I saw Chris Guillebeau speak recently, the author of The Art of Non-Conformity. He thinks instead of looking for efficiency we should be looking for adventure. I agree and as an adventure seeker when it comes to learning and development here's my 10 point take on how a conventional trainer stacks up … [Read more...] about The art of being an unconventional trainer (with a nod to Chris Guillebeau)
'Don't fake it – you gotta feel it' Mr. B. to his PS 22 Chorus at the Oscars
Mr B is the phenomenal teacher and conductor of PS22 Chorus, the choir that's taken Youtube by storm. A recent Time Magazine article describes them as having a tendency to skip traditional chorus tunes in favor of exuberant renditions of pop songs. Mr B recently gathered his charges, from … [Read more...] about 'Don't fake it – you gotta feel it' Mr. B. to his PS 22 Chorus at the Oscars
Learning about learning with tuiles
I recently wrote about an example of what not to do if you want your learners to feel included and your content to be accessible. It had to do with differentiated learning and not being told upfront what that meant. Harumph! (e.g. I'm tired, it's the end of a long day and you, the presenter, have … [Read more...] about Learning about learning with tuiles
Confessions of an introverted trainer
I adore being a learning and development specialist. Being with people. Lots of people. Different and diverse people. And with them, creating a process that unfurls the heads of confusing question marks into tall and proud exclamation marks. I get it! I never thought of it like that. That's … [Read more...] about Confessions of an introverted trainer
Top 100 Tools for Learning in 2010
Since 2007 Jane Hart, of the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies, has been putting together an annual list of top learning tools. The completed 2010 list is at the end of this post and the emerging 2011 list is here. I tried out a couple that were new to me; Glogster, for making … [Read more...] about Top 100 Tools for Learning in 2010
What's your theory of change? Evolution or Revolution?
Ever wondered what your theory of change is? How do you believe change happens? If you're a learning and development specialist then you're out to change - change minds, expand learning, influence behaviour. Face it, you're a changemaker. One way to look at change is on a continuum with evolution … [Read more...] about What's your theory of change? Evolution or Revolution?
Not paying attention as a trainer can make you take an unwanted bath
I once took a university course, early Friday mornings at 8:30 am, with only 3 others in the class. There was another painful aspect to it other than the early hour. The professor lectured from notes so old they were yellowed. Plus his monotonous tone matched the static nature of his … [Read more...] about Not paying attention as a trainer can make you take an unwanted bath
The view from Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter) on a bad, very bad day
The word's aflutter with the release of the new Harry Potter movie, which made my kids take the opportunity to watch a previous version, specifically the Order of the Phoenix. We were all snuggled up in bed watching when it occurred to me that the character Dolores Umbridge is a great example … [Read more...] about The view from Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter) on a bad, very bad day
3 ways to deal with participant hackers (like a slacker but worse) or 'What I learned from having our website hacked'
You know your day is not going to go well when it starts off with a phone call from a client saying:"Uh, er, is your website supposed to have a picture of people with guns on it?" Turns out our website was hacked, which, apologies to regular readers, is why there was no blog post on Friday. Instead … [Read more...] about 3 ways to deal with participant hackers (like a slacker but worse) or 'What I learned from having our website hacked'
The fine art of balance
The gorgeous video clip below came to me via Dyana Valentine. Other than wondering how the artist can manage to spend so much time upside down while looking so effortless and graceful, it's got me thinking about balance. As a learning and development specialist I think a vastly overlooked aspect … [Read more...] about The fine art of balance
Great trainers are great adapters
What the canals of Amsterdam have to teach us trainers about self-care
Recently I spent some time in Amsterdam with my friend and colleague Gert Junne of the University of Amsterdam and Network University. As we dialogued for hours about our mutual work, sharing resources and ideas for collaboration we drove through the country side exploring. The picture above shows … [Read more...] about What the canals of Amsterdam have to teach us trainers about self-care
