Exploring Google+

I received a Google+ invitation from Brent and decided to spend some time exploring it. Google+ (Facebook's competitor) is currently open on an invitation basis, so if you'd like an invite, please let me know. Here are my thoughts after exploring for the first 2 days.

1. Pretty simple interface to use.


2. I like how it connects directly to my Picasa album and pulls in contacts directly from my Google mail account.


3. The "circles" concept of providing relevant content (multiple privacy layers) depending on your personalized categories.


4. The "sparks" and "hangout" features looked interesting, but I didn't have a chance to explore yet.
   Potential to become useful if it appeals to the masses like Facebook and LinkedIn, but it will probably take awhile since most people are currently using more popular social media sites.

I also read through some articles related to Google+ that I found useful.

1. Google Plus and Education, http://learningedtech.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/google-plus-and-education/.


2. Google Plus: The Good, The Bad, The Potential, >http://alisterpaine.info/2011/07/25/google-plus-the-good-the-bad-the-potential/

New to Mobile Learning Course Development Webinar

In my attempt to keep up with online learning trends, I attended a mobile learning Webinar to hear more about mobile learning development for instruction. I found this Webinar useful for my needs. Here are some of my take-aways.

1. Mobile learning is "here" and growing nationally at 18%. Garin Hess advised that if we're thinking of diving in, don't wait too much longer. After yesterday's Bb World share out, it seems that mobile learning is definitely something we need to take a closer look at. I can't wait for Bb Mobile Learn to be installed onto our enterprise server.


2. There are 3 big problems when diving into mobile learning development




1. How do I create content? Ensure you have cross-platform support.


2. How will learners access mobile content? Provide it through a native stand-alone app offline, native mobile learning management offline OR directly from a learning management system (LMS) which seems to be the main solution.


3. How do I track learning results in the LMS? Track through sign-in or other hooks like assessments on the back-end.


3. Flash is no longer a cross-platform for development. It's mainly a desk-top based solution. HTML 5 is the standard referenced for mobile development.

Moving forward, I hope to integrate what I have learned into my work as we begin our Enterprise Bb project.

Archived webinar link: http://www.rapidintake.com/new-to-mlearning/