Prior to the integration of its learning information sites into the common learning portal (CLP), the National Park Service (NPS) had over 25 different sites for its various learning programs. This made finding learning information complex for its workforce of over 20,000 employees. Navigation required knowledge of the URLs at various sites and each site had different navigation tools and varied widely in appearance. In addition, social learning opportunities in the form of communities were scattered among various commercial sites.

In this session, you will learn about an 18-month-long CLP process—from inception to completion. You will learn how the NPS pulled all of its various learning communities—formal and informal—and community interaction into one system, making finding learning opportunities no more than three clicks away. You will also learn how the NPS integrated requirements, such as findability, LMS integration, governance, and other practical considerations within the decentralized organization’s training groups.

In this session, you will learn:

• The design considerations for building a learning portal
• How to integrate within your communities of learning
• How a learning portal can tie in with other learning systems as part of the learning ecosystem
• The considerations, pitfalls, and things to avoid with developing a learning portal
• How taxonomy planning is critical on day one
• How modular design allows for maximum flexibility

Audience:
Intermediate and advanced designers and developers.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A

You’re excited about the promise of the xAPI-enabled world, but you’ve still got a learning management system (LMS) and a host of SCORM-based courses that you need. But what if you could get the most out of both a LMS and a learning record store (LRS) at the same time?

In this session, you’ll quickly review what a LRS is and how it’s different and similar to the LMS you already have. You will tackle the big questions such as: should you work with a standalone LRS, a front-end solution for the xAPI with a built-in LRS, or a LRS that is aligned with your LMS and your current learning infrastructure? At the same time, you’ll explore considerations you’ll have to keep in mind when looking for an LRS the list of key questions to ask in selecting a LRS for your environment, and insights from early adopters in both the learning and infrastructure aspects of the xAPI.

In this session, you will learn:

• How to identify the benefits of a LRS, both in contrast to and in combination with your LMS
• How to choose from among three types of LRS options
• How to draw potential options for your next generation learning and performance infrastructure
• How to ask potential LRS vendors key questions to narrow your search

Audience:
Intermediate and advanced designers, developers, project managers, and managers.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A

Do you feel stuck in a rut because of outdated learning methods and the limitations imposed on you by your learning management system? You’re not alone. Today’s learning methods and technologies are not adapting quickly enough to keep up with the evolving needs of organizations and the entry of millennials into the mainstream workforce. Though there are many stand-alone technologies available, it can be challenging to know how to organize the various tools under one over-arching learning strategy.

In this interactive session, you’ll explore real-world examples of what cutting-edge organizations are doing to breathe new life into their learning ecosystem, as well as the methods and technologies they’re using to bring about that silent revolution. You will learn about four real-world case studies, highlighting approaches and tools for designing onboarding programs, job training, professional development certification, and leadership development programs. Through these cases, you’ll identify best practices for combining mentoring, social media, reinforcement, experiential learning, and traditional forms of learning.

In this session, you will learn:

• How to incorporate mentoring, experiential learning, informal content, and social media into your learning programs
• How to leverage new technologies and combine them in a way that complements your existing infrastructure
• How to improve the design of onboarding programs
• How to improve the design of job training and professional development programs
• How to improve the design of leadership development programs

Audience:
Intermediate and advanced designers and directors.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A

The current learning environment is massively disruptive, with new learning technologies appearing daily. Focus has shifted from content to experience, and learning strategies now call for a new emphasis on informal learning, collaboration, and user-generated and curated content. Throw into the mix a wide variety of devices and approaches like gamification, and organizational learning has become a very confusing and complicated state.

In this session, you will be able to make better sense of the evolving learning landscape by focusing on key principles that are essential to building the next-generation learning environment. You will explore an example of what the next-generation learning environment might look like by demonstrating the systems, tools, and technologies that collectively make up Xerox Services University. You will leave with a strategic framework for creating a next-generation digital learning environment. You will have an understanding of the technology platforms, services, and tools necessary to successfully deliver the learning experience of the future.

In this session, you will learn:

• The principles that define the dimensions of the next-generation digital learning environment
• The types of tools and technologies necessary to assemble a next-generation digital learning environment
• Key requirements to be used in the selection of tools, technologies, and services to create next-generation digital learning environments
• Practical strategies that can be used to support the implementation and operation of a next-generation digital learning environment

Audience:
Intermediate designers, developers, project managers, and managers.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A

Training events often fall short of delivering results in the workplace. Training can be too far removed from application on the job, and in many cases there is a reliance on outmoded models that fail to take into account the dynamic environment of the modern workplace. The demand for information and action is accelerating. This paradigm requires a different approach to supporting performance and development, including real-time access to people, process, tools, and content, linked to the unique needs of the individual.

In this session, you will learn how certain US federal government agencies are transforming their initiatives from a learning event model to continuous development through the design and implementation of performance ecosystems. You will see real-world examples of ecosystem design and implementation, and will be able to evaluate your own initiatives through the lens of always-on continuous development. Some of your takeaways will include: measurable approaches to supporting multiple points of need within the workplace, from just-in-time to new skill development; and a short list of tools and technologies that are easing adoption.

In this session, you will learn:

• How government agencies are transforming their learning and development initiatives
• The constituent parts of a performance ecosystem, including formal and informal content, social media, and performance support
• The need for better tracking and measurement
• Where ecosystems have been, where they are now, and where they are going

Audience:
Novice and intermediate designers, developers, project managers, managers, and directors.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A

The Experience API and emerging technologies afford organizations the opportunity to create adaptive learning ecosystems of functionality to support learners. Designing learning ecosystems and adaptive systems requires a shift in design approaches. While the Experience API can provide common tracking similar to SCORM for a learning management system, it really extends the ability to collect data with value between systems. This intersystem data value, combined with new design approaches, unlocks a number of use cases.

In this session, you will explore design approaches and models for ecosystems and adaptive systems. Key use cases will be defined and explored in detail. Additionally, you will learn about a case study that shows measurable efficiency of adaptive learning. You will learn about open-source technologies in a reference-adaptive learning ecosystem to enable exploration of practical examples. Finally, you will explore data that shows efficiency of adaptation in both individual and group settings.

In this session, you will learn:

• Design approaches for ecosystems using the xAPI
• The fundamental use cases that can be produced in an adaptive learning ecosystem
• Approaches to define value in learning ecosystems
• Open-source example tools and technologies you can use for your own ecosystem pilots

Audience:
Novice to advanced project managers, managers, and directors.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A

Choosing an LMS can be wrought with peril. There are many decisions that go into selecting the system that provides the best fit for your company, and there seem to be no end of things waiting to trip you up on your path to your new system. But if you know what to look for, you can avoid the hazards!

In this session, you’ll learn all the places where you can go wrong in your selection process. From knowing what types of systems are available to knowing the difference between good and bad requirements, we’ll walk through some of the larger mistakes that can get made and how to navigate around them. At the end of the session, you’ll have a better idea of what the LMS vendors need so you can help them help you!

In this session, you will learn:

• How to tell a good requirement from a bad one
• How to tell the difference between a problem with the LMS and a problem with your process
• Why you may want to bring in a consultant, and what consultant you may need
• If an LMS even the right decision for your situation

Audience:
Novice and intermediate designers, developers, managers, and directors.

Technology discussed in this session:
Learning management systems.

Your learning ecosystem already exists in the resources scattered across your intranet and beyond, but your learners don’t know how to find them. When they are able to access this wealth of information, they are often overwhelmed, leaving the resources underutilized and the employees frustrated and still unable to meet their performance improvement needs. Many organizations have platforms such as an LMS and the content that they want to highlight, but they lack middleware and associated processes to connect the dots.

In this case study session, you will learn how Nielsen addressed the issue by building a dynamic portal—with the help of Sealworks Interactive—that solves the two problems of finding learning resources and being directed to learning opportunities. You will see how the portal solution leverages the LMS and the tacit knowledge of content owners to create an environment where learners can get to what they need fast.

In this session, you will learn:

• How to integrate a portal with other systems: LMS, ESN, TMS, and DMS
• How to integrate a portal with third party content providers
• How to maximize searching
• How to create learning paths
• How to measure the success of a portal

Audience:
Novice and intermediate designers, developers, and managers.

Technology discussed in this session:
Python on the Django platform.

Participant technology requirements:
N/A

With the advent of the xAPI, a new learning technology product has come into being: the learning record store (LRS). It is a requirement for using the xAPI to track learner behavior, serving as a repository for data generated by the xAPI statements. Stakeholders need to know the basics of how LRSs work and the range of features available in them in order to make intelligent acquisition, ecosystem design, and implementation decisions. In order to use the xAPI, you must have an LRS.

In this session, you will learn the process of choosing an LRS and making an informed decision. You will learn the basics of LRSs and the range of considerations for choosing a system. You will see how the xAPI is becoming an important addition to the learning technology landscape, allowing the tracking of virtually any learner behavior and enabling data analytics. You will also learn why it is quickly gaining traction among learning organizations.

In this session, you will learn:

• How an LRS works
• Why an LRS is necessary for the xAPI
• The range of features possible in products
• A rational process for choosing

Audience:
Intermediate and advanced developers, project managers, managers, and directors.

Technology discussed in this session:
N/A