Sunday, December 30, 2007

Tip #200: Always Learning

I will stop training when I stop learning from the wise souls in the workshops I am honored to facilitate. And as long as those participants keep attending my workshops and I draw breath, I know that I will always be learning.

What a wonderful way to make a living and make a life.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

May 2008 bring you health, happiness, success, and enough challenge to keep you alive and fresh!


Our first Tip of 2008 focuses on transformation- in the form of the Hoberman sphere.


Saturday, December 29, 2007

Tip #199: The Case For Credentials, Not Initials

I have a bias that I am going to share, based on thirty years of experience in training and consulting: Knowing is not doing, and doing is better.

By knowing, I mean initials based on academic degrees and professional certifications. By doing, I mean credentials based on expertise.

Yes, initials can open doors, particularly for those who are early in their careers. There are some jobs where the academic degree is a gate keeper: if you don’t have the degree, you can’t get in. And most certainly, attaining a degree or a professional certification reflects positive character traits, such as commitment and persistence to achieve a goal.

I am also aware that there are folks who have earned initials and are also able to effectively deliver on the job. That is a terrific combination.
But the bottom line is that they are able to deliver on what they know.

There is nothing wrong with believing in continuous learning and seeking academic or professional certification initials.
If a degree or certification program offers someone knowledge they value, more power to them.

However, regardless of existing initials, I think that the person who can effectively deliver clearly has more to offer to any organization.

When I worked in personnel for the State of Wisconsin, we could not limit recruitment to persons with degrees, unless a degree was statutorily required for a position. If a hiring supervisor desired someone with a degree, we could post that a degree was desired, but we also had to add that we would consider individuals with comparable training and experience.

I know that degrees and certifications do not automatically make an individual better at what they do. The degree may not be relevant, the certification may be theoretical rather than practice-based, and the person may not use what s/he learned.

I believe in degree programs and professional certifications that give you credit for what you have already accomplished or can accomplish on your job.

If you are seeking to hire someone, please give them a chance to SHOW you what they can do.

If you are seeking a professional certification, please make sure that the content and the focus will be professionally useful to you because you can apply what you learn- and the certification will be based on that knowledge and ability.

Why am I writing about this now? I have a dear friend who has been incredibly accomplished and effective in every area of employment in different industries over a long and illustrious career. As a manager, trainer, and employee, she is brilliant at what she does- and every organization that employs her is very conscious of the value she brings to the company, their employees, their customers, and their bottom line.

She decided to seek a professional certification- and rather than validating her self worth and her proven expertise, the experience almost devastated her. The certification test was based on who did what, rather than how to use what you know.

So she failed, not once, but twice. Imagine what they can do to your self esteem. Thank goodness, she was made of stronger stuff. She didn’t fail because she isn’t bright, didn’t study, wasn’t committed to doing well, or had test anxiety. She was busy doing her job, with no study support base. She tried to fit studying into her already rich life filled with a demanding job, extensive community volunteer work, and family life.

The certification test experience tried to tell her that she wasn’t enough and didn’t know enough to qualify. But my take on that situation is very different.
As a hands on practitioner, the certification test was wrong for her. It didn’t measure what was important for her in her professional life. It valued rote memorization over practical application- and, as far as I’m concerned, that is a poorly written test.

Luckily, my friend saw the light and her strong sense of self and her sense of humor helped her learn what she needed to learn from the earlier certification experience and move on. She is now happily pursuing a different certification that better meets her personal and professional goals and needs.

So, my wish for her and for you is that all of your learning experiences, now and in years to come, will be useful, meaningful, validating, and, yes, sweet.

Tip #198: A Tribute to Flip Charts

I love using flip charts! I think that they are the key audiovisual for any interactive training. The minute you have flip charts in the room, people KNOW that they are going to have to get involved!!

Flip charts are amazingly flexible. The facilitator can lead a large group brainstorming session and post their responses on the flipchart. The group can be divided into two groups to brainstorm, post their responses, and then report out what they have written.

You can post several flip charts around the room for a gallery walk, having small groups brainstorm answers or ideas and post them before they have to move to the next flip chart.

When small groups work on case studies, problem solving exercises or other activities, they can post their answers or conclusions on the flip chart. When they report out to the larger group, there is a visual to support what they are saying.

Training rooms may not have LCD projectors or screens, but they usually have flip charts. And now that there are flip charts that are self-sticking, as long as the room has walls to stick the flip charts on, you’re set!

Flip charts have staying power. Put a title on top of the page, write in large print, and you have a great audiovisual for reference throughout the training session. Throw in fragrant colorful marking pens and you have a party when groups gather around the flip chart to brainstorm!

They are terrific for ice breakers and community building. Mixing up participants into different groups throughout the day to work on different issues that they flip chart spreads the expertise and builds new insight and relationships. That’s where the
real learning happens!

Want your participants to feel that they are actively involved in creating the training content? Ask them what they want to learn, and post that on a flip chart. Is the training a mandatory refresher session? Ask the participants what types of issues or challenges they are facing, and post those on a flip chart. Then either address those items immediately or refer to the flip chart throughout the session as the training content addresses the items.

Flip charts can also be wonderfully decorative. There are books about how to decorate flip charts, but I learned the most from Sharon Bowman and Danny Papakalos. Sharon
showed me that adding colorful borders and decorations really jazz up a flip chart. And Danny showed me how to create a border very quickly by using two different colored markers in the same hand! So, no more plain white flip charts when it is so easy to add color and character to them!

Photos of the flip charts create a living montage of the group work. I’ve mentioned in earlier
Tips that I take digital photos of the flip chart work, post them on Kodak Gallery and send a link to the participants. I like to believe that the photos of the flip charts give the information greater immediacy and intimacy than a typewritten page. The email with the link also reinforces the learning that occurred in the classroom.

Flip charts give participants freedom to be creative, not only in what they write but also in how they structure what they create. I’ve seen folks transform a flip chart into games and game boards. Flip charts are great and lasting surfaces for mind maps, collages, pictures of organizational visions, job aids- the list is endless!

And isn’t that the point? Flip charts are fantastic teaching and learning tools!

PowerPoint is extremely overrated and overused. With all the bells and whistles, animation, colors and fonts, the media becomes the message- and no real learning takes place. Learning is noisy and active and messy and busy, especially the learning that lasts. And flip charts are perfect for that. Besides, flip charts don’t need electrical outlets, cables, batteries, or bulbs. Talk about plug and play- you don’t even need a plug!

So, grab a few self-sticking flip charts and fragrant markers- and launch your learners on a voyage of self discovery! You and they will never look back!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Tip #197: Using Kites to Liven Up Training Rooms

I happen to like colorful decorations to liven up a training room. This preference is reinforced by the fact that accelerated learning principles promote engaging all the senses, including the visual.

My preference is explained in part by the fact that I have spent a number of years facilitating training for state employees in basement rooms with no windows and nothing on the walls. Often filled with piles of unused chairs and tables, cast off boxes and metal coat racks, there was nothing pleasant to catch the eye. Needless to say, these were very dreary surroundings.

Then I attended a workshop conducted by Dave Meier, the accelerated training guru. He transformed a rather lackluster hotel ballroom by placing kites on the walls. I remember that I was particularly taken with a huge red kite of a dragon!

Kites. Imagine that. Kites are colorful, light, portable, and easy to put up on a wall. What an elegantly simple solution!

Plus, there are all sorts of kites to catch your imagination. And we’re not talking plain vanilla kites- these are kites that come in lots of different shapes. I started to surf the internet and first discovered graceful sailing sloops in rainbow colors. Those are still my favorite kites and the ones that participants most often mention (and occasionally try to purchase from me!)

I love nature, so I was quickly drawn to kites of birds with large wing spans and colorful streamer tails. There are kites for a variety of interests. You can probably even find kites that reinforce the focus of your training.

I have now used these bird of paradise kites for almost ten years, so recently I went out on the web to see what else was available. The idea of butterflies and the transformation they represent attracted me. I couldn’t believe how many types of colorful butterfly kites were available!

Some pointers to keep in mind if you are going to purchase kites:

1. I have found that five or six kites are plenty. In addition to three bird-shaped kites, I have a very colorful banner to place on the front of my training table and a huge octagonal kite to put up when a room’s walls are very very bare.

2. Be very conscious of the size of the kites. I’ve made the mistake of purchasing a kite because I liked the shape and color-only to find out that it was much too big for me to put up on most walls. By this I mean not only the width but the height of the kite. I am also limited by how high I can reach, even when standing on a table or a chair.
I typically stick with 33” by 23” or so.

3. If you find a kite you like, comparison shop on the web. Some sites are much less expensive than others.

4. Make sure you have mounting putty to put up the kites. Tape doesn’t always adhere for very long. If the walls are carpeted, you could use stick pins or T pins.

5. Check out the sales areas on the kite sites. That’s how I found my huge octagonal kite for a great price.

6. If you are going to purchase kites to remain on the walls of one training room, it doesn’t really matter what the kites are made of. However, if you are going to travel with the kites and will need to fold them up to fit into a suitcase, make sure they are made of nylon to last longer.

If you have used kites and have other pointers or suggestions about vendors, please let us know.


Next week, I’m going to provide a tribute to flip charts, which are extremely underrated in a PowerPoint world!

Last week, we discussed using kites to liven up training rooms. Ginger Bryers wrote about a great kite shop on South Padre Island, Texas: B&S kites. You may want to check that out. Thanks, Ginger!

This week, I would like to provide a tribute to flip charts!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Tip #196: Keeping Your Voice

A trainer depends on having a clear voice. So, during cold season and cold weather, it can be very stressful if you start to get a scratchy throat or a nagging cough.
I am not a doctor and my experience is purely my own. But I have found several remedies and tips that have seen me through the trauma of a cold when I have to facilitate training.

1. Avoid dairy. It will increase phlegm, which will only make matters worse.

2. Avoid caffeinated products, cold or hot. The caffeine tightens your throat.

3. Use lemon- either lemon in water, in hot herbal tea, or in a non-caffeinated lemon beverage. It will cut any phlegm that is bothering you.

4. For coughs, I have found that Walgreen’s brand menthol or cherry cough suppressant drops are excellent. Other brands have been less effective.

5. When necessary, my doctor has prescribed a nasal spray.

6. Eat properly and get lots of sleep.

7. Have plenty of liquids- and yes, hot chicken soup is very soothing.

8. Make sure to rest your voice whenever possible.

9. If you need one, ask for a microphone so you don’t have to strain the voice you do have.

10. Get a flu shot to try to minimize the likelihood of illness.

Although it is unpleasant, it is possible to train when you are sick. Years ago, I actually fell to my knees with a coughing fit in front of a group at the very beginning of a full day of training. That’s when a kind participant who sings taught me that lemon will cut the phlegm. She went to the cafeteria, brought back lemon wedges, and got me through the day, God bless her!

I have also trained with laryngitis. I woke up prepared to conduct a three day program for folks who had flown in from around the country, and found I had absolutely no voice. I couldn’t even make myself heard on the telephone. So I had to show up, request a microphone, and spend the next three days whispering into it- which is apparently not a good thing to do if you have laryngitis. The funny part of this story is that the participants all began to whisper back!

If there is any other remedy or tip that has helped you through training with a cold, please write and tell us about it!


This week, we’re going to discuss the use of kites to liven up training rooms!. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Tip #195: Useful Training Resources #5

It isn’t always easy putting things up on walls. Before 3M created their post-it flipchart paper, we relied on masking tape to post flip charts on the wall. And since not everyone purchases the self-sticking flip chart paper that is now available from a number of vendors, masking tape is still necessary. But some hotels have gotten pretty cranky about what tape is used, and even clients with newly painted walls are unsure about the use of masking tape.

So,
Scotch blue painter’s tape (3M) arrived to save the day. Now available in more than the color blue, this painter’s tape is guaranteed not to peel paint off of the wall. According to the information on the package, this tape is ideal for painted walls and trim, woodwork, glass, and metal. It claims that you can even leave it up for 14 days without affecting the paint! I use the 1” wide tape. You can purchase this painter’s tape almost anywhere, including office supply, craft supply, and hardware stores.

The issue with using painter’s tape or any masking tape is that if you prepare ahead of time, you tear off a lot of pieces to stick on the back of the flip chart easel, so you have what you need in easy access. Then, if you don’t use the pieces of tape, you need to throw them away.

So, I have just discovered a brand new (at least to me!) option that I purchased from Trainer’s Warehouse and haven’t had the opportunity to try out yet. This is called
Infostrip from Tac-On. It is a non-marking double sided adhesive strip that sticks to most surfaces and can easily be cut to size- so you have to remember to have a scissors with you. It needs to be applied to a clean, dust and grease-free surface, and they claim that the strips can be used over and over again (although I imagine that requires you to hold onto the liners that you peeled from both sides of the tape.) The packaging claims that this will replace tac, pins, and tape. You just precut and tape pieces on the wall where you expect to need to place flip chart paper. Then it doesn’t matter if you have the plain vanilla type of flip chart paper that doesn’t already have adhesive on the back, because you can easily stick it onto the prepared strips on the wall. If anyone has already tried Infostrip, I would love to hear your review of its usefulness.

However, there are many surfaces to which tape will not stick well or at all. This includes the plastic used to make the kites I like to hang as peripheral decorations.
For these, I use
adhesive mounting putty, which adheres to most clean, dry, porous and non-porous surfaces such as: wood, tile, linoleum, cinderblock, brick, metal, plastic, mirrors, or glass. This putty does not dry out, so it can be used again and again. It doesn’t leave any residue- and if it does leave a spot, you can blot it up with another piece of the putty. According to the packaging, it is not recommended for use on flocked or loose wallpaper or on peeling or fresh paint. Until I just read the package (for the first time, I’m ashamed to admit) I didn’t realize that the putty works best if you roll and knead it until it is soft and warm. I guess THAT explains why it hasn’t worked so well when I try to use it cold and brittle because it has been left in my car overnight! You can also purchase this mounting putty at craft supply and hardware stores.

Since I conduct a lot of workshops in hotel conference rooms, I often run into carpeted wall surfaces on which the painter’s tape and the mounting putty don’t work.
If the surface is relatively thick, I can use
push pins -which make it a breeze to hang anything, particularly the kites. I’ve seen these for sale at office supply stores.

Unfortunately, many of the room dividers used in hotels have a very thin layer of carpeting on them, so the push pins don’t work. Here, the solution is
T-pins (that’s what they look like: capital T’s with very long stems). The best place to purchase these pins is at fabric stores.

If there is any other product that you have found useful for putting things up on walls, please write and tell us about them!

Next week, as a seasonal aid, we will discuss tips for keeping your voice when you’ve got a cold or a cough!


This week, as a seasonal aid, we will discuss tips for keeping your voice when you’ve got a cold or a cough!. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!


Last week, we discussed various items to put things up on walls (how’s THAT for a technical description?). Hugh R. Lander, who is a Sales Learning & Development Consultant –Western Region for Miller Brewing Company, offered an additional option: “Another useful mounting resource similar to the Infostrip is a 3M product named “4658F Removable Foam Tape”. It comes in a large roll, and one roll will typically last me a year.” Thanks, Hugh!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Tip #194: Clarifying What Participatory Means!

These days, when training conferences solicit proposals from trainers to conduct workshops, they almost always request that the workshops be participatory in nature. However, there must be a misunderstanding regarding what participatory really means in the context of a training session- either on the part of some of the trainers or on the part of the proposal reviewers.


The reason I say this is because I facilitate workshops at many conferences and I can’t tell you how often the participants come in to my conference room and collapse into their chairs with their eyes glazed over and their shoulders slumped. They are obviously the walking wounded who have just endured one or more hours of lecture and PowerPoint. Then they see the colorful kites on the walls, the candy, Koosh balls, pipe cleaners and small toys on the tables- start to laugh at the cartoons on the PowerPoint slides, and get actively involved in training activities that require them to move, talk, and write. The energy level in the room gets higher and higher, and after they leave the session, many of them come back to tell me that the workshop was the best one they attended at the conference!

I say this not because I really believe I’m the best trainer at the conference. The key difference between my workshop and the other ones the participants have attended is that they truly get to participate in activities that help them learn.

So I’d like to clarify what participatory means to me. Participatory does NOT mean that the participants get to watch a PowerPoint, raise their hands occasionally in response to rhetorical questions, and write notes on copies of the PowerPoint slides. Yes, they are participants and, yes, they are “participating” by sitting there in a semiconscious state, but only in the most minimal manner.

Thanks to Edgar Dale, we know that if participants only use their senses of sight and hearing, two weeks from the conference, they are likely to retain only 50% of what they learned. And most trainers recognize that there are a variety of learning styles, and lecture is not an effective training method for most of them.

Participatory means that the participants are actively engaged in learning activities. These activities take them beyond the lowest level of learning, knowledge, to comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, or even evaluation. At the very least, they get to put into words their understanding or experience with the training content. This means that, rather than sitting idly and listening to a speaker, they are chatting with each other, sharing information and ideas, brainstorming, analyzing situations, problem solving, creating. They are actively participating rather than passively receiving information.

I realize that conference workshops are typically 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 75 minutes, or 90 minutes in length. That is not a lot of time. And often there is a large number of folks in the room. But these are NOT good excuses for filling the time with lecture. A simple solution is to convert the lecture points into statements on a questionnaire- then give the participants a chance to indicate whether they agree or disagree, and and opportunity to voice the rationale for their vote. If their rationale is incorrect, you can correct it. However, if their rationale is correct, you can move on to the next statement. You don’t waste time teaching them what they already know, which saves you time! It is also much more respectful of their expertise.

If you include Pop Ups, in which folks with answers pop up out of their chair and stand next to it to report their rationale, you’ve added in movement that will appeal to the kinesthetic learners.

My point is simple and my bias is very clear. Regardless of the amount of time or the number of participants, there are easy ways to incorporate learning activities that engage more senses and enable the participants to actively participate.

If you are a relatively new reader of Laurel Learning Tips and would like more specific examples of how to make training more participatory, please refer to previous Tips #39-64 that are archived on my website: http://www.laurelandassociates.com.

Thank you for allowing me to climb up on my soapbox. And if you share my bias, or want to counter it, please write in and we’ll print your comments in the next
Tip.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving- and that the next conference you attend is full of highly participatory workshops that engage you in every respect!


This week, we continue our discussion of useful training resources, focusing on how to affix materials to walls. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Tip #193: Useful Training Resources #4

This week’s useful training resource comes to us by way of Mark Buehl, who has been my Mac computer guru for over twenty years! This resource makes backing up huge amounts of data quick, easy, and painless, and it is even portable!


If you are a trainer and have been training for a while, you probably have huge amounts of data to back up. So, how do you back up your data? My evolution in data back up is pretty typical, or so I imagine.

First, it didn’t occur to me to back up my data- until I learned the very hard way (can anyone say: “Hours of work completely lost and irretrievable from either the computer or your memory?”)

After that terribly sad fiasco, I started backing up to floppy disks. If I could find them now, I could easily wall paper a house with them! That was sure time consuming! But it was SO worth the trouble! I can’t tell you how often I would go looking for some file that I had inadvertently deleted- and, joy of joys, I would find it!

When I got a new computer that had no slot for a floppy disk, I needed another alternative. So I started backing up to CDs, which was not so bad, but was still time consuming. Plus, I had to keep buying the CDs and then find a good place to store them. Keeping one in my safety deposit box at the credit union was a good idea, but very inconvenient to make a visit every week. Keeping the rest in a drawer in my garage was
not a good idea, but very convenient. However, that drawer would get full and I would have to pitch lots of the older data backup CDs.

My third more sophisticated option was to back up to a second hard drive in my computer. And I have been doing that religiously every night for years. Except that occasionally the icon for my backup drive will disappear from my desktop- as it did a few weeks ago, letting me know that the backup drive has in some way become unavailable. (Aren’t you impressed with my techno-savvy explanation?) This necessitates a desperate call to Mark, who will calmly come over to try to locate the lost data and ultimately reformat the internal drives. Since this would mean that all my backed up data was gone, I would have to start all over again, backing up everything (my system and my applications and my data files).

Every time my computer goes on the blink, I worry about not having access to either of my internal hard drives. And although I do occasionally “back up” the data from my desk top computer to my laptop, my laptop also occasionally goes on the blink and makes it difficult to access anything on it!

After thirty years, my entire professional life is on my computer! I have hundreds of training programs and almost that many PowerPoint programs (with cartoons) to accompany them, so the number and size of my data files is absolutely enormous! And I don’t want to delete anything, because I might be able to use it in another program some day. That means that I am starting to run out of space on my internal backup drive.

So I was relieved when Mark told me about a small, portable external drive that made backing up data almost a no-brainer. I went out and purchased the LaCie d2 quadra 320 GB professional hard drive with FireWire from MacMall. It works with both Mac and PC computers and weighs just over 3 pounds! Encased in metal, it can be stacked, rack mounted, or stood upright, AND you can turn it on and off. The program it uses is EMC Retrospect, which is an advanced backup and recovery software for both Mac and Windows.

You could probably set it up all by yourself. However, I’ve learned that it’s infinitely easier for me (and less stressful for anyone around me!) if I recognize my limitations- and delegate tasks involving technological expertise to someone who possesses that expertise! Mark set it up for me so that I can back up data every day of the week and back up everything on my hard drive once a week. Just before I am done for the night, I just turn on the external hard drive, find the Retrospect program icon, push a button, and let the program run. No fuss, no sweat, no difficulty hooking up the external drive (even I could do that!). And, the external drive is so light I can disconnect it and take it with me, or put it somewhere for safekeeping when I travel (no, NOT in my garage!)

If you are not backing up your data, a word to the wise is to find ANY option that works for you and just DO IT! It will save you terrible heartbreak, I promise! This relatively inexpensive option works for me! Thanks so much, Mark!!
Next week, we will continue our discussion of useful training resources. We’ll move from the technical end to a more basic issue: what to use to put things up on the walls!



This week, I said that we would continue our discussion of useful training resources, focusing on how to affix materials to walls. However, I’ve just attended a training conference and have something to say that just can’t wait. So we’ll postpone the promised discussion to next week, when you’re so groggy with Thanksgiving leftovers you won’t care, anyway!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Tip #192: Useful Training Resources #3

This week’s useful training resource comes to us by way of Lea Ann Tamerius from P&G. Until she mentioned it, I had absolutely no idea there was such a thing as an

LCD projector remote with a built-in timer!!

Let’s admit it-it’s not easy to stay on topic and on time while facilitating a training session. This is made particularly difficult if the clock on the wall does not have the correct time- or if there isn’t a clock on the wall! Keeping eye contact with participants while making surreptitious glances at your watch requires a lot of finesse! And if your watch tends to twist on your wrist, so the watch face is not always where you expect it to be, forget about trying to be discreet when you need to know the time!

In the past, I’ve suggested to trainers that they put a small clock on the table where they keep their facilitator manual. This, however, can tend to tether them to the table.

Some folks have mentioned that they simply look at their cell phone. That wouldn’t work for me, because it makes a terribly loud buzzing sound if someone calls after I’ve muted the ring tone. Besides, I would still have to either pick up the cell phone or get my nose close enough to it to see the time. Not such smooth moves...

So, it was wonderfully gratifying when Lea Ann described the LCD projector remote she uses! I mean, the remote is already in my hand. And apparently it can be programmed to give vibration alerts at five and two minutes, so you don’t even have to LOOK at it!

Here is the description of the one she uses:


The Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter helps you focus on connecting with your audience, not your computer. Take advantage of its 50-foot range to control your presentations while moving around an auditorium with confidence. A built-in easy-set LCD timer with vibration alerts that give automatic, inaudible warnings at 5 and 2 minutes remaining helps you effectively manage your time.

No software is required -- just plug it in and it works. The built-in controls for ‘Launch Slideshow´, ‘Slide Forward´, ‘Slide Back´, ‘Black Screen´ and ‘Volume´ put the most-needed presentation tools in the palm of your hand. There´s even an integrated laser pointer to help you emphasize your key messages.”

Lea Ann purchased hers at Amazon. COM and was kind enough to give us the URL:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-2-4-GHz-Cordless-Presenter/dp/B0007KVK8E/ref=sr_1_33/104-4438708-6479938?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1192848316&sr=8-33

So, is that cool or what?

If any of you have experience with this LCD remote or others that are similar, we’d love to hear about it.

Next week, we will continue our discussion of useful training resources with something that makes backing up huge amounts of data quick and easy, and is even portable!


This week, we continue a discussion of useful training resources. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!

This week, we continue a discussion of useful training resources. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Tip #191: Useful Training Resources #2

I travel a lot, both in state and around the country. Very often, I need to drive a rental car in a strange city. My ability to get lost is probably legendary among my clients. It doesn’t matter if they send me a map or I print out a map from some internet site (I am completely map –impaired), they give me written or verbal narrative instructions, or they even actually drive ahead of me to show me the way. I STILL get lost!!

My innate lack of direction prompted a friend to mount a compass on my dashboard, so I could at least tell him what direction I was heading when I called him hysterical because I was so lost. I have literally circled Dallas and Albuquerque for hours, on separate occasions, entirely missing any and all suggested turnoffs.

When a business acquaintance showed me that his phone had GPS, I leapt at the chance to get one. Unfortunately, my cellular service provider only offers GPS on phones for emergency personnel. And my ten-year old car, which I like very much and will be keeping for a long while, thank you, did not come with a GPS the way newer models currently do.

So I was delighted to learn from my friend, Marilyn, who travels even more than I do, that I could purchase a GPS that is simple to use, easy to mount, and mobile- so I can take it with me and transfer it into any car I drive. No more hysterical tears- no more abject terror at being late or never arriving at my destination- no more cursing my destiny and my choice to drive and to travel for my work.- no more pitiful calls to my desired location for rescue!

After researching what was available, I finally decided to purchase a Garmin StreetPilot c330 GPS Navigator. It is incredibly simple to operate, easy to see and read, completely touch screen (except for the power and volume control), incredibly accurate, and has a loud and clear voice, Not only does this wonderful device tell me where and when to turn, it tells me how far I will travel before I need to turn- and then tells me just before the turn is necessary. I can also read the screen, which indicates the route, the upcoming turn, and the time I should arrive at my destination. I can enter the address- by state, city, and road. There are also five millions points of interest already programmed into the system. And the maps don’t need to be downloaded, they are already there!

In addition, I was able to get it for a very good price- less than $230! Can you tell how pleased, proud and relieved I am to now have GPS in my car???

Yes, I still frequently take the wrong turn. But now my long suffering GPS simply says (with an inaudible sigh) that it will recalculate so I know how to get back on track!
And yes, Sheri Berg did have to talk me to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services in Watertown just yesterday, because I couldn’t hear the GPS and didn’t know how to adjust the volume! This major informational deficiency was corrected last night by 18 year old Jake, my son Seth’s friend, who immediately showed me the volume control on the side of the GPS..

My GPS may think little of my navigational skills, but now that I know how to adjust the volume, I will no longer be bothering friends, clients, and gas station attendants when I get lost. Because I will get lost, because that’s what I do.

Next week, we will continue a discussion of useful training resources with information about an LCD projector remote with a built-in timer!!


This week, we continue a discussion of useful training resources. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!

Last week’s
Tip about using a GPS generated two delightful responses from Andrea and Ellen:

“Hi Deb,

I also travel a lot, not near as much as you do but 50% of the time I'm usually away from home on a business trip. I am also directionally challenged and have a great amount of gratitude to AVIS car rental for offering, GPS systems with their rental cars. The cost is generally $9.00 or so, but it is worth the cost to eliminate frustration on my part because I could not find the hotel, office, or airport. I'm not sure if other car rental companies offer GPS and this is not a plug for AVIS, but I now look forward to listening to the naviagional lady tell me that she is "recalculating". “

Andrea Simmons
T-Mobile USA


“I have one too and would not know what to do without it anymore. Sure beats a map in the middle of the steering wheel!”

Ellen Hierl
Education Specialist
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.

Thank you, Andrea and Ellen! Yes, Avis and some of the other car rental agencies now offer the GPS system. I didn’t think to mention that myself, for the following embarrassing reason: I needed to purchase my own because I even get lost in my own city! Isn’t that pathetic?

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Tip #190: Useful Training Resources #1

What I have missed most about using PowerPoint on an LCD projector instead of using an overhead projector is the ability to note down participant responses to various activities during the session. Of course, if the group is relatively small, I can post their responses on a flip chart. However, if the group is larger than 35 participants, I need to write VERY BIG- and even then, it is unlikely that folks in the back of the room can read it easily. And if the group numbers 60 +, a flip chart is just not a viable option.


Therefore, I was delighted to discover the fact that I could use a pen tablet to actually add participant feedback to PowerPoint slides during a training session! I am sure there are other manufacturers, but the one that I use is the WACOM Graphire Bluetooth pen tablet. It can be used on a Mac or a Windows system.

What I like about it is the fact that it communicates via Bluetooth between the LCD projector and the pen tablet, so it is wireless. The tablet is also very slim, so it can be packed into my laptop case.

I actually got the idea to research this capability after watching Bob Pike use a tablet with a very large group.

If anyone has had experience using a tablet and has some tips to offer, they would be very welcome. My experience is still quite limited.

Next week, we will continue a discussion of useful training resources with something that has enabled me to get to training locations with a minimum of hysteria while driving in new cities and states: a portable GPS!


This week, we continue a discussion of useful training resources. Please be aware that I do not sell these products, nor do I receive any commission on their sale. They are simply items that make a trainer’s life easier!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Tip #189: Favorite Give-Aways #6

Flashing star bouncing balls are colorful rubber star-shaped balls that are approximately 1 1/2 inch in diameter. Red, blue, yellow, green, they flash when they’re bounced- and even when they are squeezed! Although they cost almost twice as much as any of the other give-aways and prizes that we’ve discussed previously, I think that these flashing stars are particularly wonderful. Participants are always delighted to receive them.


The problem I’ve found is that often only six out of the dozen actually flash. As a result, I only used them a few times and then stopped purchasing them. I don’t know if something happens to them in transit from the Oriental Trading Company or after I’ve packed them to fly to the training location.- or if whatever causes them to flash is just erratic and very fragile. I have never brought the duds back with me after a training session, so I can’t tell you if there is any difficulty with returning them. If any of you have had some experience with these flashing stars, please let me know. If I knew that most of the dozen balls would light up, I would start buying them again in a flash!

This concludes our discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes.


Next week, we will discuss using a pen tablet to make it possible to add participant feedback to PowerPoint presentations during a training session.


Sunday, November 25, 2007

Tip #188: Favorite Give-Aways #5

Bubbles are a terrific way to celebrate the end of a training session, particularly a session that is more than a day or two in length. My friend and mentor Sharon Bowman taught me that we shouldn’t end training with an evaluation. When we do, all of the class energy subsides as folks focus in on the evaluation. Instead, we need to CELEBRATE!


So that is when I use the bubbles. When participants hand me their completed evaluation, I hand them a mini bubble bottle with a small wand folded up inside. They need to take care in opening the bottles, because they have aluminum foil across the top that can accidentally cut a finger. I suggest that they open up the bottle with a pen to puncture the foil, then they have to either hook their little finger into the bottle liquid to reach the wand- or some enterprising folks have figured out that they can make a hook with a pipe cleaner to reach the wand. This is an excellent solution for folks with thicker fingers or folks who would prefer not to get the soapy mixture all over their hands.

Once everyone has their bubbles open, I ask them to form a circle to the sound of “Celebration” from Kool and the Gang. Groups really have a great time blowing bubbles- and those of you who remember Lawrence Welk will get nostalgic with all of the bubbles in the air! [Just make sure the group is on carpet rather than a bare floor, because when the bubbles pop, they can make the floor very slippery!]

When they’re ready to stop blowing bubbles, the group is instructed to go give specific thanks to the folks who made their participation so valuable. This honors the learning community we established and maintained- and gives a real party atmosphere to the close of the session. Folks leave on a wave of happy energy.

You can get mini bubbles with all sorts of different colorful themes, such as Mardi Gras, tropical fish., race car, ‘60’s, aloha, sport ball, wild and crazy, and all holiday seasons. Packed in boxes of two dozen, this is by far the heaviest item I pack., but well worth it.

Back scratchers are a big surprise to participants. Oriental Trading Company sells 16” plastic back scratchers in blue, red, yellow, pink, green, and purple. They come 72 in a box. They are wonderfully light to pack and a very inexpensive give-away when playing games that everyone wins (like relay races). Participants enjoy selecting a color, they almost always take them home with them, some use them for their intended purpose and others use them to duel!

Next week, we’ll continue our discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, looking at flashing star bouncing balls!

If there are other great novelties, toys, prizes, or give-aways that your participants appreciate, please let us know about them!.



This week, we conclude a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes- with flashing star bouncing balls.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Tip #187: Favorite Give-Aways #4

Puzzles and paddles are unexpected prizes that keep participants occupied long after they are received.


There are all sorts of puzzles, but the ones that I like to hand out are apparently called
puzzle balls. I just looked them up on Oriental Trading Company’s website and find their name a tad confusing, because only one of the colorful orange-sized puzzles in actually a round ball. That is the easiest one to put back together. Then there is one shaped like a star, which I never throw because it’s sharp edges can take an eye out. The third puzzle is round, with interlocking slices, so it isn’t solid like the other two. And the fourth puzzle has six interlocking gear-shaped pieces that often tantalize and frustrate folks. The most adept can put it together on their own, but I’ve actually watched two to four folks try to put it together, with little success. This is despite the fact that each puzzle does come with a re-assembly instruction sheet. In the interest of full disclosure, I should state for the record that I cannot put ANY of the puzzles back together!!!

Needless to say, when I hand out the puzzles, I ask participants how hard they would like their puzzle to be. A caution: Engineering types lose all sense of time and place working on them!!! An additional caution: The fourth and most difficult puzzle does NOT travel well. It often falls apart in transit and I end up throwing one or two of them out.

The paddles are really paddle ball games. So, if you were thinking that we use them to paddle participants, please change your focus! The paddles are made of wood, with a ball attached to the middle of the paddle with a rubber cord. There are all sorts of colorfully decorated paddles, including goofy smile faces, psychedelic, patriotic, neon, and two right now for Halloween: Halloween smile faces, and spider webs (which are on sale at the moment). The object of the game is to keep bouncing the ball on the paddle. This requires good hand eye coordination.

I usually give the paddle ball games out at the end of a training day, for obvious reasons! However, I gave them out earlier during a two day
Technical Trainer’s Toolbox program in California two weeks ago- and had fun watching two participants compete against each other during a break to see who could bounce the ball longer! So I may give them out earlier in future programs.

Participants sometimes get frustrated and leave puzzle pieces, but they almost never leave the paddle ball games. The puzzles are light but bulky to pack. The wooden paddles make the packs of a dozen pretty dense and heavier, for those of you concerned about luggage weight restrictions on flights.

Next week, we’ll continue our discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, looking at bubbles and back scratchers.

If there are other great novelties, toys, prizes, or give-aways that your participants appreciate, please let us know about them!


Welcome to Laurel Learning Tips, which is published weekly by Laurel and Associates, Ltd. Please feel free to forward these Tips to anyone who may find them useful. Previous Tips #1-187 can be found on our website: http://www.laurelandassociates.com.

I am really enjoying the fact that this topic stimulates so much enthusiasm! My dear friend Julie Almont from Delaware Park sent this message:

“Hi Deb!

I Attended Disney Institute recently! The facilitator began by explaining that she would be giving out what she referred to as PPRs (Positive Plastic Reinforcements). She went on to say that by the end of the day, we would be jumping over each other to receive one...I chuckled with the usual cynicism of a
know-it-all!
It only took me one hour to turn from my reserved, professional demeanor, and step on my table partner's foot to get a 2 inch molded statue of M-I-C-K-E-Y...!
He resides on the shelf between the little rubber ducky and Eeyore!”

Positive Plastic Reinforcements! Isn’t that wonderful? Thanks so much, Julie!!

If any of you have any other names for these give-aways, please let us know!

This week, we continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, bubbles and back scratchers.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Tip #186: Favorite Give-Aways #3

Great prizes for pop ups, games, and wise insights include bendables and bug-eyed novelties. You may be wondering what I’m talking about!


Bendables are three inch high hard plastic figures that can stand and have arms, legs and torsos that can bend. My personal favorites are the star student bendables, with star-shaped heads, although many participants will trade to get the red devil bendables, with horns and tails! There are lots of other types of bendables, including happy faced guys, and different zoo animals that are two-legged with animal faces. Participants have a lot of fun bending them into sitting and standing positions, and perching them on top of ducks or glasses. These are not toxic like the dog and cat bendables that were recalled from lots of libraries a few years ago. The only caution is that it is wiser to hand out bendables rather than to throw them, because they could easily take an eye out!

Bug-eyed novelties are small, rounded soft plastic items such as tropical fish or happy faced guys heads that are filled with a liquid. When you squeeze them, their eyes bug out! They are surprising, colorful, and cute. Although I refer to them as bug-eyed novelties, you’ll have better success finding them under novelties “with putty eyes.” I just ordered some new ones that are Halloween characters with putty eyes, which will be perfect for upcoming October workshops! The one caution about them is that they are wrapped in plastic and should probably stay wrapped. The liquid that enables their eyes to bug out often leaks and, because it is somewhat oily, can make a mess. Definitely not something to bring home to children.

There won’t be a
Tip on September 24th because I will be in Sedona, Arizona on the very first vacation I’ve ever taken on my own! This will also be my very first visit to Sedona. On October 1st, we’ll resume discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, looking at puzzles and paddles.

In the meantime, if there are other great novelties, toys, prizes, or give-aways that your participants appreciate, please let us know about them!


This week, we continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, puzzles and paddles.

However, before we begin, here are two other give-aways that were very effective in a recent workshop- on computer software changes!! So, all of you who do computer training and are wondering how to incorporate these items into your training programs, please pay attention!! :-)

“Hi Deb,

We recently did training on a new software application. It was our loan origination platform, so it was quite comprehensive and a big change. The project lead requested that I order inflatable hammers---for pounding away frustrations---and hand clappers---for completing a skill or a loan. I got both, in neon colors, from Oriental Trading company. The clappers included a strobe light handle. They were both very colorful and a big "hit."

Sarah Schenkat
Training/HR Specialist
Badgerland Farm Credit Services”

Sarah, thanks so much for your letter. I’ve used clappers before, but they weren’t as snazzy- and I’ve never used inflatable hammers, or any other inflatable toys, before. What terrific ideas!

This week, we continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, puzzles and paddles.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Tip #185: Favorite Give-Aways #2

One of my favorite give-aways is the rainbow-colored mini slinky that comes in a variety of different shapes, such as stars, fish, hearts, and butterflies, as well as geometric shapes, like circles and hexagons. They are very easy to use as metaphors for any training content that emphasizes flexibility and resilience, such as responding to change, making effective presentations, or meeting the needs of different learning styles- or content that emphasizes extending yourself without losing yourself, such as assertive skills or risk taking. I’m sure you get the picture: they are extremely flexible (no pun intended)!


As the trainer, all you need to do is to ask the question: “How is [whatever the training content is] like a slinky?” Your participants will take off brainstorming and create their own meanings and references, to which you can return throughout the training session. There is also the extra added benefit that the slinkies are lots of fun to play with, keeping hands busy and minds active!

Although I really do NOT own any stock in Oriental Trading Company, it is very nice that they offer an assortment of 50 for less than $15. Just look for this under mini rainbow magic spring assortment.

Another favorite give-away is a small plastic kaleidoscope. When the participants look through their kaleidoscopes, they work beautifully focused on the colorful kites I put up on the walls. If your content is concerned with appreciating diversity or different perspectives (in team building, negotiation, or conflict management), or creativity, they are very relevant. The one drawback is that the plastic covers come off pretty easily, so I always warn participants not to take them with them if they or anyone around them, such as small children, might put them into their mouths! As a result, they often leave them.. In comparison, it is exceptionally rare that any participants leave the slinkies!

Next week, we’ll continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, looking at bendables and bug-eyed novelties.


This week, we continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, bendables and bug-eyed novelties.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Tip #184: Favorite Give-Aways #1

My favorite give-aways are the thematic and seasonal ducks, duckies and duckys from Oriental Trading Company. If you go to http://www.orientaltrading.com, you will find them for every holiday (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter), for occasions (happy birthday, graduation, baby shower, bride and groom, fiesta, rainy day, and snow flake), many careers( pirate, cowboy, rock star, armed forces, professional, camouflage nurses, mad scientist, teacher, and star student), for a variety of themes (patriotic, pink ribbon, angel, devil, fairy tale, bingo, Chinese, over the hill, and luau), for pets (dogs, cats, and unicorn), and for sports (golfer, football and cheerleader of every color, basketball, soccer, baseball, ninja, biker, and referees). Every time I check the site, they have new ducks from which to choose. This time, it was the mad scientist and the golfer!


Most of the ducks are yellow or orange, with very colorful attire and appendages- except for the devil ducks, which are bright red with horns! I have found that many participants get a kick out of the devil ducks! Unfortunately, they’ve been out of stock for a while., but you can keep checking. Their catalog number is IN-32/717.

Just bear in mind that, to find the duck you want, you need to search the Oriental Trading Company website using duck, duckie, ducky and rubber duck!

It is really amazing what participants will do to earn a duck! Since the ducks are very light to throw, I also don’t bean anyone when I throw them erratically, which is my typical style! Because there are at least four and often six different kooky styles of every duck in the package of twelve, folks often like to collect more than one.

I’ve been having fun using ducks as give-aways for several years, but I only just recently saw this beautifully affirming article about ducks as symbols of versatility from DailyOM:

“July 23, 2007
Symbols Of Versatility
Ducks

If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the world that is also a home to ducks, you will no doubt be familiar with the image of their cute feathery bottoms sticking up in the air as their heads disappear under the surface of the water. Perhaps you’ve even taken a moment to wonder what they see in their underwater world, and if they will resurface with a fish or a water bug in their beaks. As we observe them, we see that
ducks are denizens of three worlds—the world of air, the world of water, and the world of earth. As such, they have adapted themselves to be able to swim, fly, and walk, and they seek and find nourishment in more than one place. They are symbols of versatility and can inspire us to explore our own ability to adapt and find nourishment in a variety of places.

Ducks are able to float, swim, and dive into the water, fishing for food. They can walk on the ground, eating vegetation and bugs, and they fly in the air to travel long distances relatively quickly. Equipped with feet that are equally good at paddling and walking, as well as wings to fly,
ducks seem comfortable in just about any natural environment. Next time you see a duck bottom, you might be inspired to examine your own ability to both float on the surface and to dive beneath it. In many traditions, water symbolizes the emotions—to duck our heads into our emotions means we are able to surrender our minds to our hearts, to go into the watery realm of feeling and see what there is to see, often coming to the surface with nourishment and treasure.

At the same time, we share the duck's ability to get solid ground under our feet by connecting to the earth on which we live simply by walking on it. And finally, when we reside in our spirits, we fly above the mental, emotional, and material realms, free of all the ties that bind us to this earth, traveling faster and farther than we ever thought possible.”

This article is printed from DailyOM - Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day. For more information, visit dailyom.com.

Since our focus as trainers is to encourage and support versatility and resilience in the face of all sorts of changes, it is truly serendipitous that these funny and charming rubber ducks are available to us!


Next week, we’ll continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, looking at slinkies and kaleidoscopes.


This week, we continue a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes. However, before we do, Tracy Adams of Abn Amro has some wonderful ideas to share:

“First, thanks (again, maybe - I think I've written to you before) for this email service. Although I have been in the training business for two decades, I still find interesting tidbits, and enjoy hearing from your other readers.

As a practitioner who regularly uses both toys and give-aways, I have a couple of comments to share:

1) While toys can simply serve the purpose of stimulating participants (i.e., keeping them awake through the afternoon energy slump and giving kinesthetic learners - which I refer to as 'movers and shakers' - a place to focus their active energy), I have always found that the most effective and value-producing give-aways are ones that tie in a fairly direct way to the class. To just give participants something to work for is okay, but we bring more value to the organization if the item ties to the subject and continues to reinforce the info/message after the class.

2) Don't rule out "do it yourself" take-aways. During a customer service session, we provide stand-up "super heroes" to participants. These are figures we created from clip art and print on thick paper. There is a place for participants to write a message on the figure. During the session, we have them create their own personal customer service mission statement and record it on the super hero figure. Just last week I walked by a former trainee's desk and saw the figure posted there - from 6 years ago! I asked him how he felt he was doing with his mission statement, and he said, 'Having this posted here, I find that every day I find some new way to live up to it.' Good for him, good for the organization.

Thanks again for keeping the learning light shining!

Tracy Adams
CTP.CA, CPLP • First Vice President, Trainer • TB NA Training and Development”

Tracy, thank you so much for writing and reminding us all how important it is to tie take-aways to the class content whenever possible. In past Tips, we’ve discussed the use of metaphor and related do-it yourself take-aways in accelerated learning training, such as creating tiny bridges for a workshop on Building Respect in the Workplace and decorating tiny trees with fake fruits and flowers for a workshop on Building Positive Partnerships. I absolutely love the idea of the clip art super hero figure with a personal customer service mission statement! What a creative and elegantly simple take-away that is incredibly powerful and clearly has had a lasting impact on the participants!

I also get a kick out of your reference to kinesthetic learners as movers and shakers,” Tracy. You’ve got a great sense of humor and you are absolutely right about them!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Tip #183: The Fun Factor

The first time I participated in one of your training sessions, I completely rejected the idea of 'playing'. Heaven forbid, I should have fun learning! I always consider the fun factor for my learners, why would I reject the idea for myself? Was I too mature for it? Would it make me look silly...less credible?


I forgot, too, that I never enter into a public speaking engagement without my "worry stone" in hand! Who was I kidding?

It didn't take me five minutes to start swooshing that old Koosh ball from one hand to the other...swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! The rhythm coincided with the pace of the activity. The sound was as soothing as my mother's heartbeat. The soft texture was comforting! I was hooked!

I remember, too, how we passed the ball to our teammates indicating our choice of "next" in many of our discussion assignments. It was great fun! We were kids again! We were playmates discovering our real personalities! It was a WOW!

But, don't forget to mention a couple other things you do. I laugh aloud when I recall how we fought to jump to our feet with just the right response and win a candy kiss from your larder of goodies! We stashed them in our book bags and brief cases knowing that we would be taking them to our rooms in anticipation of midnight!

And, finally, we can't forget the kites. Symbols to all of us that you were going to help us soar! And you always manage to take us to heights unimaginable!

Thanks Deb!

Thank you, Julie, for getting to the heart of the matter, as always! We need to create an enriched, colorful, pleasant, enticing learning environment- draw our participants back to the time when all learning was new and wonderful and fun and play. Remember Robert Fulghum’s book,
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?

So, when participants come into your training room, look at all the colorful items on the tables and walls, and say, “What’s this? Kindergarten?” the wise and loving trainer’s answer is “Yes! Let’s make sure today is as fascinating and fulfilling as your time in kindergarten, when you wanted to learn everything and enjoyed the process!”

Next week, we’ll really start a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, beginning with devil ducks!


September 3, 2007

Welcome to
Laurel Learning Tips, which is published weekly by Laurel and Associates, Ltd. Please feel free to forward these Tips to anyone who may find them useful. Previous Tips #1-183 can be found on our website: http://www.laurelandassociates.com.

This week, we start a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes, beginning with devil ducks! However, before we do, here is another wonderful testimonial about the use of “learning aids” from Nancy C. Anderson of Hennepin County, Minnesota! By the way, Hennepin County is comprised of 26 cities, of which Minneapolis is the largest.

I've been training, full time, for the past nine years. We ALWAYS have "learning aids" on the training tables in our classrooms. In fact, we created
a "travel kit" for our training offsite, so we can have toys at those classes, also. When I first started doing employee training (after being an
college instructor), I took a 4-day Accelerated Learning workshop that gave us plenty of reasons (based on research!) for making sure we used the
training aids, in particular for the kinesthetic learners. We always explain that before each class, and we've never had people gripe or complain
about the class being too juvenile. In fact, we often hear comments of appreciation!

Working for government, our training rooms lack color and stimulation, so for a year, we actually had colorful kites hanging from the ceilings of our
two main classrooms! We "retired" those and then bought colorful Chinese lanterns (bought on clearance from Pier 1), which also brighten our
classroom. I'm anxious to get more ideas, from this Learning Tips newsletter, so thanks in advance for the help!

Nancy C. Anderson
Learning & Development Consultant
Human Resources
Hennepin County, MN”

Nancy, thank you for so convincingly validating the importance of these learning aids and explaining how to introduce them!

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Tip #182: Favorite Table Top “Toys”

Hopefully, by now everyone involved in promoting learning recognizes the importance of having materials on participant tables. The haptic and kinesthetic learners really need something to do with their hands to increase the probability of their learning.


The following table top “toys” are my favorites because they appear to be my participants’ favorites. “Toys” is in quotes because they are really learning tools. I’ve included information about where I purchase them, to give you at least a starting off point. I do not have stock in any of the companies that I mention (although I probably should look into that...) and it is entirely possible there are other companies who sell them at lower cost. If you can recommend other suppliers, that would be wonderful!

My long time favorite table top “toy” is the
classic Koosh ball. As large as an orange, their many colors are visually appealing and their rubber strands invite bouncing, twirling, braiding, and squeezing. They are excellent stress reducers, useful for times when participants need to introduce themselves or make report outs in front of the rest of the group. Usually, there is even someone who knows how to juggle, which is fun for everyone to watch (during a break!). The Koosh ball can be used for an instant energizer: just tell everyone to grab a Koosh and, when the music starts, throw them at each other and try to keep as many in the air as possible. A few minutes of this Koosh toss, and the laughter that accompanies hits and misses, will invigorate any group. To purchase classic Koosh balls at an economical price, I do a web search. Star Magic at http://www.starmagic.com currently sells them at $2.25 each, which is a terrific price!

A recent happy find is pipe cleaners. Not only are their inexpensive, light, and easy to pack, the creativity that they inspire is absolutely amazing! The long,
brightly colored chenille pipe cleaners are also wonderfully soft to the touch, which adds to the pleasure of working with them. Oriental Trading Company at http://www.orientaltrading.com sells them in bulk.

Different blocks of
colored non-hardening and reusable modeling clay also inspire amazing creativity. They are heavy to pack, however, and you need to make sure that the dye doesn’t come off on people’s hands, which can make a real mess. As you can tell, I have a love/hate relationship with modeling clay. I still make sure to bring it, because I’ve seen participants make incredible creations with it. I typically find these at craft markets. I am reasonably certain that the 5 color EZ modeling clay I just purchased at Joann Fabric does not leave dye on your hands. I’m certainly hoping that’s the case, since I have six packages of them!

Another winner are
colorful plastic snap together tubes and snap together cubes and triangles. They are light and easy to carry and folks are extremely creative with them. One particularly inspired fellow actually made an entire castle with working drawbridge out of them (using pipe cleaners). Very impressive!
Oriental Trading Company sells these.

One more table top “toy” I love is a
clear plastic tube about 10” long filled with colorful glitter and other bits in a liquid. I need to warn you, however, that I typically lose at least one a session because participants get so enamored with them . I purchase them at J.T. Puffins in Madison, Wisconsin, which is a specialty toy store. I haven’t found a good economical supplier on the web, so if you know of one, please let me know!

Another caution: If you are going to place these items on participant tables, it is helpful to
isolate them at one end of the table. That way, those participants who enjoy them can access them, and those participants who are less interested in them don’t feel that they are cluttering up the table. The only item I place in front of each of the participants is a Koosh ball.

In the following weeks, we will discuss participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes.


Last week, I said that today we would start a discussion of my participants’ favorite give-aways and prizes. However, my good friend and a wonderful trainer, Julie Almont from Delaware Park, wrote to remind me about the philosophy behind the use of table top “toys,” prizes, give aways, and peripherals (such as kites on the walls). She says it best, so this is what this week’s Tip is all about:

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Tip #181: More Useful Countdown Timers

am so appreciative when you respond to these Tips and offer your expertise and great finds. Last week's Tip discussed two countdown timers that I use on my Mac. Here is information about two more countdown timers that are PC-friendly from my friend Lori Becker:

"Deb,

The timer sounded like a great idea since I have trouble getting people to come back from breaks. So, I had to do some pc timer searches and found the following.

Cool Timer can be found on this website. The timer can be small or big on the screen. You can change its colors. You can download .wav files for the alarm. http://www.harmonyhollow.net/ct.shtml.

This is a 'pizza timer". It's a cool shape and you can use MP3's for the alarm.
http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/downloads/free/countdown_timer_info/index1.htm
Thanks for the neat idea!

Lori Becker"

Don't they sound like fun to use? Thanks so much, Lori!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Tip #180: Useful Countdown Timers

It used to be so simple back in the "olden days of overhead projectors,"before the advent of PowerPoint. There was a wonderful TeachTimer that could count up or down that you lay on the projector so that a digital clock was projected onto the screen. It was a perfect way to count down break times or in-class activities so that the participants could pace themselves. The TeachTimer is still available, but mine now sits idly on a shelf.

When I started using PowerPoint, I had trouble finding any countdown timer that was comparable. There seemed to be a few options for PCs. But I use a Mac, so it took a while until I discovered the two options I now use.

With great thanks to Duane Wilmot, who first told me about time keeping freeware, I finally discovered the Apimac Timer: a complete and professional stopwatch, alarm clock, countdown and clock utility for Mac OS X available at http://www.apimac.com/timer/index.php. Even a person who is technologically-impaired such as I am can move easily between PowerPoint and the Apimac Timer. What I like about it is that it is so flexible. I can use it to count down the time for an activity. It also works beautifully during breaks to count down the time while I play whatever break time music I want on my iPod.

For those of you on PCs, just Google a freeware countdown timer and I know you'll find all kinds of free options!

My second find is a fun animated countdown timer called Break Time Boogie that I purchased from The Trainer's Warehouse. "Get students back from break--on time--without nagging! This playful countdown timer uses light-hearted animations, set to a contagious boogie beat, to help students know how much time is left for phone calls, Blackberries, and pit stops. With each passing minute, the screen fills up with more and more lively animations. Just project it onto your computer screen and choose your own countdown time (5, 10, or 15 minutes). They'll boogie on back with a smile."It works with both PC and Mac. Right now, it lists at $9.95 at http://www.trainerswarehouse.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SOBG! What a steal!

If you have other countdown timers to suggest, please be my guest!!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Tip #179: Useful Training Resources #2

8. If you would like to create crossword puzzles, these sites are free:

  • http://www.crosswordpuzzlegames.com/create.htm

  • http://www.edhelper.com/puzzles.htm

  • http://www.awesomeclipartforkids.com/crossword/crosswordpuzzlemaker.html

  • http://www.puzzle-maker.com/CW/

9. The following websites offer free teaching and training information:

  • http://www.bowperson.com

  • http://www.alcenter.com

  • http://www.thiagi.com

  • http://www.bobpike.com

  • http://www.guilamuir.com

  • http://www.laurelandassociates.com

10. Excellent books include:

  • Sharon Bowman: The Ten-Minute Trainer!

  • C. Leslie Charles/Chris Clarke Epstein: The Instant Trainer

  • David Meier: The Accelerated Learning Handbook

  • Bob Pike: Creative Training Techniques Handbook

  • Mel Silberman: 101 Ways to Make Training Active

  • Harold Stolovitch: Telling Ain't Training

  • Steven Sugar: Games That Teach

Monday, August 13, 2007

Tip #178: Useful Training Resources #1

1. The subliminal music (to play during the class to relax, improve concentration, enhance creativity, or raise energy levels) can be purchased from the Lind Institute at www.relaxwiththeclassics.com. There are four different classical CDs or tapes sold as a "Relax With the Classics"set.

2. There are many sources for learning activity ideas. One excellent source is the Training Annual published by Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer. It is a collection of practical and reproducible experiential learning activities, assessment instruments, and articles that is now in its 33rd year. You can purchase collections of past years, as well as the current year, at . Another is the InfoLine series sold by the American Society for Training and Development at www.astd.org www.astd.org .

3. A good resource for games is www.TheGameGroup.com. I use the Management 2000 board game. Steven Sugar, who designed the game and is the president of The Game Group, has given me ongoing support and advice over the internet ever since I purchased the games over 6 years ago. How can you beat that? He has a new inexpensive Quizo bingo-like game that has a CD to help you create everything you need.

4. This site has super training tools: www.creativelearningtools.com www.creativelearningtools.com .It also has a free newsletter with great information.

5. If you want to purchase inexpensive toys, like kaleidoscopes, ducks and puzzles, three sites with extensive offerings are www.orientaltrading.com www.orientaltrading.com , www.ustoy.com www.ustoy.com , and www.kipptoys.com www.kipptoys.com .

6. The Trainer's Warehouse has all sorts of products for hands-on learning, as well as upbeat music and books. If you enjoy cartoons by Randy Glasbergen, they have a CD with 100 of his cartoons: www.trainerswarehouse.com www.trainerswarehouse.com .

7. Randy Glasbergen has his own website with over 1500 cartoons and new ones every day! www.glasbergen.com www.glasbergen.com .

Friday, July 27, 2007

Tip #177: Introducing Interactive Training

I'm glad you had the privilege of taking Deb's training class. It was one of the most fruitful training events I ever attended in terms of what I could bring back to the work place. I don't know if I can offer anything beyond what Deb may have presented in class. But I can tell you my experience.

The content I deal with is technical in nature, related to data management. Some call it IT training since business systems are involved, but much of it is conceptual and all about explaining models - like data models.

Anyway, I got good at putting together PowerPoint presentations to explain changes in our processes and systems. And for big changes, we'd bring users into a conference room for 1-3 hours to explain. Believe it or not, this was a big step forward than what we did in the past. But it was mostly (yawn) lecture.

My audience is primarily engineering - manufacturing, materials, technical, R&D - and I have a good sized group of users in Germany.

After Deb's class, I was eager to try some interactive training. I knew people weren't ready for play-doh on the table or that sort of thing, so I started off small.

Here are a few tips:

* Do arrange the classroom into table groups, instead of rows of chairs. People love it.

* If possible (this has nothing to do with interactive training) have some sort of refreshments, even if it's a couple bottles of soda. Maybe you do this already. If I get a lecture from the boss about 'budget', I go to the grocery store myself and for $20 or less can supply some cookies and juice or coffee cake.

* Playing music before/after class and during breaks is very well received. I play instrumentals and it seems to give the training event a nice 'feel.'

* Let people know up front that you recognize "how difficult it is to sit in a chair being lectured to for two hours so we're going to try something a little different today to make it a little more interesting for you and hopefully improve the learning experience" (this way they're not surprised).

* A simple questionnaire is a good way to start. Have 5 or 10 questions written on a handout. Distribute them to each table group. Ask people to fill them out with a partner, at the table, or alone if they prefer (remember what Deb says about giving your audience as much control over the classroom experience as possible).

Keep things moving quickly so, as soon as you see people are finished with the questions, wrap it up. Then debrief with the large group. "Table One, what did you have for question one . . . good . . . did anyone have anything different?"

* I had one event a few months back that involved this chart that showed a few different dimensions of part lifecycle. Instead of showing the chart on a PowerPoint slide and explaining it . . . I had poster sized copies made and cut up all the boxes and put it in a folder. As an exercise, I gave each table group a folder and asked them to put the chart together at their table. As with most of these things, I was especially worried about our German audience, that they'd think it was childish. But I was told they loved it.

* I had another event related to manufacturer part numbers (how boring). Anyway, I had a list of numbers on a sheet of paper and passed them out asking people to circle the 'good' numbers. The fellow that did the presenting said it went really well. He said he was afraid people would think it was trite or foolish. But not at all. They liked being involved.

* After we got used to questionnaires . . . I graduated to flip charts. So in a recent training ,I had prepared a flip chart at every table group and buried inside an exercise where each group had to circle the 'good' answers and cross out the bad. In this case, it had to do with revision formats. Now this sounds like it would be very easy. . . we had shown slides saying this format is acceptable and this one is not.

But do you believe some tables still made mistakes on the flip chart? So it was good that we did the exercise and it really made it crystal clear what the new requirement was.

* People like competition, especially men. So often I'll have a 'prize' for the table group or individuals with the most right answers. And it doesn't have to be anything fancy.

* I've also done a lot more with handouts. Rather than explain some concept or model, I'll hand it out to people. Give them some time to absorb it, then ask a volunteer to explain it.

* Visual aids are nice. We're working on something to do with hazardous materials, so I got examples of the special paperwork and shipping containers from the logistics group to pass around during training.

I didn't mean to write this long message. But all I can tell you in summary is this: Be brave! You'll truly be surprised how much even the most conservative people enjoy being involved in the learning.

Janis Taylor