McKinsey highlights how social tools are transforming companies

Not every social tool is created equal. That’s the verdict of McKinsey’s report ‘How social tools can reshape the organisation’. The tools creating the most value for businesses are the ones allowing collaboration in new and improved ways. The report shows that the use of social tools has grown massively. 93% of respondents say their […]
Coffee briefing: Flow Theory, storytelling, & leadership across cultures

We've got a slightly breezier round-up for you this week, but hopefully no less interesting. Here are our picks of the best news & opinion from across L&D and beyond – enjoy! Leadership – Meet the 31-year-old who mentors the CEO of a $44 billion company (Business Insider UK) – What leadership looks like in other […]
Shopping for learning systems – shifting from ‘one stop shop’ to best of breed

Big enterprise systems have had their day. Instead of plumping for the 'one stop shop' option – giant enterprise systems that do everything bar park your car and feed the cat – increasing numbers of organisations are electing to have an ecosystem of individual, specialist tools that complement each other through APIs (application programme interfaces). What has […]
Switching software suppliers/business systems?

The thought of change can be scary and business software is definitely no exception. When it’s time to switch suppliers, how do you know if you are making the right decision? How can you ensure an easy transition to a new business system? Are there any top tips for ensuring that the switch isn't a difficult […]
Coffee Briefing: Slack, machine learning and why we should think slower

We've spent another week (well, two – everyone needs a holiday) trawling the internet for the most interesting and thought-provoking articles we can find. Let us know what you've been reading recently, and tell us what you think of the pieces we've shared in the comment below. Pull up a chair, here are our picks for […]
The Right Fit: Custom Training vs Off-the-Shelf

Millions of Americans (me included) love a good burger from In-N-Out. You don’t have a lot of options, even with the secret menu, but it’s fast and convenient. They only make burgers a few ways, so you are in and out in no time. But other times, when I’m craving something special, I’ll go to […]
Digital: Don’t let the elephant create a dinosaur

Does digital mean the end of the classroom? No – but evolution is vital… It’s the elephant in the classroom for many training companies. As enthusiasm grows for e-learning and virtual teaching methods, so does concern about roles in Learning & Development, profits and the need to evolve and diversify the business model. According to […]
7 things to consider before purchasing an eLearning course

The exponential growth in the uptake of eLearning has revolutionised the training industry, with multiple providers shouting proposed benefits from the rooftops; greater flexibility, improved learner experience and superior cost-efficiencies chief among them. However, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, and there are many factors to consider before deciding whether e-Learning is the right choice for […]
Is an LMS or CRM better suited to a training business?

There are hundreds of business systems and technologies that may assist in training. This blog focuses on the differences between an LMS and a CRM system. Today, technology is essential Expanding a training business without the aid of technology can be almost impossible. Competition is fierce and the internet provides fast access for prospective clients to […]
Are you considering purchasing an LMS but implementation is putting you off?

As the majority of businesses know the process of buying a software solution does not end once the contract has been signed. Approximately 63% of CRM installations fail due to poor system implementation, which highlights the importance of a smooth transition towards embedding new business software. We've suggested 3 ways to effectively implement an LMS. It would be great to hear of […]
How to create engaging audio

Want to record an interview, or create a podcast? Jon Kennard is on hand with another quick round-up of tips to make sure that your broadcast is as good as it can be! Have a pen handy – and enjoy. Want to record an interview, or create a podcast? Jon Kennard is on hand with another quick round-up […]
Organize Online Workplace Harassment Training

Today, e-Learning is a preferred method when it comes to delivering different kinds of training to employees, including harassment training. Everyone in the organization needs to be a part of this online course, including executives, managers, supervisors and other employees. In some cases, upper-level management may consider themselves excluded from this training, but they are […]
Top eLearning Trends For 2016 You Need To Be Aware Of

We now have a firm footing into the 21st century. Although we’re not quite at the Johnny Five stage yet (the robot demonstrated the ability to scan and instantly assimilate information in the 1986 movie, Short Circuit), technology is starting to revolutionize the learning landscape. Here are our four hottest eLearning trends for 2016. 1. Automation […]
Storyline’s secret weapon: using variables to supercharge your interactivity

Understand exactly what variables are and how they can super-charge how you implement your instructional design thinking. In the previous article in this series, I mentioned that some of the most powerful features you can find in an authoring tool tend to be buried away, meaning lots of people simply don’t know they exist. In […]
How you and your colleagues become shareholders in knowledge

Keeping knowledge to oneself gradually becomes replaced by a more open information exchange. But a cultural shift from “keeping” to “distributing” knowledge cannot exist without supporting software. Online training software can empower a new ownership in learning. Many managers are still reluctant to share power and knowledge. However, by holding back information from employees, they […]
Using Storyline: re-imagining tasks and activities with freeform interactions

Use Storyline’s freeform interactions to create virtually any kind of activity you like, with any objects you like and ‘attach’ the interaction functionality you want to that activity In the first article in this series, I mentioned how lots of authoring tools (both good ones and bad) can limit your instructional design thinking and creativity. […]
All in the planning: using Masters & Layouts in Storyline to reduce design time

You have probably heard of master slides. But you might not know much about the layouts sitting just below the master slide. In this article discover exactly what masters and layouts are and how to fully exploit their power in Storyline. Many people are familiar with the idea of a software template. This is a […]
Is your authoring tool holding you back?

For too long, legacy authoring tools have constrained how most people think about e-learning and what it can achieve. With a new breed of authoring tools emerging, now is the time to liberate your instructional design thinking and leave these out-dated restrictions behind. Increasingly, if you are working in a learning and development role associated […]
Five minutes with Mike Leavy, Learning Technology Lead, Virgin Media

Mike Leavy is the Learning Technology Lead for Virgin Media. In this brief interview he talks about what type of employee he wants in the L&D function and how his team help the business identify capability gaps. Mike will be speaking at the CIPD L&D Show in London on May 11th and 12th. Jamie Lawrence, […]
eLearning vs gamification

Our Business Development Manager recently wrote a blog post titled 'eLearning vs Gamification: Which Is Right For You?' which got me thinking if gamification is commercially viable for training companies? I would be interested to hear of any experiences or opinions on this topic. Let me know in the discussion section below or on the blog. […]