May 2008

Alex Hogan

Technology in Training

April, 2008

Ann Lovett Baird

Fast & Easy Learning Design

March, 2008

Barbara Ashbough

Measurement and Evaluation in Training Design

February, 2008

Randy Palubiak

Delivering Video and Media-Rich Content

January, 2008

Michael Hoffman

Igniting Performance

May 2008 Speaker!

Alex Hogan

Technology in Training

If we only discussed how technology is used in training today, would that be enough?

The use of technology in training hasn't really changed in the 20 plus years.  From the CBTs of 20 years ago to the online eLearning that emerged 10 years ago to the blended environments that encompass today's training facilities, the fundamental concepts are the same.

What would happen if someone came around and said that it didn't have to be that way?  What if someone said instead of creating assets or defining reusable learning objects you just have to instruct technology to teach?

What if someone built a better mouse trap?

In this session we will discuss the use of technology to increase retention and instructional capabilities through the use of "concept matrices", "chatter bots", "information architecture" and the use of the internet as an asset.

April 2008 Speaker!

Ann Lovett Baird, Lovett Consulting Group

On Your Mark, Get Set . . . Create Learning!

—Fast and Easy Learning Design

 Are things changing so fast in your company that the instructional design process is practically non-existent? The constantly changing environments of our corporations and organizations require that we use the most efficient means possible to create performance-focused learning venues. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in poorly designed training that does not work. In our rapidly-changing, information-filled world, we have to look at creative and ingenuous ways to impart knowledge and skill.

 This interactive session will cover

·   The basics of experiential learning design.

·  The importance of clearly defined outcomes from a learning intervention.

·  How to create performance and behaviorally-based learning objectives.

·  How to quickly develop custom case studies and exercises to meet learning objectives.

 Audience participants will leave the session with job aids for efficient learning design and some great ideas for courses or learning venues they are currently working on.

 Ann Lovett Baird has been creating custom designed training and other learning venues for clients since 1990. She has served as an instructional designer/developer and consultant to the Financial Services, Marketing Technology, Business Services and Health Service industries. Ann has held positions with various companies in the financial services industry as well as with the Dallas consulting firm, ActionSystems, Inc.

 In 1995, she founded Lovett Consulting Group, a firm committed to providing experiential, performance-based learning venues for clients.

 Ann holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance and accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been instructed in the Experiential Learning model from University Associates and Brain-Compatible Learning Techniques.

 Ann received the James E. Wallace Chapter Service from the Dallas ASTD Chapter in 1991. She served as Dallas Chapter president in 1993.

Some of Ann’s Curriculum Design clients include:

Snowed out meeting due to have been held on Thursday,  March 6, 2008

Speaker: Barbara Ashbaugh

Evaluation - It’s Just Not That Complicated:  Train-to-Ingrain and Get Results!!

Homework and report cards may come to mind when you think about evaluation. The question arises, “Do we really want to know how we did?”   Trainers can become defensive about measuring outcomes, especially when the results are dismal.  Poor evaluations can threaten your job security.

Come and learn the important levels of evaluation and how to use them to promote learning, job security, and organizational results.  The focus will be on a reinforcement-based approach to achieve permanent, measurable changes.  Because 55% of America’s employees are disengaged, expectations, clarification and measurement are critical to lasting change and improving productivity and retention.  Every great trainer will want to attend.

Barbara Ashbaugh is the CEO of Trade Secrets, a performance management and training company based in Plano, Texas.  For sixteen years she has been helping clients improve their productivity and manage their talent by engaging their workforce and achieving sustained results.