Session Schedule Available
You'll be able to choose from 15 breakout sessions in 4 time slots, plus 5 Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions. See the session descriptions below and this year's session schedule (PDF) to start planning your day. Please keep in mind that although this schedule is as accurate as possible, it may be subject to change.
Keynote Session
Megan Torrance, CEO & Founder, TorranceLearning | Bio
xAPI and a Framework for Learning Data, Analytics & Action
Now is the time to plan for the strategic use of your learning data to evaluate learning and performance, support business decision-making, and integrate business and learning workflows. How does this work? What tools and skills will you need? We'll start with an overview of xAPI, the interoperable learning data specification. From there, we'll spend most of our time on three things: a framework for applying data in our work for archival purposes, analytics, and action; a map of your learning data ecosystem, and a process for using data to make decisions in design, delivery and impact.
Educational Breakout Sessions
Design
Pete Hybert, Principal Consultant, PRH Consulting, Inc. | Bio
Case Learning Using Storyline/Web-Based Delivery
Often eLearning is used for simple content delivery and recall. However, it can also be used to develop fairly complex interactions using links, branching, and variables. The key is an instructional structure that allows learners to explore and learn at their own pace while also ensuring intended capabilities are developed and tested. This session will demonstrate portions of a web-based curriculum designed to teach project team leaders how to make decisions based on information and resources they search and interpret.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Summarize how to design a learning architecture promoting learner-directed choices while meeting pre-defined objectives.
- Describe how to use Storyline capabilities (e.g., links and variables) to enable more complex paths through an eLearning program.
- Describe the benefits of challenging learners to target higher-level learning objectives (i.e., going beyond “recall”).
Level: Intermediate
Diane Kubal, Experience-Based, Virtual-Learning Consultant, Fulcrum Network | Bio
Wendi Barlow, Facilitator, Coach, Designer, Producer, Barlow Consulting | Bio
Convert Your In-Person Training into High-Impact Experience-Based Virtual Learning
Converting learning into virtual training seems straightforward, yet it’s not working for many. Modern workers want personalized, interesting learning that motivates them to take action, experiment and apply with access anytime, anywhere, on any device. Using gamification, micro-learning, social community with a Learning Experience Platform keeps learners engaged and works well for all types of training, including soft skills, OD interventions and more. During this session, we share a model of 30 design methods that make online, virtual learning engaging and experiential with a live technology demo. In addition, participants will receive FREE access to an experience-based virtual mini-course called MODERN LEARNING.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Define experience-based virtual learning.
- Use three design methods with or without a technology platform.
- Convert your content using an experience-based virtual learning approach.
Level: Intermediate
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Hadiya Nuriddin, Owner, Duets Learning | Bio
Using Storytelling Strategies to Write Compelling Scenarios
Scenarios are an effective way to create authentic learning experiences, and the most memorable scenarios are the ones brought to life by compelling storytelling. But transforming seemingly mundane tasks into powerful stories is something even the most prolific and celebrated writers struggle with. In this session, we’ll explore a few strategic storytelling techniques and discuss how we can use them to create scenarios that teach, engage, and move our learners. We’ll practice applying these techniques to a section of a course, and you’ll receive tips along the way that you can use to bring your own scenarios to life.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Distinguish effective scenarios from ineffective scenarios.
- Explain the role of scenarios in creating authentic learning experiences.
- Apply five strategic techniques of storytelling to an existing training scenario.
Level: Beginner
Shannon Tipton, Owner, Learning Rebels | Bio
Drips, Bots and Blogs: Your Super Tools for Spaced Learning
In a recent Bersin by Deloitte report, it was stated that 80% of CEOs believe upskilling is their most pressing challenge. This said - large workloads, packed schedules, and a continued dispersed employee base impose a barrier to providing the training needed to address the upskilling needs of a modern workforce. For learning professionals, this means delivering reinforcement programs that are produced in spaced bites. Thus further giving people a chance to reflect and apply lessons, wherever they may be in a hybrid workplace. This session will help you discover how to plan and organize spaced learning curriculum based on the technology applications of chatbots, blogs, and email drip feeds. All by using a framework that can be easily replicated once back facing the day-to-day of the workplace.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Apply the concept of conversational drip delivery to your current curriculum.
- Analyze the three different drip delivery platforms to discover which delivery system will be fit for purpose based on your reinforcement challenges.
Level: Intermediate
Development
Meaghann Caldwell, Business Development Manager, Agate Publishing, Inc. | Bio
Start Today: Simple Steps Toward Making Your eLearning Content Accessible
Making your content accessible to all learners can seem like an overwhelming task. There are many dimensions to accessibility, the stakes are high, and the landscape is constantly evolving. In this session, I will show simple adjustments in language and format that you or your organization can make to increase accessibility. My goal is to arm you with information and resources that you can implement immediately. We can start today and make the world a better, easier, place in which to learn.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Realize that some members of your audience experience challenges that can be overcome through thoughtful, accessible design.
- Understand how common content items (like images, color choices, etc.) may be aesthetically pleasing but can alienate a certain percentage of the learning population.
- Learn how to make simple changes to how elearning content is created and presented.
Level: Beginner
Mark Lassoff, Video Instructor & Founder, Tech Learning Network | Bio
How to Create Better Screencasts: Step-by-Step
In this session, participants will be introduced to ten short, easy-to-apply techniques that will improve the educational outcomes from screencasts. Participants will be invited to work along with the instructor as each technique is demonstrated. The session will cover best practices for recording the screencast itself, including software options, and recording techniques. You will learn the most effective length for screencast videos as well as how to record them for the best visual results. You'll also discover how to best work with subject-matter experts who are recording their own screencast material.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand when screencasts are an advantageous vehicle for training.
- Minimize unnecessary cognitive load in your screencasts.
- Annotate screencasts to highlight action.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own laptop: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop to get the most out of this session.
Zsolt Olah, Senior Learning Technologist, Amazon | Bio
Creating a Customized PDF from Storyline
Nobody ever goes back to the LMS to dig up a resource from an eLearning course. Wouldn't it be nice then to provide post-learning support directly from the course? Maybe it's a customized to-do list? A tailored roadmap with links? A coaching guide based on the assessment you took? Or just simply a certificate? In this interactive session, you will use your Articulate Storyline to capture information in variables, and then produce a PDF on the fly based on that. The same methodology can be used for any type of PDF creation. Technologies involved: Storyline, JavaScript, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Prepare a PDF (checklist, certificate, journey map, etc.) for integration.
- Import a JavaScript library into Articulate Storyline.
- Transfer variables from Storyline into the PDF on the fly.
Level: Intermediate
Devices needed for activities: To fully participate in this session, participants need Storyline and ideally Adobe Acrobat Pro DC installed on their laptop.
Nicki Woolsey, Instructional Design Consultant, Nicki Woolsey | Bio
The Power of Video: Examples of Video in Training
Recently, training has shifted from long, click-through training, to short microlearning modules. Since 90% of the information transmitted to the brain is visual, conveying your content with video is a no-brainer. In this session, we’ll explore the power of video by briefly looking at various video styles and software programs and reviewing different examples of how you can use video to convey your message. If you are looking for ways to freshen up training by incorporating video, join this interactive session. Get your creative caps on because the possibilities of captivating your audience through video are endless.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Discuss the effectiveness of short videos in learning comprehension.
- Discover differing types of video styles and considerations for each.
- Expand your creative use of real-world video applications for learning.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Learning Technologies
Destery Hildenbrand, Senior Learning Experience Designer, Motive.io | Bio
Betty Dannewitz, COO, ifyouaskbetty, LLC | Bio
Getting Started with Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is a growing technology widely used in games, marketing, and learning and development. Getting started with AR is easier now than ever before however there are some questions that need answers. Where do you get started? Where does it fit in your design workflow, what tools are available for use, and how do I share and track these types of experiences? Finding answers to these and other questions when working with newer technology questions can be a challenge. In this session, we will explore the answers to these questions and more through discussion, hands-on development, and interaction.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Recognize the difference between augmented, virtual, and mixed reality.
- Test out multiple AR experiences for learning and marketing.
- Ideate on how to best use augmented reality as a modality in your Learning Solutions.
- Get started with AR design and development.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Nancy Munro, CEO, Verbal Transactions | Bio
AI, Voice Assistants and the Workplace
AI and digital assistants will soon be managing a lot more work-related tasks. Are you ready for it? Automation adoption has been growing at a rapid pace. Some 60% of CEOs polled for a recent Gartner survey cited AI as the “most industry-impactful technology” over the coming years For trainers and talent managers how will this impact your world? In this session, Nancy Munro, CEO of Verbal Transactions, will walk you through examples of how AI and bot technology may impact training, talent development, and how AI may or not be the right fit for everyone.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand how AI and bots are being used in training and the talent management space.
- Explain how some current automation tools today can be used to streamline talent management and training.
- Describe what staffing of the future may be with increased automation and bot technology.
Level: Intermediate
Paul Njuguna, Owner, RedesignedMinds | Bio
Driving Learner Engagement with Immersive VR
Immersive Learning is an experiential training methodology that uses virtual reality to simulate real-world scenarios and train employees in a safe and engaging environment. It combines the presence of VR with advanced learning theory, data science, and spatial design to improve effectiveness and user engagement. In essence, immersive learning lets people learn from somewhat realistic experiences, and the more realistic and vivid we can make those experiences, the more likely they are to remember. Join this presentation and demonstration of an Immersive VR case study, and learn how to bring immersive learning to your company.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Define Immersive VR Learning.
- Combine different technologies to create immersive eLearning experiences.
Level: Intermediate
Brian Richardson, Founder & CEO, Richardson Consulting Group, Inc. | Bio
Note: SESSION CANCELED | AI for Learning and Development
Applications of artificial/augmented intelligence (AI) in learning and development are accelerating. L&D professionals need to upskill on AI capabilities, learn how to use AI to accelerate learning development and scale and personalize the learning experience, evaluate AI solutions, and overcome employee fears of AI and gain adoption. Attendees will take away practical knowledge, tips, and tools to implement AI for learning.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Address common concerns with AI.
- Explain the core capabilities of AI.
- Identify Problems AI can solve.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Strategy
Jennifer De Vries, President & Chief Solutions Officer, BlueStreak Learning, LLC | Bio
Rachel Tuohy, eLearning Technical Specialist, BlueStreak Learning, LLC | Bio
Donna Roberts-Luttrell, CPT, Senior Instructional Designer, E & E Consortium, LLC | Bio
eLearning Technology Basics: Ask the Expert
The eLearning industry is booming after COVID. Any internet search for eLearning information, instruction and tools deliver thousands of results. How do you cut through all the noise and determine what is relevant and best for your project? You need to start with the basic learning technology model. Once you have a firm grasp of terms, types and how learning technologies work together, you can better discern what technologies might work for you and your projects. Bring your eLearning questions to this session and our experts will do our best to answer them.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Define learning technology terms, such as LMS, authoring tool, and SCORM.
- Identify at least two new resources to help grow your eLearning knowledge and skills.
- Answer questions that managers commonly ask about eLearning projects.
Level: Beginner
Debbie Richards, Chief Technology Officer, Creative Interactive Ideas | Bio
Adopting a Futuristic Mindset
For many organizations, the global pandemic brought to the forefront the discrepancy between the skills people have and those needed for jobs in the digital world. The need to upskill and reskill workers on these technologies is critical for an organization to stay ahead of the competition. Technology is changing rapidly, and if you fail to keep up, you will be left behind. How can you identify obstacles and opportunities?
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Adopt a futuristic mindset and help your organization shape the future.
- Explore strategies to drive a positive impact for your organization.
- Explore immersive learning technologies.
Level: Beginner
Bring your own device: Participants are encouraged to bring their own mobile device to get the most out of this session.
Philipp Strazny, Production Manager, The Geo Group Corporation (a STAR7 company) | Bio
Localizing eLearning
The target audience of your eLearning programs is likely to be multilingual, so you need to localize into different languages. Multimedia programs contain content in different formats that all have their unique challenges. In this session, we will look at the translation process in general and how to approach translation projects in content creation and preparation. We will look at the challenges of translating embedded assets in desktop publishing or graphics formats as well as audio/video content.
At the end of this session, you will be able to
- Understand translation terminology, such as SCORM, XLIFF, or transcreation.
- Understand the steps and pitfalls of a translation project.
- Generate a ballpark cost and time estimate.
Level: Beginner