(updating figures in Chapters 1 and 2)

One of the first training industry reports of the year was published in October 2000 and can be used to update some of the data reported in the book. Training Magazine’s Industry Report 2000 provides a wealth of information regarding the use of training – classroom, e-learning and other formats – in American business.

Interesting Article on Knowledge Management

"Spread the Know-how" is a very good article about knowledge management, featuring Buckman Labs, which has been pioneering KM for many years. The article talks about the business value of knowledge management, and some pitfalls to avoid. Robert Buckman’s point that KM "…isn’t a project; it’s a journey," should be taken to heart. Building a knowledge culture is hard, but rewarding work. You can find the article in the October 23, 2000 issue of Business Week, pages EB52-56 (E.Biz supplement).

(a future change not listed in Chapter 13)

One of the most interesting trends that will have a profound impact on e-learning will be the tremendous growth and adoption of all forms of mobile, wireless devices. From cell phones to handheld computers, more people will be receiving more information on the go than we could have possibly imagined. Technological breakthroughs in miniaturization, broadband and the advent of third generation wireless technology will make this possible. What does this mean for e-learning? First, we’ll likely be more focused on mobilizing knowledge management and delivering learning in very small chunks. Second, we’ll be pushed even further into personalized learning as people will demand e-learning in ways not only designed for their needs, but also for the device they’re using at any particular time. E-learning to the truly mobile will be both a challenge and a great opportunity. Stay tuned!

One of the more interesting sites I’ve come across lately is MyHealthChannel.com (www.myhealthchannel.com). This site that helps you manage and track your personal health. Tools and resources that integrate a lot of knowledge management attributes: communities, learning and performance support (i.e., charting your health in preparation for a doctor visit) gives people a complete picture of the state of their health and keep them informed about new developments. Users need to input information about their health into the system – the more information entered, the more value is derived. Issues of privacy aside, it’s an interesting use of KM.

(another issue to consider as you read chapters 3 and 4)

There’s much discussion about the very low rate of online training completions. Organizations are beginning to discover that the number of students who complete an online course is far less than the number who start one. Of course, learning management systems are far better at tracking registrations and starts than completions, but it is true that many people never finish an online course. The questions is, is this a bad thing? The immediate response is, of course, that this is bad. But look a little deeper. In many cases, the course wasn’t very good to begin with, so people give up a walk away. This is a call for improvement of the materials, and not the fault of the deliver system. Even more interesting, many people report going into courses to get content they need and ignoring content they don’t need, or are not interested in. They are using the material more like knowledge management than training. This is a call not to get alarmed, but to follow up with surveys, interviews and other approaches to truly understand what’s happening and what steps to take, if any.

(keep this in mind as you navigate the e-learning marketplace – chapter 10)

At the 2000 Online Learning Conference in Denver, the size of the e-learning industry was immediately apparent. The exhibit floor was packed with large, very elaborate booths of vendors selling content, infrastructure and tools. Gone were most of the smaller, ‘mom-and-pop’ shops of just a few years ago. The trend toward larger firms continues through mergers, acquisitions and rollups. New players continue to enter the space and some will not make it. One could not escape the conclusion that the field was going through a growth spurt, mostly a good sign. But the tremendous competition can be too much of a good thing, and some people seemed overwhelmed and confused by it all.

(Thanks to Marcia Conner – I found this on her Learnativity site)

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."