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July 2007

In This Issue
Spotlight on eLearning
Meet the Practice Leader
What does THAT Mean?
Tips for a Happy Online Experience
Client Appreciation Breakfast
Quick Links
Quote of the Month 

 The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

- Alvin Toffler
 

July Events

 13th - Go Lean to Compete seminar. Click to register.
28th - National Milk Chocolate Day and Cow Appreciation Day (really!)
Join Our Mailing List 
Sharing Time

 Are you "into" eLearning? Share your experiences with us -- the good, the bad and the ugly. We can all learn from each other. We'll summarize everyone's comments in a future newsletter.

Click to Share Your Experience

Did You Know?

Microsoft PowerPoint is the top product used in eLearning development. Most organizations have a ton of PowerPoint presentations sitting on their networks. That means you've got a major chunk of an eLearning program already developed! If you want to convert your PowerPoints into interactive eLearning, CBIL can help!

It's 2G2BT!!

Do you wonder what Smiley Keyon earth your daughter is text messaging to her b/f? Webopedia will translate it. Click the phone icon above.

Test Your Digital IQ!
man on mouse

Are you a techie or a "wreckie"? Click the icon above to find out.

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Greetings!
 
Welcome to the premiere issue of "Just Add Value," the newsletter of the Center for Business, Industry & Labor at St. Louis Community College. Our newsletter is designed to add value to you and your organization by sharing information, resources, tips, quotes and fun items. We hope that you find it valuable and look forward to receiving it each month. In this issue we take a look at technology-based learning. Enjoy!
 
Spotlight on eLearning
 
Plugging into eLearningElectronic Learning, or eLearning, is the use of any sort of electronic device in the learning process. This can include computers, iPods, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones, and other technologies.

Has your organization stayed clear of electronic learning for any of the following reasons?

  • We don't have the expertise in-house.
  • It's too expensive to develop.
  • We don't have the time.
  • We don't have the technology.
  • We need a custom solution.

Rapid eLearning might change your mind. It is focused on a set of strategies to speed up and make the eLearning design and development processes more efficient and less costly.

eLearning can be custom developed to meet an organization's unique business needs. In the right situation it can be as (or more) effective, take less time to develop, and cost less than traditional classroom training. Rapid eLearning is also highly effective when used as a supplement or enhancement to existing training. 
Meet the Practice Leader
 
Lisa StepanovicLisa Stepanovic is the Business Practice Leader of Instructional Design and eLearning at the Center for Business, Industry & Labor. She has nearly 20 years experience developing creative training solutions for a broad range of industries.
 
A few of her favorite things: Alfred Hitchcock movies, hiking and enjoying nature, CHOCOLATE!
 
Click Lisa's photo to ask her a question about eLearning.

What does THAT Mean?

Here are some "techie" tools that can be used in training and learning situations. Can you think of ways they might be used within your organization?
 
Synchronous eLearning - Learners access the eLearning at the same time, allowing them to interact, share and collaborate in an online meeting. "Live"
 
Asynchronous eLearning - Learners access self-paced eLearning on their own time. They do not interact with other learners. "Not Live"
 
Wiki - Hawaiian word for "quick." A website or online resource which allows users to add and edit content collectively. For an example seewww.wikipedia.com
 
Blog - Short for "weblog." An online journal or newsletter that is frequently updated and intended for viewing by the general public. Click to see an example.
 
Podcast - Short for "iPod broadcasting." A digital media file containing audio and/or video distributed over the Internet for playback on portable media (MP3) players and computers.
Tips for a Happy Online Experience
 
Smiley KeyAttending an online meeting or taking a course? Here are some tips to make it more enjoyable:
  • Test out your computer equipment before the course/meeting. The meeting host should tell you how. You may need to download a small application or run a test.
  • Make sure you have a working headset plugged in so you can hear.
  • Hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door or cubicle.
  • Set your cell phone and pager to silent mode.
  • Get a pad of paper and pen so you can take notes.
  • Resist the urge to multi-task during the session. Focus on learning something new.
  • Engage your mind - Think about how you can use the new knowledge. Ask questions and share ideas.
  • Provide feedback to the host about your experience - both good and bad.
Client Appreciation Breakfast

George Friesen presenting at Client Appreciation BreakfastA special thanks to all of you that attended our recent Client Appreciation Breakfast. The 38 clients attending enjoyed a hearty breakfast, networked, and learned about the importance of implementing Lean "thinking." George Friesen, Business Practice Leader of the Lean Enterprise, made the presentation very real and timely. As one of our clients said "Lean Today, Here Tomorrow."  See pictures from this event.
 
Watch your newsletter for more client events in the upcoming year. If you have a suggestion or idea for a future event please email Shayna Howell, Client Development Manager.
 
Thanks again for making this a successful event!
Thanks for reading. We hope this newsletter added value to your day. Email Shayna Howell with your comments and suggestions for future newsletters.
 
Sincerely,

The CBIL "Just Add Value" Team
Center for Business, Industry & Labor
St. Louis Community College

     St. Louis Community College