e-Learning Blog
Easy Ways to Motivate Learners with Storytelling in Rapid e-Learning
The best rapid e-Learning courses include all of the information, tools and resources to arm learners with the best possible set of skills for their careers. But, what about instilling motivation? Building morale? Storytelling through e-Learning can be an effective way to engage and motivate your learners using stories of success and hard work to convey the determination, achievement and success at your organization. According to Shawn Achor in the Harvard Business Review, a happy and engaged workforce raises sales by 37%, productivity by 31% and accuracy on tasks by 19%.
While storytelling is a powerful tool to motivate and spark productivity and innovation for your employees, it doesn’t have to be intimidating and can be easily accomplished with the right approach and the best rapid e-Learning tools. Use this simple formula to leverage your rapid e-Learning courses and presentations to tell great stories.
Choose Your StoryWhat story do you want to tell? Is it the company’s story? Is it the success story of an employee? Is it a story of the day in the life of an employee?
Determine what fits best for the overall goals in your training and how you can effectively incorporate the story into your learning materials. Does your company or organization have a “hero” whose story you can tell? Maybe you can tell the company’s story through employees’ experiences. Or, you can showcase multiple employees and how they’ve found success and happiness at the company.
+ Determine Your StrategyDepending on the immediate needs and goals for your training, storytelling may have a very different place in each training initiative. Perhaps it’s weaved into the content itself; perhaps you create the story as a separate part, or branch, of the training that learners can explore.
Only include the most important elements of your story and only use facts, quotes and other content that directly add value to the story and to your learners. This will keep your learners interested and engaged and will also keep your story relevant to the overall training.
+ Convey the StoryWhat materials and tools can you use to convey the story you want to tell? Stories have an amazing way of sticking with us and motivating us when they instill emotion – whether it be happiness, excitement, compassion or any other emotion. Use different types of media to convey your story in a powerful way that will have an impact on your learners.
Images & Video
Words alone can communicate a lot of meaning, but dig deep to find expressive and powerful images and video to tell your story. Combine an image with a short, strong sentence or phrase. Make a montage of images or video clips to help you tell the overall story in a unique way. Do a video interview, follow employees on the job – whatever adds depth to your overall story.
Tip: You can instantly add a YouTube video into a Snap! by Lectora course or presentation so your video is embedded directly within the training.
Audio
Use powerful music or audio recordings to add another dimension to the story. Find audio recordings of motivating remarks. Or, if the story is about a particular person, go to the source and do a short interview to gain some insightful pieces of audio you can weave into the story.
Tip: Import audio or record your own in Snap! by Lectora and even edit it right there within the course.
+ Translate Your Story into a Call to Action for Your LearnersWhile stories alone are fantastic examples and motivators for employees, it is essential to make sure your story reflects the values you want to instill in your learners and provides a call to action for your learners. Couple your story with ways your learners can achieve the same success for their own careers. Provide resources for further learning or include additional skills to practice, for example.
= Successful Storytelling
If you create a powerful way for your learners and relate it to the organization, they will likely be more motivated to learn to be more productive on the job and to achieve success in their careers. With the right rapid e-Learning software like Snap! by Lectora and Snap! Empower, it’s super simple to tell your organization’s story in an engaging way with video, audio and excitement to wow your learners.
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Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
e-Learning Blog
Top 10 Reasons why Jeremy Gutsche is Going to Rock the 2012 Lectora User Conference
If you’re looking to spark motivation, creativity and your entrepreneurial spirit, Jeremy Gutsche is the ultimate resource for all things innovative. Jeremy Gutsche, Chief Trend Hunter at TrendHunter.com combines insightful ideas with the power of motivation you can’t – and won’t want – to ignore. Gutsche’s highly anticipated keynote at the 2012 Lectora User Conference, "Exploiting Chaos: Sparking Innovation During Times of Change," will kick off this e-Learning event with electrifying energy and inspiring ideas for your rapid e-Learning content and the future of e-Learning at your organization.
Here are the top 10 reasons you won’t want to miss Jeremy Gutsche at the 2012 Lectora User Conference:
10. Gutsche is one of the top most requested keynote speakers because of his fantastic ideas and enthusiasm
9. Created by Gutsche, TrendHunter.com is the #1 trend-spotting site in the world, full of the most influential and cutting-edge ideas, attracting close to 1 billion views
8. With a background in both corporate strategy and Web 2.0, Gutsche’s unique perspective on innovation provides relevant resources and tools to generate ideas and get the ball rolling toward the future for businesses
7. Gutsche is the winner of The Cisco Innovation Excellence Award
6. Gutsche has grown TrendHunter.com into a trusted resource for "what's next" in marketing, design and technology
5. When they need to know about the next big thing,companies like Google, Microsoft, eBay and Pepsi read Gutsche’s trend reports
4. Gutsche is the winner of BDC's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
3. His book Exploiting Chaos won an Axiom Business Book Award, was named an Inc. Best Book for Business Owners and was a #1 bestseller on the 800 CEO Read list
2. Gutsche uncovers how to create a culture of innovation in your company and think big while acting small
1. Who else is cool enough, yet has the credibility to be sourced by a wide variety of outlets including the Economist, BBC, Entertainment Tonight and MTV?
Can’t wait for the 2012 Lectora User Conference? It will be here in no time! Stay up-to-date with the latest news including the jam-packed conference schedule the latest developments for the unique 1920s Speakeasy Opening Reception and fun-filled Chicago Blues Closing Celebration and more by visiting: 2012 Lectora User Conference.
Looking to spark some creativity in your Snap! by Lectora and Snap! Empower rapid e-Learning creations? The 2012 Lectora User Conference is your place for insider tips and tricks from e-Learning gurus. Hope to see you there!
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Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
e-Learning Blog
Rapid e-Learning Takeaways from Bersin & Associates’ 2012 Predictions
It’s 2012 and time to look at some e-Learning predictions for the new year and what they mean for rapid e-Learning development and implementation. Bersin & Associates (B & A), well known and respected for their extensive learning and talent management research, recently released “Strategic Human Resources and Talent Management: Predictions for 2012” full of predictions for e-Learning in the new year.
While this report mainly emphasizes the changes for HR and talent management, it also focuses on the major shift of technology, making very relevant predictions for rapid e-Learning development.
Bersin & Associates 4 major shifts for training technology:
- Bite-size chunk e-Learning: Bersin & Associates attributes YouTube, Google and Facebook with “instant gratification” for learners that prescribe a shift away from traditional e-Learning to smaller segments that take less time to complete. Sizing down the content into smaller segments and exercises makes learning more appealing for our learners.
- Online Video: Since video plays on virtually any device we own (computers, tablets and phones), B & A says “video will continue to explode in 2012.” Inclusion of video in rapid e-Learning content – wherever possible – makes interesting, valuable content not only accessible, but also engaging. You can insert YouTube videos directly into both Snap! by Lectora® and Snap! EmpowerTM content so your learners don’t even have to leave your course. You can also easily create your own video in Snap! by Lectora!
- Mobile Learning: It’s everywhere. mLearning delivers content to your learners when and where it is convenient for them. This makes it possible to connect with and engage learners easily. Snap! Empower flash interactions builder and Lectora® e-Learning software already publish to mobile devices and make it simple to join the mobile movement. You can instantly place Snap! by Lectora creations directly into Lectora to push content out to mobile devices if you use this rapid e-Learning software. (For more information, take a look at: Snap! Empower Publish to SWF and Video and Snap! by Lectora Expert to Lectora and Other Resources.)
- “Gamification:” In addition to creating games, you can actually use “gamification” to create a type of gaming atmosphere where learners can achieve with points and badges, complete levels and overcome challenges – all within the overall learning process. Engage learners in new ways with fun, interactive techniques. (For more information, please see “The Gamification of Corporate Human Resources,” Bersin & Associates.)
Trend: Social Learning
A trend we couldn’t possibly leave out and one B & A considers as “one of the biggest trends in training,” social learning enables organizations to easily connect learners to subject matter experts and peers for the supply, exchange and flow of valuable information. With a nod to companies like IBM (who partners with Lectora to implement their social learning initiative), B & A claims, “if you do not have a social learning strategy, you will fall behind.”
Both Snap! by Lectora and Snap! Empower publish to the leading social media sites, making it super simple to push your rapid e-Learning content to the places where your learners can connect with each other and with experts to gain and exchange knowledge. Don’t be afraid to tap into social spaces like YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter as a valuable resource for your learners!
What does all of this mean for rapid e-Learning?
Put short and sweet: In order to achieve rapid e-Learning success, deliver and tailor your content to your learner where and how it works best for them. If it’s mobile, social, in small chunks, as a video or includes a gaming atmosphere, you are likely to engage your learners more than ever in 2012. And, you can achieve all this with Snap! by Lectora and Snap! Empower.
Have you had success with any of these predictions already? Challenges? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
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Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
e-Learning Blog
Innovative Thought Leader Jeremy Gutsche to Kick Off 2012 LUC!
What better way to jump-start the 2012 Lectora® User Conference (LUC) in Chicago than with high energy and exciting, new ideas? As the CEO, founder and Chief Trend Hunter at TrendHunter.com, Jeremy Gutsche embraces creativity and inspires innovative ideas. With his contagious enthusiasm, Gutsche is sure to spark motivation and outside-the-box plans for your e-Learning projects - and even your everyday life.
This unique thought leader is also a TV Host and award-winning author of “Exploiting Chaos - 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change.” Highly sought after for his unique insights, Jeremy Gutsche proves how new businesses and products can thrive in ever-changing business environments.
Gutsche ’s keynote, “Exploiting Chaos: Sparking Innovation During Times of Change,” will kick off a jam-packed schedule of e-Learning breakout sessions, demonstrations and networking at the 2012 Lectora User Conference. Hosted May 22-24 at the world class Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, the LUC provides exclusive access to keynote presentations, information and insights from e-Learning thought-leaders from around the world. Learn from industry professionals as well as discover and share best practices and expertise for e-Learning development and implementation.
The 2012 Lectora User Conference is expected to sell out, so reserve your space today! For more information including the early bird special and hotel reservations, please visit: 2012 Lectora User Conference.
Want instant updates on the latest developments for the 2012 Lectora User Conference? Have questions about the event? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!
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Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
e-Learning Blog
Thanks for the e-Learning Shout-outs!
Twitter has been a-flutter with supportive Snap! by Lectora and Snap! Empower Tweets in 2011. The team here at the Rapid e-Learning Round-up blog wants to extend a special thanks to all of our Snap! by Lectora and Snap! Empower users and fans for the ongoing support. The e-Learning community is all about sharing great resources, tips and new and exciting development tools to spread the wealth knowledge for us all. Thanks and keep them coming! Cheers to another year of rapid e-Learning success!
Check out what some of your fellow e-Learning professionals had to say:
@ericwilbanks Holy #eLearning, Batman! @Lectora is only charging $99 for Snap! Powerpoint plugin. #gamechanger?
@msimon14 If you were impressed with the $99 #Lectora Snap, you may be blown away with Lectora #Empower. *Very* impressive at first glance #eLearning
@MrDpcMan #Lectora SNAP = SUPER only have 8 days left... Need to scrape up only $99 easy to use, great output. :-) #elearning #MrDPcMan #lms
@CloudMediaLab New @Lectora Snap! could quickly rise to top pick PPT to Flash (rapid eLearning) software.
@sharnon007A REAL GEM! The Rapid #eLearningWrap-up: the Latest Blogs, Tips, Tricks & More | Snap by Lectora j.mp/npIZFJ#gamemakers
@kstedford Sue Tedford Cool product at VERY low price. Welcome to Snap! Empower: disq.us/41p1xm
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@mamaier262 Has Lectora created a tool that will put the smackdown on Articulate? For $99 its worth a try http://ow.ly/6wNoA
@eteachingit Wow! I just received an email about a great new e-learning tool - Snap! by Lectora. But the REAL news is the price.
@Ben_Chapman Snap by Lectora - next level Powerpoint e-Learning integration at a fraction of the cost! http://bit.ly/p1G143
@mpetersell Can't wait to use Snap! It covers a lot of the ground that Articulate does and it interfaces with #Lectora.
@MAZIOCREATE Currently trialing my first self-paced elearning resource. I created resource using SNAP! by Lectora. Easy & great support from Lectora.
@unicorntraining Snap! looks a threat to Articulate at $99.
@cre8iveii Check out NEW Snap! Empower – create Flash animations. It’s $99 but you can get 20% off with this link! Refer-A-Friend.Trivantis.com/a/clk/4Lz1G
@churchill_steve Snap! by Lectora only $99. Turns your PPT into great Flash presentations. Get 15% off with this link: Refer-A-Friend.Trivantis.com/a/clk/1DBy2 |
Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
e-Learning Blog
Fantastic Rapid e-Learning Blogs in 2011 That You May Have Missed
If you’re like most e-Learning developers, you don’t have much time to research helpful rapid e-Learning tips so you Bookmark them or add them to your Favorites list in the hopes of returning - which doesn’t always happen. To make things easier and save you some time, we've compiled a list of very useful blog posts from the rapid e-Learning community that you may not have seen yet. From PowerPoint tricks to loads of e-Learning tools to tips for having fun with your courses, this list has something for everyone. Use these tips in your Snap! by Lectora creations for the ultimate PowerPoint to Flash package:
PowerPoint 2010: Perfecting the Motion Path, AJ George, I Came, I Saw, I Learned…
- Learn how to create custom motion paths in your rapid e-Learning including the oh-so-complicated continuous movement from one slide to another.
PowerPoint 2010: Creating a Spinning Animation, AJ George, I Came, I Saw, I Learned...
- George also posts this super-helpful and very detailed instruction on how to easily create a spinning animation in your PowerPoint presentations.
Creating Transparent PNGs in PowerPoint, Jonathan Shoaf Integrated Learning Services
- This great blog post shows how to make transparent PNGs from your graphics created in PowerPoint to give your rapid e-Learning courses a polished look and feel.
2011 Top 100 Tools List, Jane Hart, Learning in the Social Workplace
- The incredible Jane Hart gives us her top 100 tools and observations for learning in 2011 – a must-read.
Designing with a PowerPoint Grid, Connie Malamed, the eLearning Coach
- Malamed does an awesome job of showing the value of using the grids in PowerPoint and offers some great tips for creating precise and professional graphics for e-Learning courses.
Learning Circuits Big Question: How do You Make e-Learning Fun?, The Learning Circuits Blog
- We all like to have fun – so why not add fun to our e-Learning courses? This big question highlights how professionals from the e-Learning community add fun to their courses – full of fun and good tips for all of us.
Jump-start 2012 with a shiny new set Snap! by Lectora skills! These rapid e-Learning blog posts are definitely worth the read. I’d like to extend a special thanks to all of these e-Learning gurus for sharing your expertise with us!
If you have a great e-Learning blog post you would like to share, comment below!
Download your 30-day free e-Learning software trial of Snap! by Lectora, Snap! Empower – or both – today to transform your ordinary PowerPoint presentations into magnificent interactive creations.
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Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
e-Learning Blog
Top 10 Terrific Testaments to Rapid e-Learning
If you’re wondering what all the chatter is about in the e-Learning community, Snap! by Lectora may have a little something to do with that. Both e-Learning pros and those looking to enter the rapid e-Learning category have been talking about the Snap! by Lectora $99 price and are excited to take the latest e-Learning software for PowerPoint presentations for a spin. Here are the top 10 Snap! by Lectora highlights from social media:
1. Salim Azzam:
“It is a big hit. Easy to use with fantastic results. Bye bye Articulate.”
2. @CloudMediaLab (Cloud Media Lab):
“New @Lectora Snap! could quickly rise to top pick PPT to Flash (rapid eLearning) software.”
3. @TheTalentFactor(The Talent Factor):
“eLearning Leader Enters the Ring with $99 Knockout Snap! by Lectora®”
4. Mike Petersell, “Many Ways to Learn:”
“The Lectora line up now creates a strong end-to-end solution with Snap! by Lectora at one end and Lectora Inspire (including Flypaper, Snagit and Camtasia) at the other. I could outfit my team members with the tools they need based on their level, but have them all working across the same platform.” He also thinks Snap! by Lectora will give competitors “a run for their money.”
5. @ericwilbanks (Eric Wilbanks):
“Holy #eLearning, Batman! @Lectora is only charging $99 for Snap! Powerpoint plugin. #gamechanger?”
6. Michael Sampson, “Snap! by Lectora - Turn PowerPoint into an e-Learning Authoring Environment”
“Any price barrier that existed to prevent the creation of e-learning material has just disappeared.”
7. @MrDpcMan (David DePatie Jr.):
“#Lectora SNAP = SUPER only have 8 days left... Need to scrape up only $99 easy to use, great output. :-) #elearning #MrDPcMan #lms”
8. @EDGE_Coaching (EDGE Coaching - Dan):
“New Snap! by Lectora is only $99 vs Adobe Presenter ($500) & Articulate Studio ($1347)”
9. @unicorntraining(Unicorn Training):
“Snap! looks a threat to Articulate at $99.”
10. @mpetersell (Mike Petersell):
“Can't wait to use Snap! It covers a lot of the ground that Articulate does and it interfaces with #Lectora.”
Thanks to these fans and all of the others for the great feedback, Tweets and posts about Snap! by Lectora!
What do YOU think about Snap! by Lectora?
We would love to hear your impressions, thoughts and ideas on the latest rapid e-Learning software.
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Leave us a comment right here on our blogs.
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Have a blog? Post your thoughts and pass it along to us or get started with your own eLearning blog on WeLearn, the only social eLearning network.
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Contribute to the Snap! by Lectora e-Learning blog and write your own article to share your ideas, tricks and tips with fellow users. Contact Molly.Horn@Trivantis.com for more information or to submit your blog.
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Have a question? Although we follow your questions and comments on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, you can also check out the Snap! by Lectora e-Learning Forum or contact us directly by phone or email.
Don’t be shy, give us the scoop on your e-Learning experiences! Download your free 30-day trial of Snap! by Lectora if you haven’t already and get in on all the rapid e-Learning action that everyone is talking about.
Take a tip from the many folks who mention the Snap! by Lectora Refer-A-Friend Program in social media and try it out to see how many friends use your link to buy Snap! by Lectora.
- Rack in a $20 gift card for each and every purchase of Snap! by Lectora with your link
- Your friends who buy receive 15% off.
- If that’s not enough, you don’t even have to own Snap! by Lectora to receive the rewards
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Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations. |
