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Feeling like your brain is a hamster wheel of information? You’re not alone! This week, we’ve got some things to help you tackle the digital deluge. From AI assistants that do make research more efficient to science-backed learning tips, there is something for everyone. 

Thanks for reading!

🎶 What I’m Listening To

If you haven’t heard Del Water Gap yet and you like indie pop-ish music, take a minute and check it out.

👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked

Effective Learning Strategies Depend on Prior Knowledge

📰 News & Notes

How I use Notebook LM: Google’s Killer AI Note-Taking & Research Assistant

In this informative introduction to Google’s NotebookLM by Ross Stevenson, he demonstrates how it can be used to consolidate and analyze various data sources. Its features, such as note organization, comparative analysis, and automated document generation, make it perfect for creating study guides, FAQs, and more. L&D pros can use it to streamline their research, content development, and project management.

🎯 Take away: Google’s NotebookLM is a valuable tool for L&D professionals, simplifying data management, research, and content creation.

Why are we suckers for Astrology, the Meyers-Briggs, and other shaky psychology tests?

Attention instructional designers: resist the allure of personality tests! While the Myers-Briggs might seem like a magical sorting hat for your learners, its scientific validity is about as reliable as astrology. Sure, people enjoy being labeled as “visionary masterminds” or “compassionate facilitators,” but these categories are more marketing than science. The Big Five personality traits offer more accuracy, but even they struggle to capture the nuances of individual learners. Remember, slapping labels on learners might be tempting, but it’s no substitute for effective instructional design.

🎯 Take away: Don’t let pop psychology stereotypes dictate your instructional design – your learners are more complex than a four-letter code or zodiac sign.

Learning 101: The Untaught Basics

This paper by Junaid Qadir and Muhammad Ali Imran addresses the reason why most people forget so much of what they learn so quickly. It’s not their fault; it’s their learning strategies. Research shows that the best way to learn is through challenging methods, not easy ones. Embracing challenges, spacing out study sessions, and varying study techniques are effective ways to improve learning. It’s important to remember that feeling confident doesn’t always indicate true understanding. Therefore, it’s better to avoid taking the easy way out and start learning the right way.

Take away: The best learning is hard, not easy.

Are you looking for the ultimate cheat sheet for online training?

Get free, unlimited access to actionable tips, practical solutions, recommended strategies, and expert advice from our two decades of L&D experience. You can learn about many solutions, including learning management, microlearning, custom courses, content libraries, and guidance and best practices to create your learning technology stack that serves your needs now and in the future.

Whether you’re just beginning to investigate online training options or already have a robust ecosystem and simply need advice or assistance, this guide has you covered.

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.

Liner

I’ve been test-driving Liner this week, and it has proven to be a valuable research tool.

getliner.com

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Folge.me – instant guides and tutorials

Create step by step guides, tutorials and process documentation instantly with every click of your mouse. Works with installed apps too – not just web platforms.

folge.me

Struggling to fill your courses or communicate the real value of your training?
Join Julie Dirksen and aNewSpring on October 21st at 05:00 AM (ET), where they’ll dive into the art of showcasing your learning experiences in a way that cuts through the noise. Learn how to stand out, drive enrolment, and motivate learners using behavioural science insights. Is waking up this early not your thing? No problem – sign up and you’ll get the recording!

🎧 Podcast

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

Neuroscience for workplace learning – with Stella Collins.

The Unforgettable Learning Podcast features Stella Collins, a neuroscience expert, discussing how to revolutionize workplace learning. By understanding our brains, we can create more effective, personalized training experiences. Stella’s GEAR model and insights provide practical advice for L&D professionals to drive real organizational behavioral change and skill development.

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🧳 Where’s Mike?

• DevLearn, Las Vegas, November 5-8
• 5th Annual Design for Deeper Learning Fall Series, November 14 (Online)
• From Boring to Bravo: How to Be a Slide Design Superstar, November 19 ATD Rhode Island (Online and only $10)

If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.

Like this post? Share it with someone you love. Don’t like it? Share it with someone you don’t!

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 buying me a coffee.

Sponsored by iSpring

Sign up here to get Friday Finds in your inbox every Friday.

“The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.”

— Carl T. Rowan

Happy Friday, fellow knowledge seekers! Nancy Bacon’s 5th Annual Design for Deeper Learning Fall Series is kicking off on September 26, 2024, with Julie Dirksen. This three-part series is a ‘must see’ for non-profit pros and learning enthusiasts alike. Join one or all – your call! But don’t snooze on this brain-boosting opportunity. Check the details and sign up here.

Thanks for reading!

🎶 What I’m Listening To

There is news that Ted Lasso season 4 may be coming so I’m tuned into the great soundtrack from the show today.

👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked

The Six AI Use Case Families of Instructional Design

📰 News & Notes

How to Be Lucky in Business and Life: 4 Science-Backed Principles

Think luck is just a roll of the dice? Think again! According to researchers like Richard Wiseman and Joël Le Bon, you can make your own luck by being a little adventurous, trusting your gut, staying positive, and learning from your mistakes. It’s like having a secret cheat code for life! Who knew?

🎯 Take away: Luck isn’t random—it’s a mindset that thrives on creating opportunities and staying resilient.

Something New: On OpenAI’s o1 and Reasoning

OpenAI’s new o1 (previously known as “Strawberry”) AI is like having a super-smart intern who sometimes takes things way too literally! o1 can solve really tough problems, even beating experts in physics. It can even figure out tricky crossword puzzles, although it thought “Galaxy cluster” referred to a Samsung phone instead of, you know, actual galaxies. While it’s not the best writer, its ability to plan and solve complex problems could be a game-changer for designing learning experiences, leaving L&D professionals to act more like mentors than instructors. But hey, at least it doesn’t ask for coffee breaks!

🎯 Take away: o1 AI excels at solving complex problems and could potentially revolutionize learning experience design.

Google Notebook

Google Notebook is a personalized AI research assistant that uses Google’s most capable model, Gemini 1.5 Pro. It allows users to upload documents to make NotebookLM an “expert” on the information uploaded. NotebookLM can then be used to generate personalized guides with in-line citations from the uploaded source material.

Be sure to try the newest Audio Overview feature that can turn documents, slides, charts, and more into engaging podcast-type discussions with a single click. Here is one I made yesterday. I think it is pretty impressive and there are a lot of ways you can use this in your L&D world. Take a few minutes and go play with this – you’ll be glad you did.

Take away: Google Notebook turns your research into a fun, personalized experience, complete with audio summaries!

Consider these 5 key questions before making your move to eLearning!

Moving to eLearning might be the right decision for your organization, but it’s crucial to consider all the possibilities and outcomes to help you formulate a plan before making your move. Find out what to look for as you move your live or instructor-led training to a digital environment.

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.

Toolfolio

A curated collection of tools for creators & designers.

toolfolio.io

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FlowPrompter

A transparent online teleprompter that helps you deliver smoother performances on camera.

flowprompter.app

I’m hosting a full-day workshop at DevLearn with Bianca Baumann that’s all about blending the power of AI and marketing to create learning experiences that truly resonate. I’d be thrilled if you could join us. What do you say? I’d love to see you there!

🎧 Podcast

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

What the Maps in Our Brain Tell Us About the Learning Process

To fit all the billions of neurons in the human brain into our heads, they’re organized so that brain regions are carefully mapped to things like vision and hearing. And understanding those maps can be a key to better understanding how the mind—and how learning—works,

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If you’re looking for a learning management system that’s not only powerful but incredibly easy to use, iSpring Learn is your go-to solution. With its intuitive interface, you can quickly create engaging courses, deliver them, and track learner progress with the industry’s most detailed reports — all without the need for any technical skills. Plus, iSpring Learn offers seamless integration with your existing tools and unlimited storage, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering top-notch training.

Ready to see how fast you can get started?

🧳 Where’s Mike?

• DevLearn, Las Vegas, November 5-8
• 5th Annual Design for Deeper Learning Fall Series, November 14

If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.

Like this post? Share it with someone you love. Don’t like it? Share it with someone you don’t!

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 buying me a coffee.

Sponsored by iSpring

Sign up here to get Friday Finds in your inbox every Friday.

“There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.”

— Christopher Morley

I had the honor of speaking at our local ATD annual conference this week, and it is always so energizing to connect with old friends and make new ones in person. It also gave me a chance to take a new topic out for a test drive, and this one about “Primal Persuasion” went pretty well, I THINK. Check it out and see what YOU think. 

Thanks for reading!

🎶 What I’m Listening To

I’m still feeling upbeat just like last week so this Upbeat Mix is still playing around here today.

👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked

The “Pain Map Of Learning”: How Trainers Can Make Learning Fun Again

📰 News & Notes

The Six AI Use Case Families of Instructional Design

Newsletter regular Dr. Philippa Hardman says that AI in instructional design is like a Swiss Army Knife—way more versatile than just creating content or automating admin tasks! From sparking creative ideas and analyzing research to generating data insights and personalizing content for different cultures, AI can transform how we design and deliver learning. Plus, with AI-powered assistants helping out, instructional designers can level up their game and offer more engaging, tailored learning experiences faster than ever before. Read on for more!

🎯 Take away: AI is your new go-to for creativity, personalization, and supercharged learning design!

Learning Science in Practice: Do’s and Don’ts

Learning science isn’t rocket science—it’s brain science! In this article, Clark Quinn tells us that to help knowledge stick, keep learners active and engaged, avoid overloading their brains with too much info at once, and sprinkle in spaced repetition. Personalized learning journeys and timely feedback are your secret weapons. Mix all this up, and you’ve got a recipe for learner success that’s as satisfying as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

🎯 Take away: Make learning stick by using active engagement, spaced repetition, and a sprinkle of personalized feedback!

Claude’s AI Superpower: Prompt Engineering, Made Easy

I talked with a lot of people at our local ATD event this week, and it seems Claude is still a bit of a mystery. But I’ve got a secret for you: the Console tool. It’s a game-changer for creating AI prompts. Whether you’re designing training materials or brainstorming new ways to engage learners, the Anthropic Console makes it easy for anyone to craft detailed, effective prompts. Simply type in your request, and the Console will generate a polished prompt that you can copy and paste into Claude or any other GenAI tool. It’s like having an AI assistant for your AI assistant, helping you build better learning experiences.

If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out this video on when and why to use Claude instead of ChatGPT.

🎯 Take away: Unlock the full potential of AI for L&D by using Anthropic Console to craft smarter, more effective prompts.

Do you continue evaluating your training program after launch?

Discover five impactful areas to monitor and evaluate your training program beyond course completion rates. These insightful areas help bridge the connection to training ROI and can help you improve your training along the way.

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.

Overlap — AI Podcast App

Overlap is your personal podcast concierge. Tell it what you’re interested in, and it’ll curate a playlist of relevant podcast snippets just for you.

www.joinoverlap.com

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Blinq Digital Business Card

Share your contact info effortlessly with a Blinq digital business card. It instantly connects you with anyone, anywhere—no app required on their end. you.

blinq.me

I’m hosting a special workshop at DevLearn that’s all about blending the power of AI and marketing to create learning experiences that truly resonate. I’d be thrilled if you could join us. What do you say? Are you in? Looking forward to hopefully seeing you there!

🎧 Podcast

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

You 2.0: Remember More, Forget Less

It happens to the best of us — we blank on someone’s name, or forget an important meeting, or bomb a test we thought we’d ace. In this episode, cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham about the mysteries of memory: how it works, why it fails us, and how to build memories that stick. 

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Are you ready to land your next instructional design role?

Join us on Thursday, September 19 at 11:00 AM EST for a free webinar with Holly Owens, where we’ll talk about the most common instructional designer interview questions and how to answer them confidently. Learn how to prepare responses that highlight your expertise, showcase your problem-solving abilities, and align with industry best practices.

Whether you’re just starting out or want to level up, this webinar will equip you with the insights and strategies you need to stand out during your next interview.

🧳 Where’s Mike?

• DevLearn, Las Vegas, November 5-8
• 5th Annual Design for Deeper Learning Fall Series, November 14

If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.

Like this post? Share it with someone you love. Don’t like it? Share it with someone you don’t!

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 buying me a coffee.