Category: learning

  • 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!


    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.


    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.
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    🎧 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.

    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.

    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.


    🧰 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?


    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!


    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!

    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.

    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.

    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!


    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?


    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.


    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!


    • 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.
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    🎧 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?


    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!


    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.

    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.

    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?”

    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.


    • 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?


    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.

  • Friday Finds — Good News, Learning Out Loud, ChatGPT

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “In a competition between someone who knows the most and someone who is willing to learn the most, the edge usually goes to the curious and empathic professional, not the one who is simply protecting what’s already known.”
    — Seth Godin

    Happy Friday! Around here we’ve left the holiday phase of winter and entered the coughing, hacking and wheezing phase. One of the souvenirs the kids brought home from their Disney trip was a stupid virus that is lingering for weeks. I’m just glad that things are relatively quiet and we can get some rest this weekend. Hope you’re all fine and fit as a fiddle!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: I’m trying to be heads down to crank out some work today, and Oilix is my go to guy when I need to get sh*t done. 


    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Learning Design 3.0: How to get & stay ahead of the learning design game in a post-AI world


    📰 News & Notes

    99 Good News Stories From 2022

    It’s easy to focus on the negative, especially during a year like 2022 which was marked by a pandemic, inflation, unstable economies, and multiple crises. But it’s important to remember that not everything was bad. In fact, there were some truly uplifting human rights victories, extraordinary conservation wins, major milestones in global health and development, and an acceleration in the clean energy transition. This article is a reminder of the kinds of stories that you might not have seen on the evening news or in your social feeds, but they’re just as important as the negative headlines. So let’s take a moment to celebrate the good things that happened in 2022 too.


    Chat GPT Applications for Leaders and Educators

    Chad Littlefield previews ways leaders & educators may want to use #ChatGPT which is fundamentally changing how content is generated, how we get information, and what we do with it all.

    If you’re one of the few who haven’t played with this yet, you should.

    Have Canva Presentations Changed the Game?

    Watch Cat Mulvihill teach you how to create and present slides that will leave your audience clawing for more with Canva. From slide control and display of audience questions, to sharing your slides in style, Cat’s got the tricks to elevate your presentations to the next level.

    Learning Out Loud:
    A manifesto by Dr. Karen Caldwell

    Dr. Karen Caldwell shares her dream of learning out loud, a process of sharing, exchanging and wrestling with ideas, and mobilizing knowledge together. She also discusses “knowledge mobilization” and the potential for making research more accessible and clearly communicated.

    How to Not Suck at Color – 5 color theory tips everyone should know

    How do great artists & designers pick colors for their work? How do you pair colors together?

    In this video, Greg Gunn shares 5 important color theory tips that everyone should know.


    • Why settle for boring news?
      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 free for Morning Brew today and start your day informed and entertained.
      .
    • Match with a licensed therapist for convenient online sessions via BetterHelp
      Start your therapy journey with BetterHelp, the online platform that has helped over three million people match with licensed therapists.
      You deserve to be happy!
      .
    • 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 to Write so People
    will Read with Casey Mank
    .

    Ever struggled with making your writing more effective? Casey Mank has some tips for you. She explains why writing matters, even if you don’t consider yourself a writer. She also shares three steps for making your writing more powerful. And if you’re having trouble getting people to read what you write, Casey has some advice for that too. Give it a listen and up your writing game!

    Listen now »

    The Facilitator’s Role in Modern Learning Environments

    Cindy Huggett, virtual training expert and consultant, discusses the evolving role of virtual trainers to learning experience facilitators. She chats about the mindset shift all trainers and facilitators need to make, how to reframe your relationship with technology, and various strategies to enhance your facilitation skills, no matter what learning environment you use.

    Listen now »

    Lessons Learned from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness

    Dr. Robert Waldinger breaks down key insights on happiness gathered from the Harvard Study of Adult Development including: The top stress regulator—and how to cultivate it in your life, Two big happiness myths to debunk, and how to foster warm, authentic relationships with one question.

    Listen now »


    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

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

    wecompress

    Compress PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, JPEG, PNG and TIFF files.
    (For files over 50MB try NXPowerLite)

    https://www.wecompress.com

    wave.video

    Live Streaming Studio, Video Editor, Thumbnail Maker, Video Hosting & Recording all in one.

    https://wave.video/

    Snipboard.io

    This is literally the easiest way to share screenshots and any other images. with others online.

    https://snipboard.io

    Steno

    Steno uses AI to transcribe podcasts & make them accessible, searchable, and more valuable.

    https://steno.ai/


    🧳 Where’s Mike?


    Successful LMS Implementation: Complete Guide & Free Resources

    Would you like to implement an LMS in your company? Check out this complete guide on successful LMS implementation. You will learn what needs to be done, why, in which order, and what you must NOT do by any means if you don’t want the project to fail.

    Also, download the collection of resources to have everything you need for a successful launch at hand. This package includes:

    • An LMS implementation plan template
    • A collection of guides and checklists
    • A presentation template for pitching the LMS project to your executives

    Download the package 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.

  • Friday Finds — Learning Design 3.0, PowerPoint Graphics, AI Content

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “A year from now, you will wish you had started today.”
    — Karen Lamb

    Happy Friday! I hope you’re new year is off to a great start. I’m very grateful for our holiday activities this year. I was able to visit Karl in Louisville, explore Cincinnati, discover some authentic Belgian waffles and watch our kids (from afar) march at Disney. Lots of things that put drops in my bucket!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: Karl turned me onto Dirty Heads while I was visiting with him last week. They’re one of my new favorites. Here is a nice playlist with them and other similar artists for you to try


    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    How to Fill Horizontal Slides With Vertical Images


    📰 News & Notes

    Learning Design 3.0

    AI is already impacting how we create content. Thanks to Ai, writing, creating images, creating video is becoming increasingly quick, cheap and commoditized. In this article, Dr Philippa Hardman explores how to get & stay ahead of the learning design game in a post-AI world.

    “The winners in the online learning space will be those who focus not just on getting to grips with AI-driven content creation tools but also dedicate time to understanding an emerging field unknown even by AI – learning science.”


    6 Ways AI Can Support Your Content Creation

    AI is no longer just a pipe dream. It’s here & it’s ready to help you create killer content! This article from the Buffer blog shares 6 ways AI is already supporting content creation & some of the top tools in the game. 

    Learn more about how new AI tools can help you level up!

    Creating Custom Graphics in PowerPoint with Kevin Thorn

    Tired of paying for custom graphics or struggling to find the perfect image online? It’s time to take matters into your own hands and learn to create your own! In this TLDC webinar, Kevin Thorn shows how anyone can use PowerPoint to make custom graphic elements that will elevate any project.

    How to Read a Book: The Ultimate Guide by Mortimer Adler

    Part of a series on reading by Farnam Street. this guide dives into how to read a book using the classical framework provided by Mortimer Adler.

    By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a framework for reading at different levels that you can apply right away.

    RSS: The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving Time & Staying Informed

    Tired of visiting multiple websites daily to see if there’s any new content? An RSS feed aggregates all that information in one place, saving you time and energy. 

    Plus, you can customize your news feed to only include topics that interest you and receive updates as soon as new articles are published.


    • Shrink Your Files, Not Your Productivity
      Sick of breaking a sweat trying to send large files via email? Over 3 million people have discovered the solution with NXPowerLite. With a 4.9-star rating and named the “best file compressor money can buy,” it’s a no-brainer. Try it for free for 14 days and say goodbye to those pesky file size limits
      .
    • A Better Way to Read Your Newsletters
      Reading newsletters in the inbox is frustrating – it is noisy and easy to lose control of subscriptions. Now you can enjoy your newsletters outside the inbox with Meco, an app built for reading.
      Try Meco – it’s completely free!
      .
    • 2.6 million people wake up to this newsletter every morning
      There’s a reason over 2.6 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 dry and dense…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
      Check it out!

    🎧 Podcasts

    Learning Science
    101

    Join Dr. Philipa Hardman for an enlightening podcast on the science of learning and course design. Explore what the research says about the most effective ways to design courses and the five key things you need to know and do to incorporate the science of learning into your course design. 

    Listen now »

    Thriving amid
    Information Overload

    Gloria Mark discusses what attention is, how email can be a main source of stress, and what the study of Informatics is. She explains how being an artist prepared her for studying psychology, how well-being should be prioritized over productivity in the workplace, and how self-interruption is a major culprit of distraction.

    Listen now »

    Is Training The Answer?
    .

    Get ready to be inspired by Christopher Lind, VP and Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed, host of the Learning Tech Talks podcast, and founder of Learning Sharks. In this episode, we chat with Christopher about his revolutionary approach to L&D at ChenMed, his thoughts on ROI, and how he created an ‘invisible learning organization.’

    Listen now »


    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    Snipd

    A podcast player that gives you an AI-generated transcript & summary of your favorite podcasts.

    https://www.snipd.com/

    Upcarta

    Curated knowledge base that helps you discover great books, videos, podcasts, articles, tweets & more.

    https://www.upcarta.com/

    Phosphor

    Phosphor is a flexible icon family for interfaces, diagrams, presentations — whatever, really.

    https://phosphoricons.com/

    OOO Message Generator

    Next time you take some time off, use this site for a personalized and playful ‘Out Of Office’ email.

    https://ooogenerator.com/


    🧳 Where’s Mike?


    Expert Webinar: Making Self-Directed Learning Engaging for a Variety of Learners

    In this webinar, Patricia Regier, Online Expert and L&D Specialist, will share her valuable experience of how to make self-directed learning online courses engaging and pro tips on how to reach the various learning preferences of your group.

    When: Friday, January 13, 11:00 AM EST

    Claim your spot now


    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 — That’s a wrap!

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “New beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as new chances come your way.” 
    — Oscar Auliq-Ice

    Happy Friday! I hope this year end newsletter finds you well and that you’re feeling good as we wrap up another year.

    I enjoy looking back on the previous year and considering how to do better. To achieve that with this newsletter, I need your feedback on how I’m doing.

    I’d really appreciate it if instead of reading this newsletter as usual this week, you would take the time to respond to the survey below (Feedback is truly a gift so consider it a belated Christmas present to me.)

    Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you have a fantastic New Year’s holiday and an even better 2023!

    As always, thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: I’ve never been a big fan of New Years Eve parties, so today I’m listening to this nice “New Years Chill” playlist which kicks off with one of the best songs ever while I stay home and skip the “crazies” out there running around tonight.


    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    How to Fill a Horizontal Slide With a Vertical Image


    Please Share Your Feedback

    Don’t see the embedded form above or is it giving you trouble? Click the button below to share your feedback. Thanks!


    • NXPowerLite File Compressor
      Over 3 million people use NXPowerLite to help them easily email large files. 4.9-star rated and the “best file compressor money can buy!” — if you ever struggle with large documents or images then give NXPowerLite a try – free for 14 days
      .
    • “The best new app for newsletter reading”
      Reading newsletters in the inbox is frustrating – it is noisy and easy to lose control of subscriptions. Now you can enjoy your newsletters outside the inbox with Meco, an app built for reading.
      Try Meco – it’s completely free!
      .
    • 2.6 Million People Wake Up to This Newsletter Every Morning
      There’s a reason so many people start their day with Morning Brew-the daily email the delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. News doesn’t have to be dry and dense…make your mornings more enjoyable for free.
      Check it out!

    🧳 Where’s Mike?


    The 4 best-read blogs on creating instructional videos

    Thinking of making your own training video? Check out iSpring’s expert posts for helpful tips and inspiration:

    Video-Based Learning: How to Become a Training Video Ninja

    How to Make Tutorial Videos: A Complete Guide

    How to Create a Training Video for Employees: A Practical Guide and Tips

    The 38 Best Training Video Software for 2023


    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 — Best of 2022

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, and stupid people already have all the answers.”
    – Socrates

    Happy Friday! As I reflect on the year that was, I can’t help but feel grateful and even optimistic for the year ahead. For this penultimate newsletter of 2022, I’ve rounded up the best of the best for your year-end reading pleasure. So grab a comfy seat, kick back, and let’s take a stroll down memory lane as we look back on the most clicked items of the year!

    Thanks for reading. Merry everything and happy always!!!

    What I’m Listening To: I  discovered these remixes of classic Christmas songs several years ago and they continue to be my absolute favorite holiday music.


    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Transfer of Learning:
    The necessary step to make learning stick


    📰 News & Notes

    How to Fill a Horizontal Slide
    With a Vertical Image

    In need of a quick fix for an image that just won’t fit your slide? Fear not! With this simple trick, you can turn that vertical image into a stunning widescreen masterpiece in no time. And the best part? No fancy software or design skills required. Just follow these easy steps and watch as your slide transforms before your eyes. Trust us, your audience will be none the wiser. So go ahead, give it a try and see the magic happen.


    Virtual icebreakers: 42 fresh activities from top facilitators

    Feeling a little…cold…when it comes to virtual team building? Don’t worry, Anamaria Dorgo and the butter team has some great solutions to warm up those virtual connections! These 42 virtual icebreakers from top facilitators are sure to elevate your next online event. So go ahead, try one out and watch your audience transform from awkward strangers to fast friends in no time.

    Seven neuroscience backed-up facts for better learning experience design

    This article discusses seven neuroscience facts that can help improve the design of learning experiences. These include the importance of attention and motivation, the role of emotion in learning, the benefits of spacing and interleaving practice, the effectiveness of retrieval practice and feedback, the role of sleep and rest in consolidation, the importance of setting goals and providing a clear structure, and the impact of physical activity on learning.

    Five Ways to Reduce PowerPoint Overload

    Overwhelmed by the never-ending bullet points and cluttered slides of PowerPoint? It’s time to say goodbye to the days of information overload and hello to clear, concise, and effective communication. Fortunately, science has our back with a set of research-backed techniques to reduce PowerPoint overload and make our presentations more in tune with the way people learn. Your audience will thank you.

    20 Googling Tricks 99% of People Don’t Know About

    Did you know that there are special tricks you can use when searching for things using Google? These tricks can help you find exactly what you’re looking for faster and more accurately. Check out this article to make your internet searches more efficient and help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

    When Graphics Lower Learning

    Did you know that too many flashy images and animations can actually hinder learning rather than enhance it? Research shows that overloading eLearning materials with graphics can lead to cognitive overload, causing learners to struggle to process and retain information. So the next time you’re tempted to go all out with the graphics, remember that sometimes less is more.

    20 Things To Remember About Forgetting

    Did you know that forgetting is actually an important part of the learning process? IWhen we forget something, it helps us to filter out unnecessary information and focus on what’s important. This is called the “forgetting curve,” and it shows that we tend to forget things quickly at first, but then the rate of forgetting slows down over time. There are a strategies we can use to help us remember things better, like spacing out our learning, using mnemonic devices, and practicing recalling information.


    • NXPowerLite File Compressor
      Over 3 million people use NXPowerLite to help them easily email large files. 4.9-star rated and the “best file compressor money can buy!” — if you ever struggle with large documents or images then give NXPowerLite a try – free for 14 days
      .
    • “The best new app for newsletter reading”
      Reading newsletters in the inbox is frustrating – it is noisy and easy to lose control of subscriptions. Now you can enjoy your newsletters outside the inbox with Meco, an app built for reading.
      Try Meco – it’s completely free!
      .
    • 2.6 Million People Wake Up to This Newsletter Every Morning
      There’s a reason so many people start their day with Morning Brew-the daily email the delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. News doesn’t have to be dry and dense…make your mornings more enjoyable for free.
      Check it out!

    🎧 Podcasts

    Huberman Lab
    Podcast

    Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist and Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His podcast is a super informative adventure of the latest research on well-being, health and longevity with top global experts.

    Listen now »

    Learning Uncut
    Podcast

    Learning Uncut is a podcast by Michelle Ockers that focuses on topics related to learning, education, and personal development. Episodes feature interviews with educators, researchers, and other experts in the field, as well as discussion and analysis of various aspects of the learning process.

    Listen now »

    Presentation
    Podcast

    The Presentation Podcast is a podcast that offers tips, tricks, and insights on how to create and deliver effective presentations. Episodes feature interviews with experts in the field of presentation design and delivery, as well as practical advice on how to improve your skills as a presenter.

    Listen now »


    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    Canva

    Easily the tool I use more than any other. Now with AI enabled content generation options & so much more!

    https://canva.com/

    Refind

    Get 5 links every day from around the web that make you smarter, tailored to your interests.

    https://refind.com/

    Descript

    Edit videos the way you edit a document, with AI and more, this is a game changer for video work.

    https://descript.com/

    xTiles

    A flexible and great looking way to capture and organize ideas, links &
    projects visually.

    https://xtiles.app/


    🧳 Where’s Mike?


    The 4 best-read blogs on creating instructional videos

    Thinking of making your own training video? Check out iSpring’s expert posts for helpful tips and inspiration:

    Video-Based Learning: How to Become a Training Video Ninja

    How to Make Tutorial Videos: A Complete Guide

    How to Create a Training Video for Employees: A Practical Guide and Tips

    The 38 Best Training Video Software for 2023


    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 — L&D Automation, Behavioral Science Reading List, Transfer of Learning

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
    If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
    – Tecumseh

    Happy Friday! It’s that time of year again: the season of mistletoe, hot cocoa, and good cheer. And what better way to spread some festive joy than with this week’s edition of the newsletter? So pour yourself a mug of eggnog, curl up by the fire, and let the holiday magic begin!

    Want to send holiday cards this year but aren’t crazy about the time and expense involved? Try one from BrightCarbon’s big collection of Powerpoint-made greetings. Choose from over 100 options that you can personalize and use to spread some festive cheer PowerPoint style!

    Thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: I don’t think I’m quite ready for non-stop Christmas music yet, but this Christmas Holiday Jazz playlist pairs nicely with reading your favorite newsletter. 8-)


    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    32 Non-L&D Books for L&D Pros


    📰 News & Notes

    How Zapier’s L&D team saved 1,000s of hours of work with automation

    Zapier’s Learning and Development team hasn’t created a calendar event or manually promoted internal workshops since 2020. They outsourced the admin work to automation so they could spend time on tasks that need a human touch—like coaching and facilitating.

    This article walks you through how it works along with a few advanced Zap-building tricks to inspire you to think big when it comes to automating.

    Curious to see how you rank as an automator? Take this automation score quiz to find out.


    The ever-growing importance of L&D in the future of work

    In the future of work, it’s not just robots and AI that will be taking over – it’s also the constant need for learning and development. As the business world evolves at a rapid pace, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to invest L&D.

    So, put down that VR headset and read on to discover why L&D is the key to thriving in the future of work.

    Behavioral Scientist’s Notable Books of 2022

    It’s that time of year again: the holidays are coming and behavioral science enthusiasts are gathering to discuss the latest and greatest books on the subject. This annual round-up is sure to provide food for thought for anyone interested in understanding the mysteries of the human behavior. So grab a cup of cocoa and dive into the latest and greatest in the world of behavioral science.

    Should You Trust the Myers-Briggs Personality Test?

    Are you an introverted intuitive who loves deep conversations and hates small talk? Or maybe you’re an extroverted feeling type who loves to be around people and always puts others’ needs before your own? If you’ve ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, chances are you have a good idea of where you fall on the personality spectrum.

    But here’s the million-dollar question: should you trust the results of this popular personality test?

    Transfer of learning: The necessary step to make learning stick

    Transfer of learning is a concept that should be top-of-mind when planning any learning and development program. Without a solid understanding of the factors that affect the transfer of learning, the gulf between training and job performance is difficult to bridge.

    Learn the 16 factors addressed in the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) and how the transfer of learning must be an underlying design principle for L&D teams.


    • NXPowerLite File Compressor
      Over 3 million people use NXPowerLite to help them easily email large files. 4.9-star rated and the “best file compressor money can buy!” — if you ever struggle with large documents or images then give NXPowerLite a try – free for 14 days
      .
    • “The best new app for newsletter reading”
      Reading newsletters in the inbox is frustrating – it is noisy and easy to lose control of subscriptions. Now you can enjoy your newsletters outside the inbox with Meco, an app built for reading.
      Try Meco – it’s completely free!
      .
    • 2.6 Million People Wake Up to This Newsletter Every Morning
      There’s a reason so many people start their day with Morning Brew-the daily email the delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. News doesn’t have to be dry and dense…make your mornings more enjoyable for free.
      Check it out!

    🎧 Podcasts

    The 3 Pillars of
    Great Content

    If you write copy or work in the content creation business, then do not sleep on this episode. Dakota Robinson discusses the three content pillars and share five actionable tips for writing better copy. Here’s a quick example: use simple language and short sentences.

    Listen now »

    Thriving amid
    Information Overload

    Ross Dawson shares battle-tested strategies for excelling in a world of massive information including: 

    The five information superpowers, how to consume information optimally, & how to discern the good sources from the bad ones

    Listen now »

    Can ChatGPT Make This Podcast?

    It’s writing podcast scripts, finishing students’ homework and correcting mistakes in computer code: ChatGPT, the A.I. chatbot from OpenAI, is suddenly everywhere. Who should decide how it’s built? What could go wrong? And what could go right?

    Listen now »


    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    Sessions

    Sessions has everything you need for effective meetings, webinars, & online events.

    https://sessions.us/

    Magical

    Turn calendar invitations into a collaborative workspace to schedule, coordinate & automate meetings.

    https://magical.so/

    Writesonic

    Create plagiarism-free content for your blogs, ads, emails, and website with this AI writing assistant.

    https://writesonic.com/

    Excel Formula Bot

    Transform your text instructions into Excel formulas in seconds with the help of AI.

    https://excelformulabot.com/


    🧳 Where’s Mike?


    4 Must Reads About PowerPoint and eLearning

    Do you know that you can create eLearning courses right in PowerPoint? Here are some blog posts that will let you get started immediately:

    How to Convert Your PowerPoint Presentation into an eLearning Module

    Animation in eLearning: PowerPoint Tips and Tricks

    How to Make a Timeline in PowerPoint (Template Inside)


    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 — Plain Language, AI Content Tools, Hook Points

    Sponsored by iSpring

    “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look
    back and realize they were the big things.”
    – Robert Brault

    Happy Friday!  A heartfelt thanks to everyone who replied to my query into whether anyone reads this space. I see you all and be forewarned that there may be a dad joke somewhere on the horizon. (Sorry, Judith. I promise I won’t over do it.) 

    Thanks for reading.

    What I’m Listening To: I’ve been a big fan of Louis Armstrong for as long as I can remember. Today I’m listening to this playlist that kicks off with Wonderful World – makes me smile every time!
    (You can follow me on Spotify)


    Last Week’s Most Clicked:

    Improving Multiple Choice Questioning


    📰 News & Notes

    It’s Not a Headline, It’s a Hook Point

    The world is a busy place with millions of people and brands competing for attention on digital platforms. If you want to succeed and see results, you need to hook people in with your content and message.

    Hook Points can be applied to any content you make and distribute, so start thinking about what your perfect Hook Point might be.


    Simply Put: A guide for creating easy-to-understand materials

    This guide from the CDC is intended to help design clear and understandable health materials. It provides steps (and checklists) with detailed information and tips for developing communication materials that are evidence-based, user-friendly and also applicable to other topics as well.

    If this resonates, you may also be interested in a deeper dive available in the “Toolkit for Making Written Material Clear and Effective“.

    32 Non-L&D Books for L&D Professionals


    L&D is an integrative domain that draws on so many other subjects. Therefore, it’s essential that we educate ourselves on these subjects. 

    Learnovators has compile a list of the disciplines that are of interest to those in our field, including marketing, behavioral economics and others along with some book suggestions under each discipline.

    10 AI Content Tools Worth
    Checking Out

    While AI isn’t ready to replace us yet, some of these new tools can speed up and simplify your work. New tools are evolving fast and here are 10 good ones worth knowing. 

    Imagine letting the Open AI Chatbot write your script, putting that into Murf.ai to generate the voice over and then dropping it into Descript with some b-roll video.  For the right topics, you can do that now and it only takes minutes instead of hours or even weeks. 

    Plain Language Is For Everyone, Even Experts

    A common objection about plain language is that it dumbs down content and insults intelligent readers. Some writers use an academic tone out of habit or try to impress readers with complex sentences and showy vocabulary. The idea that long sentences and big words make you sound smarter (or more professional) results in great sacrifices to readability and credibility.

    Learn more about the advantages of clear, straightforward writing in this article from the Nielsen Norman Group.


    • Morning Brew
      There’s a reason over 2.6 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 dry and dense…make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.
      Check it out!.
    • Axios Local Newsletter
      Axios has daily, early morning newsletters to help readers get smarter, faster about their hometowns. I’ve been reading the one for Columbus and it is a great scoop into local happenings. 
      Subscribe for $0 here
    • Important, Not Important
      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!

      Sponsors Powered by Swapstack

    🎧 Podcasts

    Why Curiosity in the Workplace Is Important

    Stefaan Van Hooydonk has conducted research on the topic of curiosity at work. He believes that curious individuals need curious environments to thrive and that in times of economic turmoil, individuals and companies need to start embracing the power of intentional curiosity.

    Listen now »

    The link between learning transfer & assessment

    This episode of the Learning While Working podcast with Keith Keating, explores the science of learning, some of the greatest challenges with learning transfer, why L&D experts should be viewed as trusted advisors, & more.

    Listen now »

    Humor’s Role in the 21st Century Workplace

    Institutions as serious as Wharton, MIT, and the London Business School agree: it’s time to bring some laughter in the workplace.

    Listen now »


    🧰 Tech, Tools & Tips

    600+ Designer Resources

    The web’s biggest free collection of design resources. You’ll definitely want to bookmark this one.

    https://www.learnn.cc/design

    WelcomeSpaces

    A collaborative tool for professional designers. Client collaboration has never been so simple.

    https://www.welcomespaces.io/

    Vectormaker

    With Vectormaker, you can easily convert pixel-based images into colorful vector graphics.

    https://vectormaker.co/

    Accessible Color Palettes

    Take the mystery out of accessibility with a simple color palette generator by Venngage that does the heavy lifting for you.

    https://venngage.com/


    🧳 Where’s Mike?


    Great resources for gamification in eLearning

    Did you know that engagement in employee training continues to be the #1 challenge for L&D professionals? One definite way to boost it is to integrate gamification into your training strategy. Here are some great resources that will give you a great deal of useful information on gamification and resources for implementing it in your projects:

    eLearning Gamification: How to Apply It and Win the Game

    Prefer to watch this content on gamification? We got you

    Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning

    4 Easy Gamification Tricks for PowerPoint and iSpring Suite


    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.