Plan to Attend 2008 Conference in Columbia

A few weeks ago, Nagtad members received an email announcing the program and registration for the 2008 Nagtad Conference in October in Columbia, SC. Start making travel plans now! Speakers include Dr. Marc Rosenberg, Jane Bozarth, and many more speakers from across the country. Don't miss this opportunity to network with fellow government learning professionals. We speak your language!

I always think of the Nagtad conference as my annual group therapy conference. You will be enriched, invigorated, and entertained. We don't always plan the entertainment..... Stuff just happens when a bunch of trainers get together. Check out the Nagtad website for more information.

NAGTAD midyear followup: Flickr and etc.

Thanks to all who joined in the NAGTAD midyear event last week! We had fun and frolic. Handouts and a link to the recording have gone out to attendees. Those interested in more in-depth exploration can check out my books on Amazon.

And: for those interested in using Flickr as a source of photos, check out "The Great Flickr Tools Collection". Remember, when using Flickr and other sources of visuals for use in training, it's probably safest to stick with items tagged with the "creative commons" license. Again, I have been very happy with our (paid) subscriptions to clipart.com and istockphoto .

And be sure to visit MY blog (http://bozarthzone.blogspot.com) for updates on "cheap" e-learning, training, and comments on learning and instructional design.

It took a snowstorm, but I got it!

Last week the class I teach at a local community college was cancelled. You all know how I hate to have my scheduled messed up! So, at 6:45 a.m., I emailed all my students and posted a message on Blackboard that they still needed to be prepared for the midterm exam this week! So, about half of the class read the email!

I decided to go on with the test, but allow students to use their book and notes.

I think I like this! What are we really doing as trainers when we just teach memorization (see the trained monkey?!). By using book and notes, the students learn where to find the information. Hmmmm.... This could be helpful information in a work setting.

It seems like we discussed the concept of training adult learners to know where to find information instead of always relying on evaluating based on memorization at a Nagtad conference. Let's focus on what learners need to know - is it a skill that needs to be known by memory, or is it more important to understand where the information is? These are questions that trainers should ask when designing material.

Please comment, or vote at right! Cheryl Tinsley, your Nagtad blog host

Pump Up the PowerPoint

"Pump Up the PowerPoint"

I am really excited about NAGTAD's Midyear Event, "Pump Up the PowerPoint." PowerPoint is a great tool to help participants understand your training material, but it can sure be misused. I've seen lots of presentations where the instructor was just reading the slides or had so many slides that I was bored stiff.

I know that Jane Bozarth will make this session fun and information-packed. She is a wonderful resource and we are lucky to have her as part of our NAGTAD group. This session will include strategies for using visuals with impact, animations that teach, and approaches that provoke discussion and activity rather than passive viewing.

Please join me on March 5. To register, see the Nagtad website at http://nagtad.org/.

Kathy McNeill

Request for Presentations for Upcoming Conference March 14 deadline!

Remember the March 14 deadline for submitting a request to present at the 2008 Conference in South Carolina!

Check out the NAGTAD web site at http://www.nagtad.org/conference2008/NagtadRequesttoPresent2008.pdf

to look at topic ideas, etc.

If you like to present (and what trainer doesn't?!), this is a great opportunity to make a presentation among your fellow Government Learning Professionals!

Welcome to the New NAGTAD blog!

Here's how it's supposed to work:

Executive Committee members will be your hosts for posts. We will also invite upcoming speakers to post, so discussions can begin prior to and maybe after any Nagtad-sponsored events!

Nagtad members can comment. Guests are welcome to view.

That's how it's supposed to work! If you find this isn't the case (!), please email the Nagtad Host!

Nagtad Conference Oct 26, 2008

We have exciting news to share regarding the Nagtad Conference next fall. Marc Rosenberg and Jane Bozarth, both internationally known presenters in the learning business, have agreed to facilitate sessions at our upcoming conference. Dr. Marc Rosenberg, is a leading expert in the world of training, organizational learning, e-learning, and knowledge management. He is the author of E-Learning:Strategies for Delivering Knowledge in the Digital Age and Beyond E-Learning:Approaches and Technologies to Enhance Organizational Knowledge, Learning and Preformance. Jane Bozarth was a smash hit as keynoter at the 2007 Nagtad Conference and is the author of several books including E-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring and Better Than Bullet Points: Creating Engaging E-Learning with Powerpoint. Both these presenters have innovative ideas and practical techniques to share - the conference agenda is off to a great start!