Friday Finds — Learning Objectives, Learner Personas, Marketing Insights

Sponsored by iSpring

“A sure way for me to blunt my aliveness, my day-to-day experience of my vitality, is to live in victimhood, blame the weather, blame the traffic. What I notice is, if I stop blaming and I choose to move the locus of control back over here, and I choose to have agency, to be responsible for my experience, not the external world, but to be responsible for my experience, there’s a surge of energy that comes back in the body.”

— Jim Dethmer

I made it back from Auckland with some new Kiwi friends and another destination for my travel list. (Everyone said I have to come back and visit the south island.) To manage the 17 hour time difference, I tried out an app called Time Shifter and it worked well beyond my most optimistic expectations. The app tells you when to get sunlight, caffeine, when to nap, etc. to help you avoid jet lag…and it worked tremendously well for me. It was super easy and the first trip is free – I don’t get anything from recommending it, it just works!

As always, thanks for reading.

What I’m Listening To: Today I’m checking out the “unpolished pop” of SEB who I’ve noticed from a number of other playlists that I’ve share here. See what you think?

Last Week’s Most Clicked:

Uplevel your prompt craft in ChatGPT with the CREATE framework

📰 News & Notes

Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business and Life

You probably know that I’m a fan of looking for things L&D can ‘steal’ from marketing. This is a great book by a renowned marketer that I really liked. 

“Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life” by Rory Sutherland is a book that argues that unconventional ideas and solutions can be more effective than traditional ones in certain situations. Sutherland suggests that the key to unlocking these unconventional ideas is to approach problems with an open mind, and to be willing to question assumptions and consider alternative perspectives. 

He also emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior and psychology when designing solutions. Ultimately, he us to embrace creativity and experimentation in our work, and to not be afraid to try new approaches and ideas.

Learn more →

Should we list the learning objectives?

Christy Tucker explores the pros and cons of including learning objectives in e-learning courses. On one hand, clearly stating the learning objectives at the beginning of a course can help learners understand what they will be able to accomplish by the end of the course. On the other hand, some argue that listing learning objectives can be dry and unengaging for learners.

Ultimately, she concludes that including learning objectives can be a helpful tool for learners, but it’s important to present them in a way that’s engaging and motivating. She suggests using a variety of methods, such as storytelling, to make the objectives more interesting and relevant to learners. What is your stance on including the learning objectives in your learning content?

Learn more →

Should instructional designers use ChatGPT?

This Digital Learning Institute article takes a look at using ChatGPT for learning design. Basically, ChatGPT can be used to create personalized learning experiences for students. It can generate quizzes that are tailored to each student’s unique needs or provide feedback on writing assignments in real-time.

Of course, there are some limitations and ethical considerations to using AI in education. We need to make sure that we’re not just replacing teachers with machines and that we’re still providing human interaction and support.

But overall, the article suggests that ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize learning design and improve student outcomes. So, it’s definitely worth exploring how we can use this technology in learning and education in a responsible and effective way.

Learn more →

We need to learn how to connect

Harold Jarche’s post about the fact that increasing connections should be a primary business focus of HR and L&D departments is not new, but still as relevant as ever. 

Connections increase as people cooperate in networks (not focused on any direct benefits for helping others). Diverse networks can emerge from cooperation that is supported by transparency and openness in getting work done. Basically, better external connections also make a worker more valuable internally. Fostering this perspective will be a huge change from the way many organizations work today.

Learn more →

Are learner personas a useful design tool?

In his blog post, Neil Mosley poses the question, “Are learner personas a useful design tool?” He explores the pros and cons of using learner personas in instructional design. While some argue that learner personas are a valuable tool for creating more personalized and engaging learning experiences, others question their usefulness and suggest that they can be too limiting or even counterproductive. He offers some insightful commentary along the way, so give it a read and let me know what you think about it. 

See what others are saying and add your voice to this LinkedIn discussion on learning personas.

Learn more →

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Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
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Check it out!

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Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
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🎧 Podcasts

These are the podcasts that caught my ear this week.

A Deep Dive into ChatGPT and Marketing AI

🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

ResearchRabbit

The most powerful discovery app ever built for researchers 🔥

http://www.researchrabbit.ai

There’s An AI For That

Comprehensive database of 2,668 AIs available for over 603 tasks. Use our smart AI search to find the best AI tools for any use case

https://theresanaiforthat.com

YouTube Transcript – read YouTube videos

Better, easier to use transcripts for YouTube videos

https://youtubetranscript.com

Design Sidekick – find colors, fonts, styles, and more

Design Sidekick is a free Chrome extension that finds colors, fonts, and styles used on any web page.

https://designsidekick.io

Role-Play Training: The New Foundation for the Training Industry

An in-depth article on role-play training, by Clark Aldrich

Everyone’s excited about ChatGPT at the moment, just like they were excited about the metaverse a year ago. But where’s the metaverse now? Clark Aldrich, the world’s most experienced designer of educational simulations, suggests that we should focus on role-plays aka scenarios instead because this type of content has been proven to work and will enhance your training like nothing else.

Read his article filled with tons of insights, groundbreaking ideas, and samples, and learn how to create effective role-plays yourself.

Download the research →

🧳 Where’s Mike?

Learning & Marketing Conference
June 7-8
Online

Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

Friday Finds — Primitive Brain, ChatGPT Productivity, Steal Like an Artist

Sponsored by iSpring

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

— Socrates

I’ve hit the jackpot again with my visit to Auckland. It’s been raining here for months and I’ve seen more sun in my week than they’ve seen in a long time. While I didn’t have time to venture as far as I’d like, what I’ve seen is amazing. The people are super nice and for a big city, Auckland has a super chill vibe. If you ever get the chance to visit – take it! Now, I’ve just got to survive the monster flight home tomorrow. See you on the other side, friends.

As always, thanks for reading.

What I’m Listening To: Being so far away from home makes me think of John Denver and “Take Me Home”  It is good to travel and it is also good to get back home and sleep in your own bed again.

Last Week’s Most Clicked:

Creating Better Video for Learning

📰 News & Notes

Your Primitive Brain Doesn’t Want You to Break Bad Habits. Science Can Help

Breaking bad habits can be tough due to our primitive brains, which are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. But, science has developed various effective methods to help us break bad habits and cultivate healthier ones.

To overcome bad habits, this article suggests setting specific goals, tracking progress, and enlisting the support of others. Positive emotions and mindfulness are also important in reducing stress and increasing self-awareness.

While some people may be naturally better at self-control than others, the article emphasizes that anyone can learn to develop this skill with practice and patience. By implementing science-backed strategies, it’s possible to overcome the challenges of our primitive brain and cultivate healthier habits for a happier and more fulfilling life.

Learn more →

The Science of Context

This article discusses the importance of understanding the impact of context on behavior. It highlights research that shows how our surroundings, circumstances, and environment can significantly influence our decisions and actions. By being aware of how context can shape behavior, we can design environments and situations that encourage positive behavior and discourage negative behavior. The article also explores how context can impact our perception of time, our ability to focus, and our level of motivation. Understanding the role of context in behavior can help us make better decisions and achieve our goals more effectively.

Learn more →

Level Up Your Prompt Craft with the CREATE Framework

Tom Barrett, provides valuable insights and practical tips for educators looking to design effective learning frameworks. He emphasizes the importance of a clear vision and purpose for the framework, as well as the need to involve stakeholders in the design process. He also suggests considering the context, such as the learning environment and learner needs, when creating a framework.

To create a successful framework, he recommends focusing on three key elements: outcomes, experiences, and assessment. These elements can be used to design learning activities that align with the overall vision and purpose of the framework. He also encourages educators to continually evaluate and refine their frameworks based on feedback and data.

Learn more →

New MIT Research Shows Spectacular Increase In White Collar Productivity From ChatGPT

Josh Bersin discusses a new research study from MIT that shows a significant increase in white-collar productivity due to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly ChatGPT. The study found that employees who used ChatGPT were able to complete tasks faster and more accurately, leading to a 40% increase in productivity. This study also notes that the use of AI chatbots can free up employees’ time and enable them to focus on more complex tasks, ultimately leading to improved job satisfaction and higher retention rates.

Learn more →

L&D Professionals…Learn To Steal Like an Artist

Catherine Lombardozzi emphasizes the importance of “borrowing” ideas from others in order to create and innovate in the L&D industry.

She argues (and I agree) that many great ideas are often just a combination of pre-existing ideas that have been reimagined and repurposed. By drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, you can create something truly unique and original.

For example, you could examine how successful companies handle employee onboarding or how popular video games engage their players. By borrowing techniques and applying them to your own work, you can create something fresh and innovative.

Where do you look for inspiration to create something truly unique and effective in the L&D field?

Learn more →

Use this Japanese agility concept to build an effective soft skill training program
Soft skills are imperative, but hard to teach. In this article, aNewSpring teaches you how “Shu-Ha-Ri”, an ancient Japanese agility concept, forms a strong basis for soft skills training and which activities within the learning platform can support this approach.
Let’s dive into improving your training!

Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
Check it out!

Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
Subscribe For Free

🎧 Podcasts

These are the podcasts that caught my ear this week.

#550: The Cost of Context Switching & How You Can Minimize It

A Deep Dive into ChatGPT and Marketing AI

🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

Photo.restore

Use AI to fix bad photos, increase resolution, remove backgrounds and colorize B&W images.

https://www.photorestore.io/

Smart Notes PowerPoint Add-in

Easily customize, manage and present your speaker notes with this PowerPoint add-in.

https://smartsuitetech.com/

Concatible

TikTok-ify YouTube videos. Create clips from longer videos and share them with your choice of designs.

https://www.concatible.com/

Glaze Illustrations

A library of beautiful, free illustrations for everything in a variety of styles for your next design project.

https://www.glazestock.com/

A Step by Step Guide to Knowledge Transfer

Whether you’re a multinational conglomerate or a startup, an efficient knowledge transfer system will significantly benefit your organization, driving business results. Read this article to learn the benefits of knowledge transfer and be able to start effective knowledge transfer in your company.

And if you want to save time and effort, download a knowledge transfer plan template for free.

Download Template →

🧳 Where’s Mike?

Learning & Marketing Conference
June 7-8
Online

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Typographic Hierarchy, Science of Writing, Better Learning Videos

    Sponsored by iSpring

    The value of the computer is that it allows kids to learn by doing. People don’t learn by being talked at. They learn when they attempt to do something and fail. Learning happens when they try to figure out why.

    — Roger Schank

    Hey, friends! This week, I had the pleasure of joining the iDTX conference, and let me tell you, it was a virtual blast! If you missed out on all the digital goodness, fear not, for the recordings are available on Tom McDowall’s YouTube channel. In other news, I’m about to take to the skies and head to New Zealand tomorrow. Yes, that’s right, I’ll be jetting off to the land of hobbits and kiwis. I just hope I don’t accidentally end up in Old Zealand – that would be quite a detour!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: It has got to be a road trip playlist today for the mother of all road trips. How could I resist when the first song is “Melt with you” by Modern English?

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    How to Write the Way Your Co-Workers Actually Read

    📰 News & Notes

    Typographic Hierarchy in Design

    Let’s talk about typography design and the importance of creating a clear hierarchy. When you establish a typographic hierarchy, you’re guiding your readers through your text, making it easier for them to understand and engage with your content.

    To achieve an effective hierarchy, you’ll need to consider font size, style, weight, and spacing. By using larger fonts for headings and smaller ones for body text, you’ll create a clear distinction between the two, helping readers navigate your content more easily. Limiting the number of font styles you use will also give your text a more cohesive and polished look.

    A well-designed typographic hierarchy offers many benefits, such as increased readability and improved user experience. By making your text more accessible and organized, you’ll also enhance your content’s credibility and authority. I think this is one of the easiest ways most people can improve their content, so dive in and learn how you can make your content stand out!

    Learn more →

    Creating Better Video for Learning

    Are you looking to create engaging and effective video content for your learners? Patti Shank’s article is packed with valuable tips and insights on how to make your videos more captivating and memorable. Discover the secrets to keeping your learners’ attention, enhancing your visual design and audio quality, and creating compelling storytelling that resonates with your audience.

    With expert advice on concise messaging, engaging graphics and animations, and interactive elements, you’ll have everything you need to create impactful video content that boosts learner engagement.

    Learn more →

    3 science-based rules of writing

    Research shows that when writing is easy to understand and uses emotional language, people are more likely to read it all the way through, even if the topic is not very interesting. Simple language and sentence structure make reading easier, while emotional language captures our attention and keeps us engaged.

    To make your writing more interesting and easy to read, follow these 3 rules:

    1. Use simple, common words instead of complex ones.
    2. Write short sentences and use active voice.
    3. Use exciting or hopeful language to keep your reader engaged.

    This great newsletter dishes out 3 minute marketing recommendations based on the latest research. Subscribe for free.

    Learn more →

    Microlearning Hacks: How to grab people’s attention

    In a recent talk show-style discussion at the 7taps Microlearning Conference, I chatted with Kate Udalova, the founder of 7taps Microlearning, and Christopher Lind, VP and Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed, to explore some of the best techniques to cut through the noise in today’s fast-paced world.

    We covered some tactics for how to use marketing techniques to capture your audience’s attention and keep them interested.

    Learn more →

    The Power of the Early Engagement Effect

    In her latest newsletter, Gwyn Wansbrough shares a facilitation tip that can transform your engagement levels. She emphasizes the importance of engaging participants early on in a group session. Engaging participants in the first 5 minutes can increase their likelihood of staying engaged throughout the session, leading to better outcomes.

    It’s the facilitator’s job to help participants turn on their engagement switch, as engagement cannot be assumed. To help, she also shares two easy ways to do this from Priya Parker and Session Lab.

    Learn more →

    How Cérélia accelerated their employee onboarding with a learning platform
    A potent training methodology, together with a clear view of employee competencies, went into creating effective blended learning within the aNewSpring platform. Cérélia was able to create bite-sized chunks as part of an accelerated onboarding program to train their learners in a very short time.
    Find out how to use this methodology for any type of training

    Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
    There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
    Check it out!

    Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
    Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
    Subscribe For Free

    🎧 Podcasts

    These are the podcasts that caught my ear this week.

    844: The Six Words that Dramatically Increase Your Impact with Jonah Berger
    Dr. Gina Poe: Use Sleep To Enhance Learning, Memory & Emotional State | Huberman Lab
    Podcast | Translating Learning Science Into Day-To-Day L&D

    https://sites.libsyn.com/49241/a-deep-dive-into-chatgpt-and-marketing-ai-special-episode-364

    A Deep Dive into ChatGPT and Marketing AI

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    Resound.fm

    Automate podcast editing so you can do it in minutes instead of hours.

    https://www.resound.fm/

    Soapbox

    Easily create and share videos from your browser with this extension by Wistia.

    https://wistia.com/soapbox

    Vizard

    Easy-to-use online video editor & screen recorder that allows you to create professional-looking webinar, testimonial, conference recordings within minutes.

    https://vizard.ai/

    Readow

    Let artificial intelligence find the next book for you to read. Type in the titles of books you like and see what book recommendations AI will find for you out of more than a million titles.

    https://readow.ai/

    Learn more →

    Employee Resistance to Training

    Get Buy-In and Motivate Employees to Learn

    See how companies worldwide motivate their teams to learn and grow and then apply their best practices to your team. iSpring conducted a global, cross-industry research study of the reasons behind employee resistance to training and ways to address this issue.

    Download the results of this research with its stats, graphs, and tables, and get actionable insights from iSpring L&D Consulting. It’s entirely free to you.

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Critical Ignoring, Behavioral Design Pros, Slide Docs

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “Conversation is the best learning technology ever”

    — Jay Cross

    My excitement level is starting to ramp up as I start packing for my trip to the NZATD conference in New Zealand. It’s going to be an incredible experience filled with new adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and meeting lots of fascinating people. The 15 and 1/2 hour flight is a lot less exciting. I’ve picked out the best seat I could find. Now I just hope I can still walk when I try to peel myself out of it when I get there. So, I’m packing my sense of humor, tons of snacks, and hoping for the best!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: Today, I’m revisiting a favorite and am immersed in the distinct amalgamation of musical styles of The Arctic Monkeys

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Three major things people get wrong about the brain

    📰 News & Notes

    “Critical Ignoring”: Learning to Ignore in an Information-Overloaded World

    The digital age has brought an overload of information and competition for our attention. While critical thinking is helpful for evaluating information, it may not be enough to handle the massive amounts of information available. Therefore, we also need to develop “critical ignoring” skills, which allow us to choose what to ignore and where to focus our attention.

    These strategies can help us manage our cognitive load and prioritize our attention in a world full of distractions.

    Learn more →

    Top People to Follow in Behavioral Design

    Behavioral design is a fascinating but complex field that involves various theories and concepts. However, to become a more effective behavioral designer, we must always be open to learning from the latest research and field experiences. Fortunately, we can learn a lot by following practitioners who are already doing this work day-to-day. By engaging in their reading lists, attending the same events, and joining their discussions, we can immerse ourselves in the field and gain valuable insights.

    This Behavioral Scientist article points you to some of the top experts you should start following and learning from today!

    Learn more →

    Slide Docs, One-Pagers & Slide Handouts

    The article by Stephanie Evergreen is all about presentation handouts, which can be a really effective way to get your point across. Slidedocs are a special type of handout that combine the best parts of slides and documents. They have all the cool visuals of slides, but also the in-depth information of a document.

    One-pagers are another type of Slidedoc that condense all the information down to just one page. They’re perfect for when you need to give a quick summary of something or you don’t want to overwhelm your audience with too much information.

    The whole point of Slidedocs and one-pagers is to make sure that your audience stays engaged and interested in what you’re saying. By tailoring your handouts to your audience and the purpose of your presentation, you’ll be able to create something that really resonates with them.

    Learn more →

    How to write for the way your coworkers actually read

    Writing at work is a big deal. It’s like wearing clothes to an interview – you want to look good and make a great first impression. Your writing skills can impact productivity, decision-making, and even company culture. This article will help you brush up on those writing skills and learn how to rock the written word like a pro.

    Steal these data-backed marketing tricks of the trade to improve your memos, emails, messages, and more.

    Learn more →

    The Difference Between Open-Minded and Closed-Minded People

    This Farnam Street article really resonates with me. It looks at things like why do some people seem to make constant progress in their professional and personal lives while others repeat the same mistakes? I think part of the answer is how they approach problems. It comes down to mindset.

    Over time, the person who approaches life with an openness to being wrong and a willingness to learn outperforms the person who doesn’t.

    Learn more →

    Strengthen essential soft skills with a learning platform
    aNewSpring’s platform supports you to develop personal goals and helps you train for soft skills such as teamwork, dependability, and flexibility. Their experts show you how with eight practical and easily accessible activities.
    Discover more about the aNewSpring learning platform and its benefits for soft skills training!

    Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
    There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
    Check it out!

    Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
    Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
    Subscribe For Free

    🎧 Podcasts

    Aaron Dignan: Change The Way You Work [The Knowledge Project Ep. #158]
    Why Human Connection Is The Key To Effective Branding | Matt Johnson
    160. Neuroscience and Psychology in the Business World, An Interview with Matt Johnson

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    Atkinson Hyperlegible

    This free font enhances character recognition and accessibility, with a distinctive visual style.

    https://pimpmytype.com/atkinson-hyperlegible/

    AIcyclopedia

    The free AI encyclopedia. AI tools, podcasts, prompts, newsletter, and more.

    https://www.aicyclopedia.com/

    Dubble

    Dubble watches you work and translates your actions into written step-by-step guides.

    https://dubble.so/

    Edit.Photo

    Sometimes you just need a quick & easy way to edit a photo without logins, ads, etc getting in the way. 

    https://edit.photo/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Learn more →

    6 Graphic Design Principles for Course Authoring

    As important as instructional content is, the visual presentation of that content strongly affects how easily learners will be able to learn and apply new information. How good are your graphic design skills?

    Take this simulation to know for sure.

    And read this article to learn six principles of graphic design that will help you build a compelling online course.

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Brain Myths, Desirable Difficulties, Curation Tools

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness.”

    — Leo Tolstoy

    Holy cow, I can’t believe it? College visits are already happening for our oldest kiddo! It feels like just yesterday we were teaching him how to tie his shoes and ride a bike. Time really does fly!

    Honestly, I wouldn’t mind swapping places with them and reliving those college days. My college experience was off-the-charts awesome and I’m crossing my fingers that his will be too!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: All week, I’ve been immersing myself in the sounds of No Suits – a category-defying band that incorporates R&B, hip-hop, funk, psych rock, and electronic textures into their music. (Heads up: there may be a few ‘spicy’ lyrics.)

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Visual design rules you can safely follow every time

    📰 News & Notes

    Three major things most people get wrong about the brain

    A neuroscientist has come out with a list of things most people don’t understand about the brain. Turns out, our minds aren’t as simple as we thought, and the complexities of the brain have been a mystery for decades. But don’t worry! With the help of this article, you might just gain a better understanding of how your gray matter works (or doesn’t work) and impress all your friends with your newfound knowledge.

    Learn more →

    Demystifying Desirable Difficulties
    .

    This blog post explores the idea of “Desirable Difficulties” in learning. Essentially, this means intentionally introducing a bit of challenge or difficulty into your learning process to help you better remember and apply what you’ve learned in the long term. It dives into how this approach differs from traditional methods that prioritize ease and efficiency, and provides examples of desirable difficulties like spacing, interleaving, and retrieval practice. It’s important to strike a balance between making things challenging enough to be effective, but not so difficult that they’re overwhelming. 

    Learn more →

    A Conversation About AI for Content Creation with Chad Udell

    Jane Bozarth, sits down with Chad Udell from Float Learning to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI content creation tools like Grammarly, OpenAI, and ChatGPT. Learn about these tools and the exciting possibilities they bring. 

    Chad even gives a sneak peek of some impressive examples in a 5 minute bonus video.

    Learn more →

    Content Curation Tools: 21 Criteria To Select And Evaluate Your Ideal One

    Picking the perfect content curation tool can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. This article by Robin Good will help you sift through the options with emphasis on the importance of considering factors such as ease of use, compatibility with existing workflows, and the ability to customize and collaborate.

    Learn more →

    How to craft a harmonious life
    .

    Tired of striving for work-life balance? Well, according to this article, you can toss that goal out the window and embrace the chaos! Instead, focus on crafting a good life that includes both work and play, because let’s face it, balance is overrated anyways. So go ahead, live a little and let the scales tip in favor of whatever brings you joy. Cheers to a life well-crafted!

    Learn more →

    Successfully migrate to a learning platform with this step by step guide
    Are you building courses on slide decks or considering a learning platform switch? When it comes down to it, migration to a (new) platform can be a messy and manual process. Based on aNewSpring’s experience, this step by step approach was created to ensure a smooth transition.
    Start planning your journey to a new platform now!

    Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
    There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
    Check it out!

    Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
    Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
    Subscribe For Free

    🎧 Podcasts

    Using Generative AI in Education with Dr. Philippa Hardman

    Dr. Philippa Hardman, a learning science expert discusses the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT to create more efficient and productive learning experiences while also recognizing the challenge of maintaining quality content in the face of an influx of substandard material.

    Listen Now »

    Data-led Marketing Mindset for Learning at Novo Nordisk

    Peter Manniche-Riber, Head of Digital Learning & Analytics at Novo Nordisk, talks about his team’s use of data to create personalized learning and marketing experiences in L&D, highlighting their unique approach to the field.

    Listen Now »

    A Neuroscientist’s Take on Cohort Learning
    .

    Dr. Grace Chang, Cognitive Neuroscientist at EY, discusses with the host the scientific effectiveness of cohort learning, emphasizing the importance of trust, mentalizing, storytelling, proper design, and the need for more research on neurodiversity.

    Listen Now »

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    Coco Material

    An Open Source hand-drawn illustration library with over 2,500+ images.

    https://cocomaterial.com/

    Lose the ‘very’

    Site to help you tighten up your writing by removing “very”. Instead of saying it’s very cool, I’ll say it is nifty instead. 

    https://www.losethevery.com/

    Library Extension

    Check your local library for the books, music, etc. that you find while browsing the web.

    Check it out

    PicWish

    PicWish is an AI-powered image processing tool with some time-saving, useful functions.

    https://picwish.com/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Learn more →

    How to Conduct a Skills Gap Analysis: Guide and Template

    Between 40% and 87% of employees need to reskill and upskill to fill their talent gaps. Training can help, but you first need to identify the exact gaps that exist in their skill set. The only way to do this is by conducting an in-depth analysis.

    Read this article to learn how to conduct such an analysis step by step and download the skills gap template to save tons of your precious time.

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Global L&D Survey, Design for Course Creators, Visual Design Rules

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “

    “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

    — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    This week we’ve had a few warmer-than-normal days that have let me get out to run on the winding trails through the woods that are just a stone’s throw from my front door. Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, these ‘ forest bathing’ sessions are always a welcome mental break and a highlight of my day. What are the simple pleasures that you most enjoy?

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To:

    80s cover songs have a special place in my heart, like the cassette tapes I used to play in my boom box back then.

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    How to create an AI-generated video

    📰 News & Notes

    L&D Global Sentiment Survey

    Donald Taylor’s annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey 2023 asks a single, crucial question: “What will be the most in-demand trends in workplace L&D in 2023?” This year’s results are here, and boy, what a difference a year makes! Last year, the focus was on social learning, but this year, the spotlight is shining bright on AI and analytics. With responses from 100 countries, it’s important to note that geographical variations still exist and the results table displays a collection of sometimes vastly differing opinions.

    Learn more →

    Seductive Details & Retrieval Practice: A Memory Boosting Duo

    Are you looking for an effective way to improve the memory retention of your learners? A recent study has revealed the secret – combining “seductive details” with “retrieval practice.” This pairing has been found to create a cognitive utopia for memory retention. By incorporating interesting and captivating information with repetitive recall exercises, you can ensure your learners will retain the information you present to them.

    Learn more →

    Graphic Design for Course Creators

    “Graphic Design for Course Creators” is an ebook by Dawn DiPeri to help course creators design visually appealing and digitally accessible courses and curricular materials. She contends (and I agree) that applying graphic design principles can minimize barriers, decrease cognitive load, and enhance the learning experience. To help with this, she’s created the Graphic Design E-Learning Checklist, which provides a roadmap for improving the aesthetics of courses while prioritizing inclusivity.

    Learn more →

    Visual design rules you can safely follow every time

    This is for designers out there (and we’re all designers!). This is a collection of visual design rules that you can confidently follow every time. Now, don’t get too caught up in the details – if you have a solid reason for breaking any of these guidelines, then go for it! But for those times when you’re looking for a bit of guidance, these rules are a trusty companion that you can always count on.

    Learn more →

    How Talking Less Will
    Get You More

    Why are some people compulsive talkers? And how can we fix it? Dan Lyons, a self-proclaimed talkaholic, set out to understand why it’s so hard to keep quiet. This article suggests that talking less can actually get you more, as keeping quiet can increase your charisma and leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you’re in a conversation, try being a great listener instead of a talker and watch the magic unfold. Who knew that silence could be so golden?

    Learn more →

    Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
    There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
    Check it out!

    Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
    Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
    Subscribe For Free

    Science for people who give a shit!
    The critically-acclaimed and “refreshingly snarky” newsletter and podcast help you think deeply and act decisively about the world’s make or break science news, from climate to COVID, heat to hunger, and agriculture to AI ethics.
    Subscribe for free!

    🎧 Podcasts

    Bringing Dry Content
    to Life

    In this episode, Beth Couglar Blom shares several recommendations about how to work with course content that you might, at first, consider dry or boring and make it come alive for your learners. It’s not the content of our sessions that is naturally “dry” – it’s how we approach it when we’re designing the learning experience!

    Listen Now »

    Graphic Design for Instructional Designers

    Listen in on this chat with Dr. Dawn DiPeri as she talks with Betty about graphic design for people who design courses.

    Listen Now »

    The Coddling of the American Mind

    Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and author who studies morality, culture, and politics. He’s also researching the impact of social media on teen mental health and writing two books on these topics.

    Listen Now »

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    Email Course Template

    This automation template is perfect for anyone who wants to create an online course and deliver it through email.

    https://mailerlite.com

    YouTube Summarize

    Summarize YouTube videos using your OpenAI key
    .

    YouTube Summarized

    InVideo

    InVideo simplifies video creation with ready-made templates
    that you can quickly customize.

    https://invideo.io/

    Butter.us

    Butter’s integrated tools let you run super-engaging workshops, trainings, and meetings—without juggling a million tools.

    https://www.butter.us/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Learn more →

    Freelance Instructional Design:
    All You Need to Succeed

    A Collection of ID Resources for Freelancers

    The field of freelance instructional design is relatively new and unexplored, but don’t let this prevent you from going solo. With this free collection of resources for freelance instructional designers, you can break into the field successfully.

    What’s inside:

    • Tom McDowall’s guide to collaboration with SMEs;
    • Legal issues and taxes;
    • ID theories and models;
    • Freelance ID statistics;
    • A contract template created by a lawyer;
    • A template of Certificate of Acceptance and Delivery and more.

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Curated Consumption, Learning Pathways, Behavior Triggers

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “

    “One sign that determination matters more than talent: there are lots of talented people who never achieve anything, but not that many determined people who don’t.”

    — Paul Graham

    Wow, I can’t believe it! Eduflow has included me on their list of top 100 learning influencers. I have no idea how I managed to wrangle my way in amongst all those brilliant minds but maybe they mistook me for someone who knows what they’re doing and I’ll just go along with it. 😂

    But in all seriousness, I am truly honored to be recognized alongside such inspiring people who are dedicated to spreading the love of learning and empowering others.

    So, here’s to all of us and our continued journey towards empowering others through learning!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To:

    Yet another totally new discovery for me this week that I’m loving. Check out this DOUBLECAMP Radio playlist and let me know if you like it as much as I do?

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Insider Secrets for Discovering the Best New Apps and Tools

    📰 News & Notes

    Curated Consumption:
    A Saner Approach to Online Media

    “Curated Consumption” is all about being a savvy, selective connoisseur of the information and media you let into your life. Think of it as a digital detox, with a dash of sophistication.

    Well all know that feeling of negativity and distraction that can sneak up on us faster than you can say “social media meltdown”. But by taking charge of what you watch, read, and listen to, you can transform your digital diet into a gourmet feast of positivity and growth.

    Scott Young shares a few tips to get you started: be intentional, be picky, and don’t be afraid to unfollow the noise. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference in no time.

    In short, it’s time to elevate your consumption habits and make every click, scroll, and tap count. Cheers to a happier, more fulfilled digital life!

    Learn more →

    I’ve curated 100 pathways. Here’s what I’ve learned

    Jevian Fernandez, a seasoned playlist curator, has uncovered three essential tips for creating learning pathways that pack a punch. 

    The first trick is to provide more context when defining skills. This helps learners understand the relevance and importance of what they are learning. The second is to refine skills through the learner’s perspective, ensuring that the content is tailored to their unique needs and goals. And finally, the third tip is to treat the playlist like a five-course meal, building it with a deliberate flow and balance of content that will keep learners fully engaged.

    Learn more →

    Conditions that trigger behavior change

    In this article, Paul Matthews provides insight into the conditions that drive behavior change. Achieving lasting change requires a certain level of understanding, which is what he aims to impart.

    To trigger behavior change, it’s crucial to establish the right conditions. This involves comprehending what motivates individuals, what makes them feel at ease, and what nudges them towards the desired outcome. The conditions driving behavior change can be nurtured through a combination of personal motivation, support, and the right environment, making the process less mysterious.

    Learn more →

    A model for the learning process. And why it helps to have one
    .

    Having a clear understanding of how people learn is crucial for creating effective and engaging training programs. This model breaks down the learning process into four distinct stages: input, processing, output, and reflection. By approaching learning through this lens, you can design training programs that truly meet the needs and abilities of your learners. So dive in and see why having a model for the learning process can be a game-changer.

    Learn more →

    How to Create an AI Generated Video with ChatGPT, Synthesia, and Descript

    Heard a lot about AI lately but don’t know what it looks like to put it into practice? This example from Wistia has got you covered! They’ll take you from generating a script, to audio/video and a final video result.

    Check out how fast and easy it is to add some AI flair to your video production work.

    Learn more →

    Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
    There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
    Check it out!

    Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
    Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
    Subscribe For Free

    Try 1Password for effortless security and end-to-end encryption.
    1Password is the world’s most-loved password manager, with top ratings from G2Crowd and Trustpilot, and has been named top password manager by leading media outlets including Wired, The New York Times, and CNET.
    Start protecting your data today

    🎧 Podcasts

    The Future of Online Learning Platforms with Chad Udell

    Chad Udell of SparkLearn drops knowledge bombs in this eLearning Magazine podcast episode, providing insights and practical advice for eLearning professionals. Get ready to ignite your learning spark and discover ways to make your eLearning programs truly sparkle.

    Listen Now »

    How to Get Started with Data-Driven Learning Design

    This episode dives into the world of data-driven learning design with Lori Niles-Hofmann. Lori show us how to harness the rich data set that exists about our audience, and use it to inform our design from the get-go. Listen in and learn how to get started with data-driven design.

    Listen Now »

    No Budget,
    No Problem
    .

    Why break the bank when you can break the rules and still get the job done? That’s the motto of the ‘No Budget, No Problem’ podcast episode, where the guests prove that with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can still achieve great things without deep pockets.

    Listen Now »

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    SVG Repot

    Search, explore and edit a big collection of SVG vectors and icons free for commercial use.

    https://www.svgrepo.com/

    Text Drip

    This free tool lets you automatically send SMS drip campaigns.

    https://textdrip.com/

    DeepL Writes

    Similar to Grammarly, this tool is an AI-powered writing companion to help you with your writing.

    https://www.deepl.com/write

    Sky Bucket

    SkyBucket is a website that helps you keep track of all the cool things you want to do or save online.

    https://www.skybucket.app/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Learn more →

    Expert Webinar:
    The Dos and Don’ts of Retail Associate Training

    Retail employee training is often a hit-and-miss initiative. It’s helpful to know what awaits you on this journey and how to avoid potential pitfalls. To make it succeed and achieve improved customer service, employee retention, and cost efficiency, join iSpring’s free webinar with L&D expert and CEO of MOHR Retail, Mary Beth Garcia.

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Science of Attention, How New Ideas Arise & Yes, Training Works!

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “

    Over time, the person who approaches life with an openness to being wrong and a willingness to learn outperforms the person who doesn’t.

    Hey there, friends! It’s been a bit frigid around here this week (12F degrees). But it’s been full of energy and inspiration, in large part to a wonderful conversation I had with an EdD student.

    As we talked, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the privilege of working in the L&D field. There’s something incredibly special about being able to use your knowledge and experience to help others grow and succeed, and I’m so happy to be a part of this community.

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To:

    This is a new discovery for me from my main man, Karl. I think you’ll like this Clay and Friends Radio playlist too. Smash the reply button and let me know!

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Why do we remember what we remember?

    📰 News & Notes

    Good news! The Science Says Training Works

    Training Works, and Science Backs It Up! That’s the conclusion from Will Thalheimer’s latest article. The research shows that investment in training programs leads to better employee performance, increased productivity, and overall improved results for organizations.

    Science also shows that incorporating research-backed learning practices, like retrieval practice and feedback, leads to even greater improvements in learning. So, go ahead and make a smart investment in training – the science says it’s worth it!

    Learn more →

    The Science of Attention Spans with Professor Gloria ark

    Watch this informative talk by Professor Gloria Mark, author of a new book “Attention Span.” She tells us that it’s time to rethink our beliefs about attention ad productivity. With an average screen time of just 47 seconds before we’re off to the next thing, and 25 minutes to get back on track after an interruption, it’s no wonder we’re feeling overwhelmed. And here’s the kicker – we interrupt ourselves more often than anyone else does! Dive in to learn the truth about attention!

    Learn more →

    How New Ideas Arise
    .

    This is an article that explores the process of creating new ideas and innovation. It argues that new ideas are often the result of combining existing concepts in a novel way, and that this process is facilitated by exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. The article also discusses the role of individuals, teams, and organizations in fostering creativity and generating new ideas.

    Learn more →

    PowerPoint SchmowerPoint: 3 Modern Presentation Tools You Should Know

    Looking to raise the bar on your presentation game? I’m making the switch to a new tool that offers better collaboration, visually stunning designs, increased flexibility, and even viewer analytics. Check out these three top-notch presentation tools that stand out from the rest. Beautiful.ai, Pitch, and Canva – but which one will I choose? Hop over now to learn more and find out.

    Learn more →

    New Tools, No Time:
    Insider Secrets for Discovering the Best New Apps & Tools

    People often ask me how I always seem to know about the latest and greatest tools before anyone else. Well, I’m about to spill the beans and share my “secret sources” for discovering the newest and most useful tools before anyone else. Get ready to upgrade your tool-finding game and become the envy of the office!

    Learn more →

    Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew (it’s free)
    There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew – the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be boring…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
    Check it out!

    Tech news is confusing – so we changed that.
    Join over 450K people reading Tech Brew – the 3-times-a-week free newsletter covering all updates from the intersection of technology and business. We provide free tech knowledge that’ll help you make more informed decisions.
    Subscribe For Free

    Try 1Password for effortless security and end-to-end encryption.
    1Password is the world’s most-loved password manager, with top ratings from G2Crowd and Trustpilot, and has been named top password manager by leading media outlets including Wired, The New York Times, and CNET.
    Start protecting your data today

    🎧 Podcasts

    Surprising Truths About
    the Brain

    Brace yourself for a brain-bending episode of The Psychology Podcast with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, who illuminates the intricate relationship between emotions and the brain. Buckle up, because she drops a bombshell – the real purpose of our brain is not what you think!

    Listen now »

    What are learner
    personas?

    The Secret Society of Success podcast is diving into learner personas. They are kicking things off with Danielle Wallace, who spills the beans on what personas are all about and why they’re important for your L&D game plan.

    Listen now »

    Choiceology’s Guide to Nudges

    Get ready to be nudged towards a better world with Choiceology’s latest episode hosted by the one and only Katy Milkman! She explores the many ways these gentle pushes have made a big impact, featuring insights from some of the biggest names in the nudge-game.

    Listen now »

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    MailBrew

    Mailbrew is an email digest tool that curates and summarizes content from various sources (such as newsletters, blogs, social media, etc.) into a single, daily digest email.

    https://mailbrew.com/

    Perplexity AI

    This is an ‘answer engine’ that answers to complex questions using large language models.

    https://www.perplexity.ai

    ChatGPT for Search Engines

    Browser addin that displays ChatGPT response alongside Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo Search results

    https://chatonai.org/

    Neeva

    Search without ads or privacy concerns with Neeva’s combination of the web and AI technology.

    https://neeva.com/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Learn more →

    Win a 2-year license for the iSpring Suite authoring kit

    iSpring, an award-winning eLearning software provider, has announced the Winter 2023 iSpring Championship, a contest to select the best online courses created with the iSpring Suite authoring toolkit. If you’re ready to show off your fantastic authoring skills, feel free to enter to win!

    Regardless of whether you’re an experienced instructional designer or just starting out in eLearning, enter your work and win an iSpring Suite Max license. You can submit your work from January 23 to February 28. The winners will be announced on April 4.

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — Memory, Pain Points, 10 Book Rule

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “

    “If you would thoroughly know anything, teach it to others.”

    — Tryon Edwards

    Hey there, friends! I hope you’re all doing well and feeling good! I, myself, just got over a never-ending cold, and let me tell you, it’s so nice to be back to my usual self again. There’s been lots of buzz and discussion about Open AI’s ChatGPT. I’m curious to hear how you’ve used it and what is working for you with it so far? Reply and let me know!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: My daughter has once again struck gold and introduced me to some  great new music by The Neighborhood that’s been the perfect background sounds for my workweek.

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Workplace Learning: Past, Present & Future

    📰 News & Notes

    Why do we remember what we remember?

    As instructional designers, understanding the science of memory is vital to creating effective and engaging learning experiences. One of the key principles discussed in this article is the role of emotions in making something memorable.

    According to the article, incorporating elements such as vivid imagery and repetition can also enhance memorability. However, it’s important to keep in mind that memory is not always perfect and can be influenced by external factors, as discussed in the article.

    Learn more →

    The 10 Book Rule for Smarter Thinking

    According to productivity expert (& newsletter regular) Scott Young, the “Ten Book Rule” can help individuals become experts in their field. By reading ten books on a specific topic, individuals can improve their thinking and broaden their perspective. Additionally, reading can also help improve writing and communication skills. Young encourages people to read more books and specifically to read ten books on a specific topic to gain a deeper understanding and improve their thinking.

    Learn more →

    10 Easy Ways to Turn Audience Pain Points into Content

    Pain is a powerful force, and tapping into your audience’s pain is one of the most powerful ways to connect with them.

    Get your audience’s attention by understanding their pain points and turning them into your marketing content. Conduct research, and tailor your content to address the issues that matter to your audience and make them relatable, you’ll connect with your target audience and increase engagement. It’s a win-win situation!

    Learn more →

    Product Hunt:
    Golden Kitty Awards 2022

    Over the past few weeks, the Product Hunt community has been working together to identify the top products from last year in each of 24 different categories. The voting is now complete and if you look closely, you might recognize some that have been in this newsletter.

    Learn more →

    Research Review: L&D Evidence-Based Practices for 2023

    In this research report from the Learning Guild, “Research Review: Evidence-Based Practices for 2023”, Jane Bozarth reviews 14 articles that can provide practitioners with data and ideas in design, technology, negotiation and more!

    Learn more →
    • Join 2.6 Million Satisfied Readers
      Get the Daily News You Need to Start Your Day with Morning Brew! From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, stay informed with Fresh and Easy-to-Digest Format.
      Subscribe for free today!
      .
    • Turn your Airtable or Google Sheets into modern business tools you need
      Softr lets you stop waiting for developers. Build software without devs. Blazingly fast. Trusted by 100,000+ teams worldwide
      Start building now →
      .
    • Tired of juggling multiple complex passwords and constantly worrying about security breaches?
      1Password has got you covered. Keep all your login credentials, credit cards, and personal documents safe and secure with 1Password’s state-of-the-art encryption technology. Easy-to-use, cross-platform, and packed with advanced features for pennies per day.
      Start protecting your data today

    🎧 Podcasts

    Rick Rubin: Creativity as a way of being

    In this episode of the Rich Roll podcast, legendary producer Rick Rubin discusses the importance of discipline, patience, and meditation in the creative process and how it can help increase the chances of recognizing opportunities.

    Listen now »

    Pivot to Performance with Mirjam Neelen

    Mirjam Neelen talks about her approach to performance, analysis, design, and stakeholder management. Key takeaways include: involving stakeholders from the beginning, using probing questions to identify business problems, focusing on solving the problem, and asking stakeholders to create examples for training.

    Listen now »

    Reject the Doom & Gloom: L&D Is Getting Better

    Ross and the gang discuss the state of the profession of Learning and Development. They reflect on the last twelve months and share early insights from the Learning Performance Benchmark. They discuss what these insights mean for L&D practitioners and how they can use this information to make plans for the year ahead.

    Listen now »

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    PrimeVoice AI

    The most realistic AI speech voices I’ve ever heard. 10,000 characters /month & up to 5 Voices for free.

    https://beta.elevenlabs.io/

    behiiv

    All features for building a newsletter, including tools for experienced writers and instructions for newcomers.

    https://www.beehiiv.com

    Wormhole

    Wormhole lets you share files (up to 10GB) with end-to-end encryption and a link that automatically expires.

    https://wormhole.app

    Reshot

    Design freely with curated SVG icons and vector illustrations. All free with commercial licensing.

    https://www.reshot.com/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Register for free

    Expert Webinar: Making the Leap from Educator to Instructional Designer

    Many educators are thinking about transitioning to the world of Instructional Design. And no wonder: educators have tons of skills that make them great candidates for this type of role. But leaving your teaching career to become an instructional designer can be an enormous challenge.

    Holly Owens, Instructional Designer at Amazon Pharmacy and Adjunct Professor at Touro University, has a lot to say about it. Join the upcoming webinar that she’ll lead and learn 7 tips to transition to ID more effectively, without avoidable mistakes.

    Save your seat today!

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

    Friday Finds — NoCode Websites, AI Content, Slow Data

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “Almost everything will work again if you unplug
    it for some time, including you.”
    — Anne Lamott

    Happy Friday! I had the honor of kicking off the new year with our local ATD chapter on Wednesday at the beautiful Dublin library. It was so energizing to see so many old friends and make some new new ones. I tried to give what I think are the most important things an L&D pro should know in the constraints of an hour. Take a look and let me know how you think I did. What did I miss that you think I should’ve included? 

    (I was also test driving Canva presentations and I think I might be starting to prefer it over PowerPoint.)

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: Another discovery shared with me by Karl Richter, I’ve been working along to this Michael Kiwanuka radio playlist all week

    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Chat GPT Applications for Leaders and Educators

    📰 News & Notes

    From Spreadsheet to Showstopper: NoCode Tools to Build a Website that Wows

    Want to turn your boring spreadsheet into a visually stunning website? Look no further than NoCode tools like Softr, SpreadSimple, and Siteoly. These bad boys allow anyone, even those without coding skills, to transform their data into a professional and fully functional website.

    With easy-to-use drag and drop interfaces and a variety of templates and design options, you’ll be able to bring your spreadsheet data to life and create an interactive website in no time. So, get out there and give one of these a try today!

    Learn more →

    7 Ways to Use ChatGPT
    by Jeremy Caplan

    I know ChatGPT has been in here several weeks in a row and hopefully you’ve all at least given it a whirl by now. If not, or if you’d still like some more tips, Jeremy Caplan shares some ways to make the most of this popular new free AI tool.

    If you only have time for one of these resources, “The Art of ChatGPT Prompting” ebook is a good one.

    Learn more →

    AI Use Cases for Four Content Types

    Generative AI is revolutionizing content creation by allowing anyone to quickly and easily generate first drafts of copy, images, video, and audio for campaigns. This technology, with its ability to execute quickly and personalize across various media types, is changing the game for L&D teams everywhere.

    Learn more →

    Slow Data – The New Way to Consume Information in a Digital World

    As early as 360 B.C., Plato and others have been contemplating the effects of the ever-increasing amount of information. Turns out that you can increase your attention span, boost your productivity and improve your focus, and do so with surprisingly straightforward methods.

    “It is in slowing down that you will realise that, despite living in a hyper-connected world, you can shape your day and your life to a great extent. The question really is just: when will you begin?”

    Learn more →

    How to Google Like a Pro

    This video course that will turn you into a Google searching ninja. It’ll teach you how to use advanced search operators and features like Google Lens, as well as introduce you to specialized search engines. Hop on over there so you can start your journey to becoming a pro Googler in no time.

    Learn more →
    • 2.6 Million Readers Say You’ll Love this Newsletter
      Start your day off on the right foot with Morning Brew – the daily email that has over 2.6 million dedicated readers! Wake up to the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, all presented in a fresh and easy-to-digest format – all for free! Why wait? Sign up for Morning Brew today and start your day informed and entertained.
      Subscribe for free today!
      .
    • Turn your Airtable or Google Sheets into modern business tools you need
      Softr lets you stop waiting for developers. Build software without devs. Blazingly fast. Trusted by 100,000+ teams worldwide
      Start building now →
      .
    • Say farewell to large file woes!!
      With NXPowerLite, over 3 million users have found the answer to increasing productivity without sacrificing file size. Boasting a 4.9-star rating and deemed the top file compressor on the market, give it a test run with our 14-day free trial →

    🎧 Podcasts

    How Does Learning Happen? with Dr. Paul Kirschner

    In this episode, Paul Kirschner delves into the popularity of cognitive load theory and Rosenshine’s principles, and the dangers of oversimplifying and misinterpreting research. He also highlights important aspects of instructional design and collaborative learning as he unpacks the latest in education research.

    Listen now »

    How To Setup Break Out Rooms for Success


    Using break out rooms effectively has always been something I have wished I was better at. Listen in as Gwyn Wansbrough serves up a crash course in breaking through the burden of breakout rooms, so you can turn them into a powerful option in your facilitation toolbox!

    Listen now »

    Owning Your Talent Development Career with Andy Storch

    This episode with Andy Storch, an expert on career development and personal growth touches on thought-provoking questions such as, what it truly means to “own” one’s career and life, the importance of having a community of other TD professionals, where new and existing TD professionals should focus their development & more.

    Listen now »

    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    If tools are your jam, check out my new WorkSmarter newsletter

    Brave Web Browser

    I’ve been testing this lately. They claim to be “3x faster than Chrome. w. better protection from Google and Big Tech”.

    https://brave.com/

    PlaylistAI

    Create playlists from AI prompts, images, videos, and your most-listened-to music

    https://www.playlistai.app/

    Snipboard.io

    GT uses AI to prioritize tasks from your task managers, manage your calendar & more all in one place.

    https://try.generaltask.com/

    Classpoint

    PowerPoint add-in that converts slides into engaging, interactive quizzes and other activities

    https://www.classpoint.io/

    🧳 Where’s Mike?

    Register for free

    Free webinar: The 20 Most Frequent Mistakes in Course Design and How to Avoid Them

    Did you know that stock photos and text-heavy slides can spoil any course? A bad animation (BTW, can you differentiate it from a good one?), an improper use of gradients, and mixing up various design styles can have the same effect.

    In his webinar, iSpring’s expert instructional designer will cover the typical mistakes in learning design and explain how to avoid them by using basic principles of visual design. Being mindful of these top 20 mistakes when creating a course will help you ensure that your content hits the mark.

    When: Thursday, January 26, at 11:00 AM EST

    Register for free

    Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free-time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.

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