsius!

Check out a post I wrote about Xcelsius over at the Gadget Cube Blog.

Xcelsius is a great program for visually representing data for cause and effect analysis. It was created for accountants and business analysts, but it has great promise for interactive analysis in learning solutions.

We introduce Xcelsius as a tool for visually representing data in the Visual Representation for Learning and Communication course in the Learning Technologies Master of Science program at Harrisburg University.

I'm not Nostradamus, but . . .

OK. I’m a little late, but better late than never. Most make their yearly predictions at the end of the previous year or at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. As a sad indicator of aging and my recent work habits (too much) and sleep habits (not enough) I was sleeping by 10 PM on New Year’s Eve. So, even though it’s already mid-January I’d like to note a few thoughts about the learning industry in 2009. Most of the perspective is from a corporate learning view, but as learning technologies become a bigger part of learning solutions in K-12 and higher education, these thoughts may be appropriate for those arenas as well.

Economic Down Turn = eLearning Boom?
As the New Year begins, I’ve seen a trend in touting eLearning as a solution for aching corporate budgets.

Economic Crisis Boosts eLearning
US Economy and eLearning in 2008 (and 2009)
Elearning helping SMEs through the economic downturn

That’s great . . . and maybe not so great! eLearning can be more cost efficient than traditional learning methods. It is one benefit that should be considered when making training delivery decisions and determining a learning strategy for an organization. However, it’s only one component. The main target is improved performance with efficient and effective learning solutions. If eLearning is the best way to deliver learning to improve performance and it will reduce the overall cost of training and development, then the increased use of eLearning is positive – regardless of the state of the economy.

My fear is that eLearning will be implemented strictly as a cost saving measure during this economic downturn as it was in the economic downturn early in the decade. What resulted were online manuals, not effective learning solutions. As companies sought to reduce training costs through eLearning, the emphasis was on the “e” and not the learning. Accountants were happy, but learners and managers weren’t. The online manuals were painfully linear, not engaging and often lengthy. Learners may have completed the embedded questions to test for understanding and passed the final quiz with 80% or better, but little improved performance occurred as a result of the eLearning.

It’s taken the industry a number of years to recover and regain the trust of learners and managers. Granted, the industry has advanced both in technique and technology since the early parts of the decade, but I fear that an emphasis on “saving money” through eLearning will result in a lack of focus on improved performance. I hope that advancements that have resulted in more engaging learning solutions through blended learning, games for learning, simulations and scenario-based learning solutions don’t give way to a trend back to online manuals as eLearning in an effort to “save money.” Instead I hope that in 2009 companies continue to realize they can “save money” with eLearning by engaging learners in learning solutions that are built to improve performance, not strictly to reduce costs.

Instructional Design
As the use of learning technologies proliferate in corporate learning and education, the role of instructional design and the importance of the instructional designer will continue to evolve. Skilled instructional designers will be especially important if organizations begin looking at eLearning as mainly a cost savings solution (as described above). The instructional designer can be the key to driving a learning solution that not only “saves money”, but also delivers learning and performance improvement results. As rapid development, games for learning, simulations, virtual worlds, social learning and various other new techniques and tools become options for all sizes of companies and learning solutions, the analysis and instructional strategy skills of the instructional designer will be important for selecting the best solution and applying it efficiently and effectively. Just because you have a hammer, doesn’t mean everything is a nail! (I hate myself for that one, but you get the point.)

Visualization
Visual representation is a vital tool for communicating in today’s information-abundant world. Visuals are used to make the message relevant and easily understood when competing with a multitude of information from a wide variety of channels? Professionals in the learning industry (K-12 and corporate) must become better at using visuals to increase comprehension, motivation and memory. 2009 is the year of banning the bullet points! Check out these resources for more information about best practices for visual representation.

Visualization in Learning: 14 Case Studies that Emphasize Visual Thinking
Global community of visual thinkers
Slide:ology the blog and the book – resources for enhancing presentation with visuals
The Back of the Napkin – a process for visual representation

Integration
Products and services will continue to integrate in 2009. The past year resulted in a number of Learning Management Systems (LMS) adding social learning (wikis and blogs) components.

A few LMS’s with social learning components:

Outstart
Mzinga
Meridian Global LMS

In the year and year’s to come virtual worlds, web conferencing, social learning and learning management may be composed all in one product. I for one would rather experience an LMS as learning objects in a virtual world than a list of text-based courses and course descriptions. Increased computing power, paradigm shifts in learning presentation, interoperable avatars and virtual objects, SCORM advancement, and faster Internet speed will all play a part in the evolution and integration of learning products into one complete learning system.

Matt Croslin’s Sloodle presentation on authorSTREAM

Virtual Conferences are the closest example I’ve seen of what I envision. Check out these virtual conference resources and examples.

Business Week article on virtual conferences
Ziff Davis Virtual Tradeshows
iCongo Live
Tradkey
Virtual Conferences.com
Tips for Virtual Tradeshows

Marketing as a Component of the Learning Organization
Learning is a product. And, the competition for customers (yes, learners are customers) is becoming more competitive. Even in K-12, traditional public schools are beginning to compete with cyber schools and charter schools. In corporate learning, the competition is time, attention, motivation and accountability. In this competitive environment, learning organizations must aggressively market the product (learning solutions) to be successful. For K-12 this means showcasing student and teacher successes to the faculty, students, school board, and community on a regular basis through media-based solutions. In higher ed, course descriptions should describe and “sell” the course to prospective students. Otherwise, student testimonials, video highlights and project showcases can be marketing tools to increase enrollment in elective courses. In corporate learning, some courses warrant a marketing campaign (including a video commercial – gasp!) highlighting the features and benefits of the course to increase participation.

As you regard marketing as a component of learning implementation in 2009, consider that learners may want to know what features (bookmarking, social connections, note taking, simulations, games, etc.) are part of an online course, how the course will benefit them, what previous learners think about the course, and how previous learners performed in the course.

Well, those are some of my thoughts anyway. Regardless, the economy, new leadership in Washington, limited resources, increased competition and continued advances in learning technologies should make 2009 an interesting year in the learning evolution.

Evolution vs. Revolution?

Are we in the middle of a revolution in learning, as many would describe it, or an evolution? Revolutions happen fairly quickly and often have a great, immediate impact on all. Evolution happens slowly and often without impact to surroundings or in isolation of other related entities. Yeah, it’s definitely a learning evolution.

Fundamentally changing the American education system and learning and development in corporate culture has been an effort in the making for over 50 years. There have been changes, but education and learning and development are fundamentally the same as they were decades ago. The winds of change have begun to blow harder in recent years however. These changes are mainly fueled by technological advances, but advances in brain/human behavior research and environmental variables have also impacted the evolution.

Even though I feel I've driven the evolution more often than not in my first decade as an instructional technologist, I'm living proof that it's an evolution not a revolution. This is my first blog post. Even as someone who's been pushing for social learning as a component of corporate learning programs, I never found the relevance or the time for blogging myself. I've been an active participant in discussion forums and commented on other people's blogs, but have never taken the dive head first into social learning/networking.

I start the better part of my second decade in instructional technology as Director of Learning Technologies and Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies at Harrisburg University. In this new role I hope to drive the evolution, more often than not, through curriculum development, teaching, speaking, writing, research and product development. I’ll write in this blog to share and reflect on my thoughts, experiences, findings and design and development efforts in the hope that what I learn and share can advance the evolution – an evolution whose apex is efficiently and effectively designed learning, learning that is optimized through technology and media, and learning that engages and inspires learners to improve their skills, change their attitudes and share their knowledge.