Sage Road and WCET recently completed a learning technologies industry overview, paying particular attention to finding associations that provide community, collegiality and resources for people working at some point along the elearning value chain. Frankly, we did the work because we wanted to know where WCET fit in that particular ecosystem, which groups were already providing services (so we could avoid stepping on their toes), and which other like minded folks with whom we could collaborate going forward. And we have our niche pretty well identified and defined. More on that in an upcoming blogpost.
Let me start by saying that there are a lot of groups out there doing great work to help (online learning pros, educators, trainers, sales trainers, product roll-out specialists) learn how to leverage eLearning more effectively. I participate in many of them. e.g., Going to the USDLA conference next week. Keynoting at the upcoming Sloan -C summer 2010 conference. Chairing the 2011 program committee for ASTD TechKnowledge. And, of course, we're hosting what will be a great event for WCET's Annual conference in La Jolla
And still, I find that when it comes to finding information I need for making eLearning work that the place I personally turn first continues to be the eLearning Guild. As many know I've been a long-time Guild member. So when people ask me where they can go to get started learning about elearning, I almost always point to the Guild first.
As this has happened several times this week I thought it appropriate to post my "RSA" for the month - If you are just getting started with eLearning you should check out the Guild. Lots of great resources. publications, and magazines and research reports. In fact, there is a rapidly growing series of Getting Started Research Reports, more than 50 articles tagged “Getting Started” and published by Learning Solutions Magazine. Lots of data about the broad eLearning ecosystem, such as salaries and most typically used tools.
As the Guild CEO, David Holcombe, has noted "We’re actively reach out to those who are new to e-Learning because eventually they all become seasoned high-end e-Learning pro’s. Whether you work in education or government, small business or large enterprise, I think you will find the Guild to be one of your best friends if you want to know how to create and build elearning solutions of all kinds, from courseware to mobile apps.
Comments