The TrainingZone.co.uk guide to laptop PCs
Find the right laptop for training professionals with this guide to essential specifications. Learn what to look for in processor performance, RAM, and hard drives, plus help compile the TrainingZone Top 10 laptops chart by rating your own machine.
It’s official – the training course is dead
Tutor-led training courses are becoming obsolete as organizations shift toward technology-enabled informal learning that allows employees to acquire knowledge when needed. Rather than periodic classroom sessions, modern tools enable workers to find information quickly and efficiently, making learning as routine as sending an email.
Elearning evaluation tips
Modern elearning evaluation should move beyond basic completion metrics to measure real business impact. Organizations can improve their measurement systems by adopting value-based metrics such as customer satisfaction, employee retention, and alignment between individual and organizational performance goals.
Learning management systems take to the internet Cloud
Web-based learning management systems are transforming corporate training by offering cloud-hosted solutions that are easier and cheaper to deploy than traditional in-house systems. As software-as-a-service (SaaS) adoption grows, companies like Aardpress and Kineo are capitalizing on increased demand for hosted LMS platforms that provide greater flexibility and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
Video: 10 ways to thrive in the downturn
The eLearning Network shares 10 strategies for learning and development professionals to succeed during economic downturns while protecting their jobs and delivering value to employers or customers.
The elearning diet: Not recommended for long term results
Elearning may be a passing fad that delivers short-term results but fails for long-term success. Critics argue that online courses lack the classroom structure, instructor interaction, and verbal/visual cues essential for effective learning and retention.
Learning Technologies prize draw – winners announced!
TrainingZone.co.uk announced winners of its Learning Technologies conference prize draw, with Scott Hewitt winning first prize including a 3M micro projector and Tony Buzan book. Seven additional winners received Kensington Slimblade Presenter mice, while a video booth contest winner claimed iMind Map software and a media mouse.
Chasing the buzz at Learning Technologies 2009
John Stokdyk explores the major trends at Learning Technologies 2009, revealing how traditional LMS suppliers face mounting pressure from open-source alternatives like Moodle, cloud-based platforms, and Web 2.0 social learning tools reshaping the training industry landscape.
Skillsoft awarded Star Status
Skillsoft has received Star Status accreditation from Best Companies, a UK workplace engagement specialist, recognizing the elearning provider’s excellence in employee engagement and workplace culture. The award reflects Skillsoft’s commitment to maximizing business productivity through effective learning solutions for over 3,000 companies worldwide.
Software Satisfaction Awards 2009 open for entries
Sift Media’s Software Satisfaction Awards 2009 is now accepting entries from business software vendors. The prestigious awards, in their fourth year, are based on user ratings across ease of use, functionality, reliability, and value for money. The entry deadline is March 31, 2009.
Web 2.0 puts elearners in the driving seat
Web 2.0 technologies empower learners by shifting from passive information consumption to active participation and creation. Unlike Web 1.0’s read-only format, Web 2.0 enables users to engage interactively, enhancing both learning experience and organizational development outcomes.
HMRC warns of danger from scam emails
HMRC warns of scam emails falsely claiming tax refunds ahead of the January 31 Self Assessment deadline. The fraudulent messages request bank details to process non-existent refunds. Suspicious emails should be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk without clicking links or attachments.
Top reads 2008: Real Evaluation Transforms Organisations. By Paul Kearns
Real evaluation is a fundamental mindset that links learning and organizational purpose, ensuring effectiveness through proper diagnosis before implementation. Paul Kearns argues that without genuine evaluation—distinct from surveys and questionnaires—organizations cannot determine if learning actually works or achieve meaningful transformation.
Help us find the training professional’s favourite gadget
Training professional Nigel Harris returns with his annual countdown of the best gadgets of 2008, featuring top picks like Guitar Hero World Tour, smartphones including the iPhone and BlackBerry Storm, and the Apple iPod nano. Readers are invited to nominate and vote for their own favorite gadgets in this interactive poll.
Best read features of 2008
TrainingZone.co.uk’s top 12 most-read features of 2008 highlight popular articles on learning myths, communication misconceptions, and training analysis. The list recognizes contributions from both staff writers and community members, with articles examining assumptions about learning and workplace practices that resonated most with readers.
Tony Buzan to open Learning Technologies
Mind Mapping creator Tony Buzan will deliver the keynote at Learning Technologies 2009, arguing that businesses should increase rather than decrease learning and development budgets during economic downturns to protect intellectual capital and competitive advantage.
Virus Alert: Internet Explorer 7 vulnerable to drive-by downloads
Internet Explorer 7 is vulnerable to a zero-day flaw in XML handling that allows malicious websites to install password-stealing Trojan viruses through drive-by downloads. Thousands of websites, targeting Chinese gamers and pornography users, are actively exploiting the vulnerability. Microsoft has released workarounds but no patch is yet available.
2008: That was the year that was…
Despite the 2008 financial crisis, learning and development professionals saw increased emphasis on workplace training and skills development. Industry experts highlighted the shift toward social learning, coaching managers, and better training evaluation as key trends that could help organizations survive the recession.
From minor to major: Sheffield the ‘elearning capital of Europe’
Sheffield is rapidly emerging as Europe’s elearning capital, driven by its thriving creative and digital industries sector. The city’s new Digital Campus, featuring flexible workspace and modern infrastructure near major transport links, aims to support over 3,000 creative and tech workers while fostering collaboration and business growth.
Ten steps to creating the perfect blend
Learn how to design effective blended learning programmes that reduce training costs while improving accessibility and engagement. Francis Marshall outlines ten essential steps, from aligning learning goals and measuring ROI to prioritizing learner engagement and integrating diverse training tools.