108 Creating Effective User Experience in the Digital Age
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Tuesday, March 27
Salon 7
The requirements for effective enterprise user experience design seem to change on a daily basis. With a myriad of devices, software and cloud solutions, AI, machine learning, and AR/VR all impacting the way people receive and interact with content, it is difficult to know how to effectively integrate training into an employee’s work life. And to design it as a powerful and useful experience is even more challenging.
This session will rise above the noise and clutter of tech news, buzzy trends, and hyperbolic learning solution promises and look closely at what makes superior user experience (UX) in the digital age. It will explore how information can be delivered in a seamless and frictionless way and even leverage technology in compelling ways. By spotlighting design thinking practices, the session will elevate the learner as the key stakeholder of any learning experience. You’ll learn how using approaches such as personalization and user collaboration can contribute to a more modern take on UX and lead to stronger performance.
In this session, you will learn:
- How the user experience is affected by a wide variety of variables
- How to use an empathy map to understand users better
- How users want to participate in learning through collaboration and contribution
- How you can leverage technology to deliver highly personalized learning
- How machine learning and AI are impacting UX
- From a high-level view of the two leading UX design processes (IDEO and Stanford d.school)
- How well-designed UX can lead to effective performance support
Audience:
Intermediate to advanced designers, developers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
IDEO design thinking and the Stanford d.school process.
Scott McCormick
CEO
Emergent Enterprise
Scott McCormick is a national speaker, CEO, editor and writer. In a 30+ year career he has helped launched three companies including his current business, Emergent Enterprise. He has spoken at ATD CETS Showcase, Learnaplaooza, Augmented World Expo, LiveWorx, Realities360,, and XR Immersive Enterprise 2020. Scott speaks and consults on topics such as emergent technology adoption strategy and user experience and is editor of emergent-enterprise.com, the tech news and insight website. He was featured in the 2019 eBook, What is Augmented Reality? and has delivered strategy webinars and onsite presentations to leaders in healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and consulting.
212 State of the Industry: cmi5 Support in Authoring Tools and LMS
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 27
Salon 17
Deciding when to incorporate new standards and tools into your learning ecosystem can make evaluation difficult. With the ADL’s release of cmi5 in June 2016 as the xAPI profile for LMS/content communication, a wave of LMS and authoring tools have embraced the specification. Other authoring tools have been slower to adopt cmi5, opting to rely on xAPI-enabled SCORM modules to extend tracking beyond the limited data points of SCORM.
This session will look at cmi5 conformance for authoring tools and LMS, allowing attendees to make educated buying decisions. xAPI enthusiasts will gain an understanding of extending cmi5 capabilities through xAPI. You will explore commercially available authoring tool and LMS adoption of cmi5, including the structure of xAPI statements generated by those tools. More importantly, you will review how to use those statements for reporting on a variety of interactions within an online content module.
In this session, you will learn:
- About cmi5 support for various authoring tools and LMS
- About the benefits and limitations of xAPI-enabled SCORM content
- About the infrastructure you need to support xAPI and cmi5 within your organization
- About options for cmi5 adoption within an organization
Audience:
Intermediate to advanced designers, developers, managers, and directors with a general understanding of eLearning standards such as SCORM, AICC, and cmi5.
Technology discussed in this session:
Authoring tools, LMS, and LRS.
Art Werkenthin
President
RISC
Art Werkenthin, president of RISC, built his first learning management system (LMS) in 1988 and now has over 25 years' experience working with LMS in the oil and gas, retail, finance, and other industries. Art is keenly interested in the xAPI specification, and RISC was an early adopter of this technology. Interested in expanding the xAPI to the LMS, Art has served for the past three years on the ADL cmi5 committee. In 2015, RISC demonstrated the first implementation of a cmi5 runtime engine embedded in its LMS. Art has presented on cmi5 at several conferences, including mLearnCon, DevLearn, and xAPI Camp.
Duncan Welder
Director of Client Services
RISC
Duncan Welder is a director of client services for RISC. He is an educational technology geek, having spent over 20 years implementing learning management systems, domestically and abroad, to manage regulatory compliance. As an xAPI evangelist with a career grounded in instructional design and eLearning, Duncan has provided presentations to professional organizations including the Connections Forum, The Learning Guild, and the Association for Talent Development. Duncan is an active member of the Houston ATD, currently serving as director of special interest groups.
311 How to Choose the Wrong LMS
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Tuesday, March 27
Salon 15
Selecting the wrong LMS can lead to years of frustration – missing features, bad support and bad contracts can be maddening. So how can you avoid picking the wrong LMS? Problems with RFP’s, being too trusting in marketing slogans, sticking to selection rules rather than product fit, and weak negotiation tactics are just a few of the stumbling blocks you’ll want to consider in detail, and be prepared to avoid.
In this session you’ll discover what actions can lead you to choose the wrong LMS and how to avoid them in the future. Jake White is an industry veteran, and has been through the LMS purchase process many times. He'll share the pitfalls you should avoid, as well as practical insights for choosing the right LMS for you. Learn to fix the flaws in your selection process, and leave this session with renewed hope (and tactics) for finding the right LMS for your organization.
In this session, you will learn: (list at least 4 audience takeaways)
- The importance of the right fit
- Common mistakes to avoid in the selection process
- A practical process for choosing a winning solution
- Industry insights and how to ensure a successful relationship with your vendor
Technology discussed in this session:
Learning management systems
Jake White
CEO/Founder
Torch LMS
Jake White spent 10 years directing learning, including the use of multiple LMSs. Since 2010, he has served as the CEO/Founder of Torch LMS. He brings unique insights to this subject, having experienced LMS purchasing as a buyer and an LMS provider. He is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), accredited through the Association for Talent Development.
STP106 Content to Context: Retooling Learning Technology for Today’s Workplace
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Tuesday, March 27
Expo Hall: Tools & Platforms Stage
All too often, learning technologies are disconnected and used in isolation. For example, you may use one set of solutions to author content, which is then deployed in another solution to be consumed and managed. To then connect those learning opportunities to performance measures requires still another solution. It’s hard to identify the most important connection: where it all fits with your day-to-day, on-the-job experiences.
This session will explore ways in which the guided exchange of expertise among colleagues using today’s social business systems can replace yesterday’s learning management systems. Learn the potential impact of viewing skill acquisition through the lens of context rather than content. See how to integrate the learning function and the associated solutions seamlessly into day-to-day work. Finally, learn about the opportunity to simplify technology infrastructure in favor of solutions that tap into the wellspring of co-workers’ expertise.
In this session, you will learn:
- How online communities of practice can have enough strategic and business value to pay for themselves
- How to embed learning where work is performed, redefining the meaning of a “course”
- Why acquiring new knowledge and skills in context is so much more effective than using traditional, structured learning
- How to leverage user-generated content and peer-to-peer relationships to create more effective, less costly learning opportunities
Audience:
Intermediate managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.) with online learning experience (e.g., as an instructional designer, facilitator, or participant).
Technology discussed in this session:
SmarterPath, Jive, and Microsoft Office 365.
Stan Jeffress
Sr. Learning Consultant
Pokeshot
Stan Jeffress is a senior learning consultant at Pokeshot. With more than 15 years’ experience in the learning and development field, Stan has worked in various roles such as LMS administrator, project manager, consultant, and instructor. He also used this experience to work as a freelancer before joining Pokeshot. Stan’s role includes assisting clients with social learning strategy development, managing SmarterPath integrations, providing sales support, and contributing to product innovation.
506 Building Your Own LMS Using WordPress and Google Analytics
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Wednesday, March 28
Salon 5
There are benefits to off-the-shelf learning management systems, but in some situations the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. They often give you less control over the learner experience and may not provide the meaning from your learning metrics that you need. Sometimes the best solution for your LMS needs is a custom one. But custom LMS solutions are complicated and expensive to create, right? Actually, they don’t have to be.
In this session, you’ll discover an inexpensive and relatively easy solution for creating a custom LMS: WordPress. You’ll find out how WordPress can be used to build a customized LMS with minimal effort and cost, and what the benefits of this approach are for your audience and organization. You’ll then look at how you can use Google Analytics and Google Data Studio in tandem with this approach to deliver enhanced learning metrics that will add value for your organization and stakeholders.
In this session, you will learn:
- About the impact an LMS has on the learner experience
- How to know when third-party LMSs won’t meet your needs, and when to look at a customized solution instead
- How, specifically, you can use WordPress to build your own customized LMS with minimal effort and cost
- How to get the learning metrics you need using Google Analytics and Data Studio
Audience:
Intermediate to advanced developers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.) with basic knowledge of standard off-the-shelf learning management systems and learning reports.
Technology discussed in this session:
WordPress, LearnDash plugin, Google Analytics, and Google Data Studio.
Joshua Berkstresser
Director of Instructional Design
PsychArmor Institute
Joshua Berkstresser, a director of instructional design for PsychArmor Institute, is a learning and development professional with 10 years of experience and a master’s of science in instructional and educational technology and design. While working for Apple Retail, he trained staff in the opening of four stores in the US and UK with audiences of over 180. Josh then entered the nonprofit sector as 2-1-1 San Diego’s manager of learning and development. While there, he brought in a learning management system and facilitated the development of their first eLearning curriculum and blended learning solution.
F03 Panel Discussion: Learning Platforms in the Performance Ecosystem
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Wednesday, March 28
Salon 7
For decades, there was only one dominant learning platform that most training departments used: the learning management system (LMS). However, in recent years the learning platforms landscape has expanded. Not only have LMSs evolved over time, but additional platforms—such as ESNs, LRSs, intranet portals, and EPSSs—are also growing in functionality and popularity for learning and performance. This makes an organization’s decision on learning platforms much more complex, as it’s no longer a discussion of which platform, but which suite of platforms will meet an organization’s needs.
This panel discussion will explore how these platforms compete, coexist, and work to serve the diverse needs of today’s workforce. The panel’s experts will examine technology-driven performance ecosystems, and how workers leverage multiple systems to get their work done and get ahead. Join the conversation as they make sense of current systems, explore what’s coming next, and examine how different platforms complement and compete with one another.
In this session, you will learn:
- What technologies exist in the growing landscape of learning platforms
- What unique functionality is available from different systems
- What questions you’ll want to answer when evaluating which learning platforms are best for your organization
- Tips on how to build a suite of platforms to suit your needs
- What functionality is emerging in future learning platforms
Audience:
Novice to advanced designers, developers, project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
LMS, ESN, LRS, intranet portal, and EPSS.
Mark Britz (Host)
Director of Event Programming
Learning Guild
Mark Britz is the director of event programming at The Learning Guild. Previously he worked for more than 15 years designing and managing learning solutions with organizations such as Smartforce, Pearson Digital Learning, the SUNY Research Foundation, Aspen Dental Management, and Systems Made Simple. Mark is also an organizational social designer, helping businesses achieve the benefits of becoming more connected and collaborative to improve learning and engagement. Mark is the author of Social By Design: How to create and scale a collaborative company, and regularly presents and writes about the use of social media for learning, collaborative networks, and organizational design.
Steve Foreman
President
InfoMedia Designs
Steve Foreman is the author of The LMS Guidebook and president of InfoMedia Designs, a provider of eLearning infrastructure consulting services and technology solutions to large companies, academic institutions, professional associations, government, and military. Steve works with forward-looking organizations to find new and effective ways to apply computer technology to support human performance. His work includes enterprise learning strategy, learning and performance ecosystem solutions, LMS selection and implementation, learning-technology architecture and integration, expert-knowledge harvesting, knowledge management, and innovative performance-centered solutions that blend working and learning.
Megan Torrance
CEO
TorranceLearning
Megan Torrance is CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, which helps organizations connect learning strategy to design, development, data, and ultimately performance. She has more than 25 years of experience in learning design, deployment, and consulting . Megan and the TorranceLearning team are passionate about sharing what works in learning, so they devote considerable time to teaching and sharing about Agile project management for learning experience design and the xAPI. She is the author of Agile for Instructional Designers, The Quick Guide to LLAMA, and Making Sense of xAPI. Megan is also an eCornell Facilitator in the Women's Executive Leadership curriculum.
Stan Jeffress
Sr. Learning Consultant
Pokeshot
Stan Jeffress is a senior learning consultant at Pokeshot. With more than 15 years’ experience in the learning and development field, Stan has worked in various roles such as LMS administrator, project manager, consultant, and instructor. He also used this experience to work as a freelancer before joining Pokeshot. Stan’s role includes assisting clients with social learning strategy development, managing SmarterPath integrations, providing sales support, and contributing to product innovation.
SDD203 How Global Organizations Create and Deliver eLearning at Scale
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Wednesday, March 28
Expo Hall: Design & Development Stage
For global organizations, time is of the essence. Getting eLearning content about new products or services into learners’ hands instantly can be a game-changer, giving them a vital competitive edge.
International businesses need an easy-to-use toolkit for the rapid creation and distribution of eLearning at scale. You will learn how global companies such as PwC, Jaguar Land Rover, EE, L’Oreal, and many more create and deliver content instantly to their global user communities with gomo.
In this session, you will learn:
- How global teams can work together with collaboration
- How to guarantee design consistency across your eLearning library
- How ease of use allows you to roll out tools to hundreds of users across an organization
- How to get courses into an LMS in seconds
Audience:
Novice to advanced designers, developers, project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
gomo
Mike Alcock
Global Sales Director
Instilled
Michael Alcock, global sales director for Instilled and Gomo, is responsible for the company's strategy for UK and worldwide sales, product development, and global marketing. Prior to Gomo, Mike founded Atlantic Link Limited, where he invented the world's first cloud-based authoring tool.
612 Modern Learning Ecosystem Design with xAPI
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 28
Salon 15
While the L&D community is increasingly familiar with the Experience API (xAPI) and its value for data collection and interoperability, few examples exist to clarify the value of xAPI as applied within different existing learning infrastructures. This session is focused on sharing the ways xAPI can connect and provide value in any eLearning environment.
This session presents a series of different learning ecosystem configurations and the ways xAPI and a learning record store (LRS) can provide value in each case. The three main learning ecosystem configurations examined range from the simplest (LMS and LRS) to three systems connected (LMS, LRS, and CMS) to the fully modular (LRS, LMS, simulations, microlearning, performance assessment, and other tools). For each of these configurations, the presentation shares specific values and practical applications gained by connecting an xAPI LRS to the existing system.
In this session, you will learn:
- What kind of additional granular insights and eLearning information you can gather by connecting an LMS to an LRS
- How connecting an LRS to your existing LMS and CMS can help you connect data on formal, informal, and summative learning experiences
- How xAPI can connect to all of the components of your learning ecosystem to enable cross-source data collection and analysis across even the most distributed learning systems
- How data collected through xAPI contributes to the future of learning personalization and data-driven L&D
Audience:
Intermediate designers, project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.) with general knowledge of learning tools and applications. There will be a broad (and brief!) introduction to xAPI and the LRS.
Technology discussed in this session:
Experience API (xAPI) and learning record stores (LRSs).
Margaret Roth
Chief Customer Experience Officer
Yet Analytics
Margaret Roth is the chief customer experience officer at Yet Analytics, a Baltimore-based company that provides tools and solutions to improve learning and talent development. Margaret is interested in the development and design of connected learning environments that leverage xAPI and blended learning. Her background is in experiential education, curriculum design, teaching, and team development. She is the VP of community impact for the Junior League of Baltimore, a member of the SXSWedu Advisory Board, and a co-founder of EdTechWomen. Margaret received her BA in English and environmental earth science and her MA in teaching from Johns Hopkins University.
SMM205 Maximize Your Learning Platform Investment
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Wednesday, March 28
Expo Hall: Management & Measurement Stage
Many organizations purchase an LMS to help with a few challenges, but fail to fully understand and utilize the full functionality of the technology.
This session will explore how you can extend utilization of your existing platform throughout your organization while reducing overall content spend. Topics include: customization vs. configuration; you only need one LMS; knowledge sharing; and overcoming challenges with connectivity in mobile learning.
In this session, you will learn:
- About creating a space for shared knowledge
- About custom attributes and how they can add to the learner experience
- About widgets and the power to create a unique learner page
- Best practices for expanding platform utilization
Audience:
Novice to advanced designers, developers, project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
Knowledge centers, learning paths, widgets, and attributes.
Carrie Hancock
Sales Director NA
NetDimensions
Carrie Hancock is a sales director for North America at NetDimensions. With nearly 20 years’ experience in the learning management space, Carrie specializes in new business development and major market expansion. Following her early career in marketing and sales in the medical field, she took her healthcare knowledge into computer-based learning for hospitals and health facilities. Carrie contributed to a triple-digit revenue expansion of a small healthcare learning company, which led to a profitable acquisition. She is a graduate of Clemson University.
STP205 Triboo: A Blended Solution to Learning
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Wednesday, March 28
Room: Expo Hall: Tools & Platforms Stage
Something many organization face when implementing blended learning solutions is the lack of integration between the instructor-led training (ILT) component and the LMS. Integrating ILT or VILT sessions into an eLearning environment can be frustrating for both the trainer and the learner.
During this session, you will learn about the benefits of a blended learning management solution through the use of case studies and practical applications to corporate training. You will explore the components of blended learning and how a BLMS provides for all your instructor and learner needs, and you will examine the front-end and back-end analytics of a BLMS.
In this session, you will learn:
- To clearly identify the advantages of a blended learning management system (BLMS)
- About case studies with practical applications to your business and organization
- Practical applications of social learning and collaboration on a blended environment
- About the possibilities of AI through the use of a virtual tutor on a BLMS environment
Audience:
Novice and intermediate designers, developers, project managers, mangers, directors, and senior leaders (VPs, CLOs, executives, etc.)
Technology discussed in this session:
Triboo, Triboo Mobile, My Academy—corporate university, VR, and 360-degree and interactive video
Dan Gizzi
VP of Business Development
Learning Tribes
Dan Gizzi is the VP of business Development for Learning Tribes. Dan has worked at the forefront of technology and education for more than a decade. He moved from sales representative to become director of retention solutions at Pearsons, where he partnered with private sector institutions to redesign their offerings for students who weren’t ready to begin college-level courses. In his position with Learning Tribes, Dan continues his path of empowering professionals to reach their maximum potential as they work towards their company’s goals.
710 Doing More with Simple Learning Platforms
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Wednesday, March 28
Salon 18
Learning happens all around us and in all different forms. You want to reach your target audience in as many ways and as simply as possible. You also face budget limitations, internal IT roadblocks, and enterprises architecture or purchasing challenges.
In this session, you’ll explore real-world scenarios in which organizations solved problems by using one or more non-traditional platforms for delivering accessible learning experiences. You’ll learn the simple ways existing platforms can be used to help people learn and engage, and opportunities to measure effectiveness in these platforms.
- Simple technologies to deliver content
- Ways to combine platforms for effective learning experiences
- Methods for rapid prototyping and testing of these platforms
- Techniques for capturing data from these platforms
Audience:
Intermediate to advanced designers, developers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
Mailchimp, SendGrid, Thinkific, WordPress, learning record stores, Google Analytics, xAPI, Help Desk, Knowledge Base.
Brian Dusablon
Founder
Learning Ninjas
Brian Dusablon, the founder of Learning Ninjas, is an entrepreneur, coach, and generalist who has worked in the eLearning industry for over 20 years as a trainer, developer, instructional designer, LMS administrator, project manager, and consultant. At Learning Ninjas, Brian leads a collaborative consultancy focused on creating and teaching about accessible and effective learning solutions and technologies. Working with organizations and individuals, he applies existing and emerging technologies to simplify processes, improve performance, and measure outcomes. Brian frequently speaks on a range of topics, including accessibility, user experience, innovative technologies, and entrepreneurship.
809 The Quest for a New LMS
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wednesday, March 28
Salon 15
The organization’s LMS contract was coming to an end. After thoroughly reviewing its effectiveness, the team concluded it was no longer meeting their needs for the following reasons: End users were unable to access content on mobile devices. The system lacked eCommerce capabilities and wasn’t inviting or engaging. They had a limited licensing model. There were limited reporting capabilities and no dashboards. The cost was high. There was limited integration with internal systems.
This session will explore technologies, available in a number of platforms, that solved each of the challenges mentioned above. You will learn about the team’s process of narrowing down their selection of platforms by not only creating a list of requirements they wanted in an LMS, but also identifying use cases for each of the requirements. They also looked at several content providers to determine whether the content met their needs and to ensure a deep integration with their LMS of choice.
In this session, you will learn:
- How to turn an LMS into an engaging and interactive platform
- Strategies for turning an LMS into a knowledge sharing library
- How to use your LMS to create and track instructor-led sessions
- About available analytical capabilities and interactive dashboards that your executive team will have at their fingertips
Audience:
Novice to advanced project managers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.) with basic knowledge of learning management systems.
Technology discussed in this session:
Adobe Captivate Prime, Docebo, Totara, Absorb, Bridge, OpenSesame, Lynda.com, and Harvard ManageMentor.
Margharita Nehme
Learning Experience Specialist
Evident Learning
Margharita Nehme is a Certified Professional in Talent and Development (CPTD) and an accomplished learning design and technology specialist. She holds a Master's of Educational Technology and has over 15 years of experience in providing results-driven and impactful learning programs. Her expertise includes the creation, execution, and evaluation of training programs, message design, and 2D animation, as well as the evaluation, selection, and implementation of enterprise learning ecosystems.
907 LMS Success: Implement and Administer Your Learning Management System
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Thursday, March 29
Salon 15
This session is a step-by-step guide to learning management systems for trainers and administrators. Technical knowledge is optional! Basic concepts and easy-to-use tips are presented to help you develop your LMS, eLearning courses, and corporate training program.
During this session, you will learn how to select the best LMS vendor by setting goals for eLearning, asking the right questions, and considering your company’s budget and needs. You will determine a basic plan for system implementation, and think through how to market your plan to leadership and employees. You’ll get strategies for building enthusiasm for your learning management system, and also discover how to build an administrator team that has excellent communication and project management skills.
In this session, you will learn:
- How to select and implement a learning management system
- Tips for assembling and managing a system administrator team
- How to handle technical issues, support, and system maintenance
- Strategies for using your learning management system to its fullest extent
- Basic terms and concepts associated with learning management system administration
Audience:
Novice and intermediate developers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VPs, CLOs, executives, etc.).
Technology discussed in this session:
Learning management systems, SCORM, AICC, xAPI.
Katrina Baker
Firmwide IS Learning & Development Manager
Cooley LLP
Katrina Baker is the firmwide IS learning and development manager for Cooley LLP. Her publications include LMS Success!, The LMS Selection Checklist, and her newest book, Corporate Training Tips & Tricks. Katrina previously worked in global training capacities for Latham & Watkins and Whole Foods Market, whose L&D program was recognized by Fortune. Past clients include Verizon, Xerox, and the US government. Katrina is a former vice president of finance and director of technology with the Los Angeles chapter of the Association for Talent Development, where she served as the organizer of the L.A. Learn Tech Conference and as an assigned mentor to members in a variety of industries.